Military helicopters of the U.S Army today, have evolved technologically and are designed with more sophisticated weapons. There has been an evolution of these types of Army helicopters. In 1960, the army of the United States decided that a speedier helicopter with firepower was needed to accomplish the ground missions. Therefore, they came up with the dedicated attack helicopter. Later in 1965, a higher expert panel came up with a most top-ranked aircraft in the U. S Army and they proposed the following; Sikorsky S-61, Bell AH-1 Cobra, and the Kaman H 2; they were selected to finish the flight trials carried out by the Army’s aviation. The evaluation conducted proposed the Bell AH-I Cobra to be an interim to the armed helicopter. In 1966, Bell Company was awarded for the production of the Bell AH aircraft that had an increased speed, more armor protection and tandem seating organization that made it look smaller for the target.
In 1967 the first Bell AH-1 was deployed at Vietnam. It is during when the Cheyenne has completed its initial assessment test successfully but later experienced some technical problems. The AH-I established itself to be an effective aircraft weapon.
In late 1970, there was the need for more sophisticated weapons that would operate in all conditions of the weather. Therefore, the advanced attack helicopter was started as a new program. Various models of helicopters were devised for example the, Hughes YAH-64, YAH-64 and BELL YAH-63.
Today, the Attack helicopter of the US army has been developed. The attack helicopters were set to counter the Soviet Armor but currently ought to cope with many more threats.it is designed with the ability to engage the target on the ground. They are also referred to as the helicopter gunship because they have a heavy armament. Also, the attack helicopters are used to supplement the lighter helicopters while performing the armed scout role. Currently, the attack helicopter performs the following functions; providing close support in the air for the troops on the ground. Secondly, it destroys the enemy's concentration armor.
