Helicopters

News, explainers, and analysis about military helicopters.

Latest in Helicopters

The Air Force is in the middle of replacing its aging rescue helicopter fleet. But the number it plans to buy has been cut.

The big problem facing Air Force combat search and rescue

Posted on Jan 30, 2026

Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron ride on a U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, in support of exercise Cope Angel 25-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 26, 2025. Cope Angel is an annual bilateral personnel recovery exercise conducted with U.S. Air Force and JASDF personnel, providing the opportunity for both services to integrate, plan and train together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

Air Force helicopter landed too close to crowd in death of school teacher, report finds

By Nicholas Slayton, Matt White

Updated on Jan 25, 2026

Marine Maj. Tyler R. Braconi was identified as the pilot killed in the crash of a AH-1Z attack helicopter Oct. 16.

Marine pilot killed in California helicopter crash ‘was one of the greats,’ squadron says

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Oct 21, 2025

A S-70UAS U-Hawk, a modified uncrewed Black Hawk helicopter.

This wild new Black Hawk prototype is part drone, part Transformer

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Oct 13, 2025

A UH-1N Huey flies over Tokyo.

Hueys make their last flight at Yokota Air Base as the Air Force retires them

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 31, 2025

A CH-53E helicopter with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing burns on Aug. 22, 2025.

Marine Corps CH-53E helicopter catches fire at Twentynine Palms

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 25, 2025

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin K. Wright stands in front of an American flag.

Army identifies 101st Airborne soldier killed in training accident

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 14, 2025

A tiltrotor aircraft flies across the plains.

101st Airborne tapped as first unit to get new Black Hawk replacement

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on May 17, 2025

New York Guard helicopter crashed in Texas after ‘unanticipated’ spin, review board finds

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Oct 11, 2024

Members of the Texas A&M Task Force 1 Search and Rescue Team work alongside Soldiers from the HHC 1-111th AVN GSAV (General Support Aviation) to conduct search and rescue operations after Hurricane Helene, Sept. 27, 2024. The Florida Army National Guard works closely with our civilian partner agencies and actively monitors all potential areas of impact. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Valeria M. Pete, 107th MPAD, FLARNG)

In wake of Helene, National Guard soldiers who lost their homes still reporting for duty

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Oct 3, 2024

Air Force Zion National Park Rescue

Airmen rescue pregnant woman from flash flood during backcountry hike

By Jeff Schogol

Updated on Aug 27, 2024

An Army CH-47 Chinook chose an in-flight call sign of "FUKIRAN" for their flight.

Army Chinook takes flight with ‘FUKIRAN’ call sign

By Joshua Skovlund

Posted on Aug 26, 2024

A helicopter knocked on its side after storms hit Fort Carson.

Storms damage multiple helicopters at Fort Carson

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 4, 2024

osprey 31st MEU bougainville

Osprey back in the air, but with no new parts or fix for ‘material failure’

Posted on Mar 8, 2024

Alaska helicopter collision happened in mountain pass, investigation finds

Alaska helicopter collision happened in mountain pass, investigation finds

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 17, 2023

Navy rescues divers

Navy and Coast Guard rescue three lost scuba divers near Guam

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Nov 2, 2023