Ranking the World’s Most Formidable Combat Helicopters

10. Bell AH-1Z Viper: The Next-Generation Attack Helicopter

The Bell AH-1Z Viper is a modern attack helicopter designed for long-range missions. It accommodates two crew members and measures 17.7 meters (58 feet 3 inches) in length. With a maximum takeoff weight of 8.4 tons (18,500 pounds), it achieves a cruising speed of 290 km/h (180 mph) and has a combat range of 201 km (125 miles).
The Viper is armed with a 20 mm rotary cannon and can be equipped with 2.75-inch (7 cm) rockets, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles. As the successor to the Super Cobra, the Viper represents the latest generation of Bell attack helicopters. In 2010, the US Marine Corps approved its mass production and declared it operational. In 2015, the United States approved the sale of Vipers to Pakistan. Other countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Morocco, and Bahrain have also purchased or shown interest in this aircraft.

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