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Ah-64 apache
*** Shopping-Tip: Ah-64 apache
image:apache.ah64.650pix.jpg 340px|thumb|Boeing AH-64 Apache
The
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Boeing IDS '''AH-64 Apache Helicopter''' is the
United States Army US Army's principal attack
helicopter, the successor to the
AH-1 Cobra.
History
The
United States Army US Army issued a request for proposals (RFP) in
1972 for an Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH). From an initial list of 5 manufacturers
Hughes Aircraft's
Toolco Aircraft Division (later
Hughes Helicopters) and
Bell Helicopter Textron Bell were selected as finalists. Hughes' '''Model 97/YAH-64''' was selected over Bell's Model 409/YAH-63 in
1976. First flight of a development prototype occurred on
September 30 1975 but it was not until
1982 that a production contract was signed. In
1983 the first production helicopter was rolled out at Hughes Helicopter's facility at
Mesa,
Arizona. In
1984 Hughes Helicopters was purchased by
McDonnell Douglas for $500 million. This became Boeing Helicopters with the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing in
1996.
Two major models of AH-64 Apache are in service in the US Army; '''AH-64A''' and '''AH-64D'''. B- and C-variants were manufactured but never entered service. A number of other models have been derived from both AH-64A and AH-64D for export. The British built
Westland WAH-64 is based on the AH-64D with several improvements.
Built to endure front-line environments, it can operate during the day or night and in adverse weather using the integrated helmet and display sight system. The Apache is also equipped with some of the latest avionics and electronics, such as the
Target Acquisition Designation Sight, Pilot Night Vision System (TADS/PNVS), Black Hole passive infrared countermeasures, nap-of-earth navigation, and
global positioning system GPS.
MOS's 15X/15Y (Apache armament elecrical systems repairer) and MOS 15R (AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer) are easily the keystone to any successful AH-64 combat operation.
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Hydra 70.html" title="Meaning of 250px|[[AGM-114 Hellfire">thumb|250px|[[AGM-114 Hellfire and
Hydra 70">250px|[[AGM-114 Hellfire">thumb|250px|[[AGM-114 Hellfire and
Hydra 70
AH-64D
The advanced model, the '''AH-64D Apache Longbow''', is equipped with an improved sensor suite and weapon systems. The key improvement over the A-variant is the
Longbow Fire Control Radar dome installed over the main rotor which houses a millimeter-wave Fire Control Radar (FCR) target acquisition system. The elevated position of the radome allows detection and (arcing) missile engagement of targets even when the helicopter itself is concealed by an obstacle (e.g. terrain, trees or buildings). Further, a radio
modem integrated with the sensor suite allows a D-variant Apache to share targeting data with other AH-64Ds and AH-64As that do not have a line-of-sight to the target. In this manner a group of Apaches can engage multiple targets but only reveal the radome of one D-variant Apache.
Also the aircraft was updated with T700-GE-701C engines, and a fully-integrated cockpit. In addition, the aircraft receives improved
survivability,
Communication communications, and
navigation capabilities. Most existing capabilities of the AH-64A Apache are retained.
Combat Operations
United States
Apache was first used in combat during the
1989 invasion of
Panama,
Operation Just Cause. Apache AH-64 and AH-64Ds have played important roles in several
Middle Eastern wars, including the
Gulf war,
Operation Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan, and
2003 invasion of Iraq Operation Iraqi Freedom in
Iraq. The Apaches were proven to be excellent
tank hunters and also destroyed hundreds of armored vehicles (mainly of the
Military of Iraq Iraqi army).
Image:AH-64 Apache 060224.jpg thumb|250px|left|An Army AH-64 Apache helicopter provides air support during a raid in Remagen, Iraq, on February 24, 2006.
Recent reports indicate that the helicopter is vulnerable to ground forces in certain environments. Enduring Freedom witnessed as high as 80% of Apaches badly damaged by ground fire in mountainous regions with disparate enemy forces. Similarly, the Apache has been shown to be vulnerable to infantry when operating in urban terrain. During the Second Gulf War, Iraqi ground troops and insurgents were able to damage propulsion and flight control systems with ground-fire, sometimes obligating immediate emergency landings. During the Operation Iraqi Freedom, many Apaches were damaged in urban combat areas including one captured by Iraqi troops and paraded on international TV.
