Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" and the American AH-64E can be called the best combat helicopters in its class, and "Kamov" machine can boast better maneuverability and greater firepower, writes Business Insider.
Author notes, that the Ka-52 acquired “extreme maneuverability” thanks to the coaxial propeller arrangement. The helicopter is armed with such guided missiles as "Whirlwind" and "Attack" (antitank), X 25ML (class "air-surface"), as well as unguided S-8 (80 mm) and a 2A42 rifle (30 mm).
At the same time, the ship-based Alligator is equipped with Kh-35 anti-ship missiles with a range of up to 130 km, he adds.
Apache can counter all this arsenal with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles ("air-to-surface"), 70-mm rockets, as well as a 30 mm gun, according to the material.
true, the latest version of "Apache" - AH-64E has a "trump card up its sleeve": its equipment is able to receive information from drones and even partially control them.
As a result, the author concludes, what, despite some superiority of the "Alligator" in maneuverability and armament, the winner "by a small margin" is still "Apache", "able" to actively interact with drones.
The article also notes, that Apache first took to the air in 1975 year, since then it has been upgraded several times, the newest variant is the AH-64E. As of 2014 year was the second most common combat helicopter after the Soviet Mi-24.
Ka-52 "Alligator" made its first flight in 1997 year and is the receiver of the Ka-50 Black Shark ("Black Shark"). The machine is capable of hitting armored and unarmored vehicles on the battlefield, manpower, as well as air targets.
