It takes forever to talk about the different military helicopters in the world, in the US. They are created with various purposes, designs, features, and more. In this article, we will focus on one criterion: the military helicopter cost.
Specifically, we will look at the 5 most expensive military helicopters! Continue reading to find out the price of each and other detailed information!
Table of Contents
The 5 Most Expensive Helicopter Price List
- Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey – $68 Million
- Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion – $65 Million
- Boeing AH-64 Apache – $52 Million
- Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk – $36 Million
- MI 35M – $36 Million
To give you an idea of standard pricing, the Army helicopter – Black Hawk helicopter price is $19.1 million. Indeed, the price of a Blackhawk helicopter is considered low when standing next to this price list.
These combat aircraft can have a really high operation cost per hour, up to $30,000. For your information, the Black Hawk helicopter cost per hour is from $2,000 to $4,000.
Now that you know how these war helicopters cost, let’s look at each in detail. You can see if they are worth the huge amounts of money the military shells out!
What to Know About the 5 Most Expensive Military Helicopters
1. Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
First on the list is the multi-mission military aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey converges the functionality of a long-range, high-speed cruise conventional helicopter.
It was developed from the Bell XV-15 in 1988 and introduced in 2007. Today, it is still used by the U.S Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Japanese Ground Self Defense Force.
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey can serve various purposes:
- Air Assault – As a combat-proven aircraft, the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey can deliver unmatched performance for full-range military operations.
- Special Operations – It is equipped with radar and enhanced survivability features to support the Special Operations forces anywhere, anytime.
- Carrier Onboard Delivery – The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey combines optimal lift, payload, range, and speed to take supplies where they need to be. It also has a cargo winch and floor rollers to enable efficient loading and unloading.
- VIP Transport – For dignitaries, this fixed-wing aircraft is maneuverable and equipped with a good transit speed and range.
- Aerial Refueling – The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey can refuel standard tanker aircraft using its traditional high-speed drogues. Its capabilities have been proven during trans-Atlantic crossings by the U.S. Marine and Air Force.
- Evacuation and Recovery – With hoist and hover capabilities, this Boeing aircraft covers areas with casualties and recovers personnel from rough terrain or over water.
It is estimated that the military helicopter costs $68 million.
2. Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion
The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion was the original model to develop this heavy-lift transport helicopter. It was just introduced four months ago (April 2022). It is currently used in the USMC or the U.S Marine Corps.
It is meant to help the service branch transport armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel to operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Characteristics
- Fly-by-Fly Wire
- All-Composite Rotor Blades
- Larger Cabin that allows for adaptable configurations for optimal mission effectiveness. It also enables loading and unloading without altering seatings
- Single, Dual, and Triple External Cargo Hooks
This military helicopter price is $65 million.
3. Boeing AH-64 Apache
This attack helicopter was introduced in 1986 but remains in service today with the U.S Army, Egyptian Air Force, Israeli Air Force, and Netherlands Air Force.
Characteristics
The AH-64 measures 48.16 ft in length and 15.49 ft in height and can accommodate two crew. It has a max operating weight of 23,000 lbs., a max rate climb of over 2,800 ft, and a max level flight speed of over 150 knots.
The service ceiling of this attack unit is 20,000 ft, and the military can count on its 600 to 650 rounds rate of fire.
- Fire Control Radar, Radar Frequency Interferometer: Improves identification of enemy air units and reduces helicopter exposure time
- Fully Integrated Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T): Shows real-time video streaming from UAVs and transmits it to systems on the ground
- Cognitive Decision Aiding System (CDAs): Assesses potential threats and suggests the best routes to accomplish missions
- Fully Integrated Link16 Interoperability: Presents information about the enemy in real-time
- Pilotage Optical Systems: Allows for precision engagement in operations
- Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (MDS-A): Accurately identify targets even from a distance thanks to the provision of quick, quality imagery and video on cockpit displays
This Apache helicopter costs $52 million. (So, nowhere near the cheapest attack helicopter!)
4. Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk
The Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk is another multi-mission U.S military helicopter.
It is an upgraded version of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.
Aside from the U.S Navy, it is used by the Australian Navy, Saudi Naval Forces, and Royal Danish Navy.
Characteristics
The Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk can serve in:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare
- Anti-Surface
- Special Operations
- Naval Special Warfare Insertion
- Search and Rescue
- Utility or Vertical Replenishment
- Medical Evacuation
- Command and Control
Specifications
This helicopter is typically occupied by a pilot, airborne tactical officer, and sensor operator. It is about 64 ft long and 17 ft high, weighing 15,000 lbs when it is empty. The aircraft can fly at a max speed of 170 mph, a range of 520 m, and a service ceiling of 12,000 ft.
The standard crew number for this helicopter is one pilot, one Airborne Tactical Officer, and one enlisted aviation sensor operator.
The Sikorsky SH-60 can deploy aboard any:
- Air-Capable Frigate
- Aircraft Carrier
- Destroyer
- Cruiser
- Combat Support Ship
- Amphibious Assault Ship
This costs $36 million!
5. MI 35M
The MI 35M is one of the most reliable U.S military attack helicopters. But aside from the U.S, it is also used by Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Russia. It is sometimes called the Hind E because it is an export variant of the Mi-24 Hind helicopter.
It was constructed in 2005 for attack missions. Later, it was developed so that modifications can turn it into a transport or medical evacuation helicopter as well. Compared to the Mi-24 Hind, it is more heavily armored.
Characteristics
The MI 35M measures 21.6 m in length and 6.5 m in height. Its wingspan is 6.5 m, and it can carry a payload of 2,400 kg or eight troops.
Examples of MI 35M armaments are:
- Anti-Tank Missiles
- Rocket Pods
- Unguided Rockets
Specifications
This helicopter’s range is 460 km and its max distance is 1,000 km with full fuel. It can fly at speeds up to 305 km/r and an altitude of 5,400 m.
It can operate in a variety of geographies and temperatures. The MI 35M can serve well even in high-temperature and high-altitude environments. It also does not fall short on missions during daytime and nighttime.
All these specifications make it one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the U.S military. This helicopter costs $36 million too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most expensive helicopter?
As listed above, the most expensive helicopter in the military is the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. It is a reliable multi-mission military aircraft that costs $68 million.
What is the most expensive attack helicopter?
Similar to what you have read earlier, the most expensive attack helicopter is the Boeing AH-64 Apache. It carries a price tag of $52 million and is used by the U.S Army, Egyptian Air Force, Israeli Air Force, and Royal Netherlands Air Force.
Conclusion
Now, you know the names and essential details of the five most expensive military helicopters! We hope that this has been informative and interesting. To wrap up, let’s pass the baton to you – do you think these price tags are justified? Let us know in the comments!
I am Everett Bledsoe, taking on the responsibility of content producer for The Soldiers Project. My purpose in this project is to give honest reviews on the gear utilized and tested over time. Of course, you cannot go wrong when checking out our package of information and guide, too, as they come from reliable sources and years of experience.