Apaches to Chinooks: Every Aircraft in U.S. Army Service

"As one of the most powerful ground forces in the world, the U.S. Army's air power is often overlooked. Although the Army doesn't field any bombers, fighters, or strike aircraft, what they have in spades is attack helicopters. Black Hawks, Apaches, and Chinooks fill out the ranks of Army aircraft. There are a few fixed-wing transports but for the most part helicopters make up the majority of the Army's aerial arsenal. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is exploring the aircraft of the U.S. Army."

"Understanding the aircraft used by the U.S. Army provides insight into joint military capabilities and defense strategies. Also knowing what the U.S. has in its arsenal further explains its military capabilities. This further gives context to the tactical flexibility and logistical reach the Army brings in its operations. Lastly, the composition and technological level of the aircraft fleet highlight the Army's ability of maintaining dominance and its rapid response capabilities, both of these are key factors in its strategic defense planning."

The U.S. Army's aerial fleet is dominated by helicopters, with limited fixed-wing transports and no bombers, fighters, or strike aircraft. Attack helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache, along with Black Hawks and Chinooks, form the core of rotary-wing capabilities for assault, transport, and rapid response. Fleet data were compiled from the 2024 World Air Forces report and organized alphabetically, with supplemental details on type, active service numbers, armament, top speed, and year introduced. The AH-64 Apache serves as a primary attack helicopter, over 800 in service, armed with a 30mm automatic cannon and capable of 183 mph. Army aviation enhances tactical flexibility, logistical reach, and rapid response.

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