made it one of the most advanced helicopters in the world.
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It is a 6,838 kg beast capable of flying at speeds of over 279 km/h.
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It fires AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 missiles and has a 30mm cannon.
In the world of defense, there are aircraft that, even decades after their first appearance, continue to be a key element of military operations for many countries. A few days ago, we talked about the F-15EX, the latest version of the legendary American fighter. Now it’s time to talk about another legendary Boeing product: AH-64 Apache.
There is no doubt that the AH-64 Apache is one of the most famous attack helicopters in the world. The original model was conceived by Hughes Helicopters, a company that ended up in the hands of McDonnell Douglas in 1984 and which rightly decided to continue its development. Two years later, in 1986, the first combat unit of this tandem-cockpit titan of the sky entered service.
A helicopter as legendary as it is advanced
Improvements began early on, with the AH-64A receiving a powerplant upgrade in the early yearsAfter Operation Desert Storm, the AH-64B, an improved version with new rotor blades, a new GPS system, and a new radio, was proposed, but Congress did not give the green light, so the improvements were implemented in the AH 64A model.
Eventually, the AH-64D came on the scene, featuring, among other improvements, the AN/APG-78 Longbow target acquisition, tracking, and fire control system and a rotor-mounted radio frequency interferometer (RFI). Production of the aircraft continued even after Boeing and McDonnell Douglas merged in 1997.
Interesting Facts About the AH-64E Apache
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AH-64E Apache |
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|---|---|
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crew |
2 people |
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long |
14.68 m |
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High |
4.72 m |
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Rotor diameter |
14.63 m |
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Gross weight |
6838 kg |
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Maximum operating weight |
10,432 kg |
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Maximum climb rate |
853+ meters per minute |
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Maximum horizontal flight speed |
279+ km/h |
The latest model is the AH-64E, which includes so many improvements that it is expected to remain in production until 2028. But we are only talking about production. At the operational level, the US Army plans to use these aircraft. until 2060sBut what do they include to have such a future deployment and, presumably, to continue serving on the battlefield for decades? Let’s take a look.
At the mission level, this latest iteration (and it looks like it will be the last, as the AH-64F will not be in production) boasts the latest connectivity to the Army’s digital communications system. This allows you to receive and share mission data in real time across the operating base and other deployed assets. The pilots, in turn, are housed in a technologically advanced cockpit.
The screens are touch-sensitive and the helmet is equipped with an Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS) that allows the barrel to follow head movements for improved shooting ability. Flight controls, in turn, have been redesigned and made more intuitive. Speaking of flight controls, they include controls with haptic feedback.
When it comes to armament, the AH-64E has a variety of options. From Long Range Precision Munition (LRPM) to Direct Energy Weapons (DEW). These include AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 missiles, a laser gunnery system, and M230 30mm chain guns. When armed, the helicopter is truly intimidating.
Images | Department of Defense | Boeing
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