The AH-64 Apache conducts close combat attack, deep precision strikes, and armed reconnaissance and security day or night, in all weather conditions.
The AH-64 Apache is a highly mobile and lethal aerial weapons platform able to destroy armor, personnel, and materiel targets day or night and under obscured battlefield and/or adverse, weather conditions. Apache is fielded to active, National Guard (NG) and Army Reserve (AR) attack battalions and cavalry units in accordance with the 2004 Army Modernization Plan. The Apache fleet includes the A model Apache and D model Longbow.
The AH-64D Longbow Apache is the Army’s heavy attack platform for both Current and Future Forces. Both A and D models are programmed for recapitalization to address Task Force Hawk lessons learned, including upgrading to second-generation forward looking infrared (FLIR) technology with the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (MTADS/PNVS), non-line-of-sight communications, and video transmission/reception - and to reduce maintenance cost drivers.
The Longbow remanufacturing effort inducts the A model and incorporates a millimeter wave fire control radar (FCR), radar frequency interferometer (RFI), fire-and-forget radar-guided Hellfire missile and numerous cockpit management and digitization enhancements. The Army is converting 501 A models to the Longbow Apache configuration. This program consists of two multi-year contracts: the first delivered 232 Longbows; the second is delivering an additional 269 aircraft from FY02 through FY07. Two hundred and three A models will be retained and fielded to NG and AR units. These will receive a field retrofit to improve reliability, operational safety, and reduce maintenance costs.
The current Longbow Modernization Acquisition Strategy is designed to upgrade 284 Block I AH-64Ds to a Block III configuration, with an eventual acquisition objective of 501 total Block III modernized Longbows. Block III modernized Longbows will be designed and equipped with an open systems architecture that will facilitate incorporation of the latest communications, navigation, sensor, and weapons systems.
| Country of Origin | USA. |
|---|---|
| Similar Aircraft | Mi-28 Havoc, Mangusta A129, Mi-24 Hind, Ka-50 Hokum. |
| Crew | Two. |
| Role | Advanced attack helicopter. |
| Armament | 30-mm chain gun, missiles, rockets, Hellfire missiles. |
| Dimensions | Length: 48 ft, 2 in (14.69 m). Rotor diameter: 48 ft (14.64 m). |
AH-64 Apache Specifications
| Combat mission speed167 mph |
|---|
| Combat range300 miles |
| Combat endurance2.5 hours |
| Maximum gross weight20,260 pounds |
| ArmamentHellfire missiles, 2.75-inch rockets and 30mm chain gun |
| Crew2 (pilot and co-pilot gunner) |
AH-64 Apache WEFT Description
| Wings | Four-blade main rotor mounted above body midsection. Blade tips are swept-back. Short, stubby, weapon-carrying wings are mid-mounted with square tips. |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | Two turboshaft engines mounted high and outside the fuselage and to rear of the cockpit. |
| Fuselage | Blunt nose, flat-plated, and glassed-in cockpit. Fixed landing gear. Flat belly except for chain gun. |
| Tail | Large, equally tapered flats with square tips and low-mounted on fin. Swept-back fin with square tip. Rotor on the top left of fin. |
Countries which Fly the AH-64 Apache
Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Greece, Kuwait, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America.
AH-64 Apache Manufacturer Web Site
The AH-64 Apache was originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas.
In 1997, McDonnell Douglas became part of Boeing.
Books on the AH-64 Apache
Apache AH-64 Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) 1976-2005
The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas, formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache is the US Army’s primary attack helicopter, and the most advanced helicopter gunship flying today. The most expensive rotary-winged aircraft ever built when it was introduced in the early 1980s, it has since proved its worth on battlefields all over the world, seeing action in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and the recent conflict in Iraq. This book examines the design, development and deployment of a quick-reacting, airborne weapons system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces.
AH-64 Apache Units of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom
After the attacks on 11 September 2001, Apache units made significant contributions to the Coalition campaign against Taliban and al-Qaeda forces in Afghanistan. Functioning as the ‘killer’ part of US Army Hunter-killer teams, Apaches sought out and brought overwhelming firepower to bear on Taliban and al-Qaeda forces, as well as providing direct support to Coalition troops on the ground. Apaches spearheaded the advance of the 3rd Infantry and the 101st airborne divisions into Iraq, engaging in some of the heaviest fighting along the western axis of advance. Weather and enemy fire took a heavy toll on Apaches operating in Western Iraq, but the resilience and flexibility of the Apache was central to the success of this campaign.
