The US AH-64 Apache and Russian Ka-52 are the world's most feared attack helicopters — here's how they match up

There's one big difference between a military attack helicopter and a military transport helicopter: one carries a lot of guns, and the other carries a lot of weight. 

And the US Army AH-64 Apache and Russian Ka-52 Alligator are generally considered to be the two best military attack helicopters in the world (with the Russian Mi-28N arguably in a close third). 

The Apache first flew in 1975, and has since been upgraded several times, with the newest variant being the AH-64E. 

The Alligator, on the other hand, first flew in 1997 and is a successor to the Ka-50 Black Shark. 

Here's how they match up. 

SEE ALSO: The 9 best military attack helicopters in the world

SEE ALSO: We climbed into an Apache helicopter's cockpit and saw why it's one of the most difficult aircraft to fly

PERFORMANCE: The Ka-52 has a top speed of 196 mph, a maximum altitude of 18,044 feet and maximum range of 683 miles.

Source: airforce-technology.com

The Apache's newest variant has a top speed of 188 mph, a maximum altitude of 20,500 feet and maximum range of 299 miles.

Source: US Army, Telegraph

DESIGN: The Ka-52 has two three-blade counter-rotating rotors, making it extremely maneuverable. Russian media even claims it can pivot 90 degrees on the spot.

Source: The National Interest