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Boeing AH-64 Apache



Overview


AH-64D Apache

AH-64D Apache of the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 2017.
Source: Nicky Boogaard - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
United States
Type
Attack helicopter
Entered service
1986 for AH-64A
Status
In service
Development
1975 - 1984
1975 (first flight)
Developer
United States - Hughes Helicopters
United States - McDonnell Douglas
Production
1984 - present
Producer
United States - McDonnell Douglas (1984 - 1997)
United States - Boeing (1997 - present)
United Kingdom - AgustaWestland
Japan - Fuji Heavy Industries
Unit cost
$ 20 million for AH-64A in 2007
$ 33 million for AH-64D in 2010
$ 36 million for AH-64E in 2014
Number produced
Over 2.000
Designations
Hughes Model 77 (design project)
Apache Longbow (AH-64D with radar)
Guardian (AH-64E)
WAH-64D (UK production model)
Peten (AH-64A in Israeli service)
Hebrew for "cobra".
Saraph (AH-64D in Israeli service)
Hebrew for "winged serpent".

Description


Introduction

The AH-64 Apache is a modern attack helicopter of US origin. The AH-64 was developed to detect and engage enemy armor formations from a distance. Due to its high quality nose mounted optronics suite the Apache also serves in the observation and reconnaissance role.

Design

The Apache is a twin engine helicopter with a four blade main rotor. The pilot and gunner are seated in tandem configuration. A FLIR system and TV camera are mounted on the nose. A 30mm M230 chain gun is mounted underneath the cockpit and rocket pods and anti-tank missiles are carried on the stub wings. On the AH-64D the ability to carry the mast mounted Longbow fire control radar was introduced.

Firepower

The M230 chain gun can be used against infantry and light armored targets. Up to 1.200 rounds can be carried. The main anti-armor weapon is the long range AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile. Up to 16 can be carried. This a semi-active laser homing missile, but the Longbow radar allows the use of the AGM-114L with radar homing. Hydra 70 aerial rockets can be carried in pods with 19 rockets each. The AH-64D add the ability to carry two AIM-92 Stinger heat seeking air to air missiles on the wingtips. Some foreign operators use alternative weapon options such as the Spike anti-tank missile and CRV7 rockets.

Mobility

The Apache is powered by two turboshaft engines. Early models provide 1.690 shp while later models provide 18.90 shp each. These allow for a maximum speed of over 300 km/h and cruise speed of 265 km/h. Combat range is about 480 km, depending on weapons load.

Users

The first and main user of the AH-64 is the US Army, with the first Apache entering service in 1986. Over 2.000 AH-64 have been acquired by the USA and 15 other nations with close ties to the USA. License production was carried out in the UK and in Japan. The AH-64 is one of the most widely used combat helicopters currently in service.

Details


Facts AH-64D Apache
General
Origin
United States
Type
Attack helicopter
Crew
2 (pilot, gunner)
Dimensions
Length
17.73 m incl main rotor
15.06 m fuselage
Height
3.87 m without Longbow radar
Empty weight
5.2 t
Gross weight
8.0 t
Max takeoff weight
10.4 t
Propulsion
Powerplant
2x GE T700-GE-701C turboshaft
Power output
1.890 shp each
Rotor setup
4 blade main rotor
4 blade tail rotor
Diameter
14.63 m main rotor
Disc area
168 m²
Performance
Max speed
293 km/h maximum
365 km/h never exceed speed
Cruise speed
265 km/h
Operational range
480 km
Ferry range
1.900 km
Ceiling
6.4 km with minimum load
Climb rate
12.7 m/s
Armament
Hardpoints
4 hard points under stub wing
Wingtip mounts for AIM-92 Stinger
Fixed gun
30mm M230 chain gun
Up to 1.200 rounds
Avionics
Radar
AN/APG-78 Longbow radar (optional)
Optronics
TV and FLIR in nose mounting

Media


Related articles


30mm Hughes M230

The Hughes M230 chain gun is the main multi-purpose weapon of the AH-64 Apache. The 30x113mm shells can be used against both infantry positions and light armored vehicles.