There are various factors that contribute to these occurrences. First, Apaches were designed to engage and destroy armor at safe ranges, where they could not be fired upon. Secondly, infantry are less easily detected than armor. In Iraq, the close-quarters, and ample cover afforded by the urban environment make it easy for ground forces to attack at close ranges (50 - 850 m). This environment brought out the Apache's vulnerability to close range attacks from heavy caliber machine guns (0.5 inch). Also, since the Apache is only capable of firing at a single target at a time, it is vulnerable when attacked from several dispersed positions. Combat utility helicopters like the
UH-60 Black Hawk may not suffer this disadvantage, as they have multiple manned side armaments, adding extra protection in certain tactical situations. However, the relative effectiveness of utility helicopters is debatable when taking into account other factors like the Apache's superior maneuverability, armament, and speed. In either case, the Apache's use in both attack and support roles in urban environments has proven effective. Apaches have been successful working in support roles with ground troops, and as an observation platform for directing artillery. Despite the Apache's weaknesses, it is currently rated as the most survivable of all military helicopters. The vast majority of Apache helicopters that have taken heavy combat damage have been able to continue their assigned missions and return safely to their bases.
Israel
The
Israeli Air Force uses the Apaches as a
high-tech platform to perform precision strikes with
guided missiles against various targets. The AH-64A attacked and destroyed dozens of
Hizbullah outposts in
Lebanon during the
1990s, attacking in all weather conditions - day and night. During the
al-Aqsa Intifada, the IAF used the Apaches to kill senior
Hamas figures, such as
Ahmed Yasin and
Adnan al-Ghoul with guided missiles.
Cost and Users
The original unit cost for the AH-64A was about US$14.5 million. In
September 2003,
Greece ordered 12 AH-64D for a total cost of $675 million (presumably including weapons and support), indicating a gross unit cost for the AH-64D of $56.25 million.
Singapore purchased a total of 20 AH-64D Longbow Apache aircraft in two batches between 1999 and 2001.
In addition to the U.S., Greece, and Singapore, countries which use the Apache include
Japan,
Egypt, the
Netherlands,
Bahrain,
Saudi Arabia, the
United Arab Emirates,
Israel,and
Jordan.
The
United Kingdom is using 67
WAH-64 which will operate alongside amphibious forces as necessary and have a folding blade assembly for carrier operations.
{{airtemp|
|plane or copter?=copter
|jet or prop?=prop
|crew=2, one pilot, one co-pilot/gunner (CPG)
|length main=58.3 ft with rotors
|length alt=17.7 m
|span main=48 ft
|span alt=14.63 m
|height main=12.7 ft
|height alt=3.87 m
|area main=1,800 ft²
|area alt=167 m²
|empty weight main=11,387 lb
|empty weight alt=5,165 kg
|loaded weight main=17,650 lb
|loaded weight alt=8,000 kg
|max takeoff weight main=21,000 lb
|max takeoff weight alt=9,525 kg
|engine (prop)=
General Electric T701C
|type of prop=
turboshaft engines
|number of props=2
|power main=1,660 shp
|power alt=1,240 kW
|max speed main=225 mph
|max speed alt=365 km/h
|range main=300 mi combat, 1,180 mi ferry
|range alt=480 km / 1,900 km
|ceiling main=21,000 ft
|ceiling alt=6,400 m
|climb rate main=2,500 ft/min
|climb rate alt=12.7 m/s
|loading main=9.80 lb/ft²
|loading alt=47.90 kg/m²
|power/mass main=0.19 lb/hp
|power/mass alt=0.31
|armament=
* 1x
M230 30mm automatic cannon, 1,200 rounds
* Combination of
AGM-114 Hellfire Hellfire/Hellfire II,
AIM-92 Stinger,
AGM-122 Sidearm,
AIM-9 Sidewinder,
Hydra 70, FFAR.
}}
Films and media
The Apache made an appearance in several movies over the years, as it is the US's main attack helicopter. It can be seen in the following movies.
*''
Fire Birds'' (or ''Wings of the Apache'') starring
Nicholas Cage,
Tommy Lee Jones, and
Sean Young.
*''
In The Army Now'' starring
Pauly Shore.
* The AH-64D Longbow is the featured attack helicopter in the Janes Longbow Series of aircraft simulations, Janes AH-64D Longbow and Janes Ah-64D Longbow 2.
* The Apache was a featured helicopter in the
flight sim ''
Gunship_%28game%29 Gunship''. The sequel, ''
Gunship 2000'' introduced the Longbow as well.
See also
*
U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command
*
Israeli Air Force
*
Royal Saudi Air Force
{{commons|AH-64}}
External links
-
Janes' AH-64 page
-
Apache AH-64 Peten (
Israeli Air Force website)
-
Apache AH-64 crashed/shot over Albania, during 1999 Kosovo war
-
Footage of an AH-64 cannon engagement during the second Gulf War
Related content
{{aircontent|
|related=
|similar aircraft=
*
Mil Mi-28
|sequence=
}}
{{Template:Active military aircraft of the United States}}
Category:Helicopters
Category:U.S. attack aircraft 1970-1979
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nl:AH-64 Apache
ja:AH-64 アパッ�
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pl:McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache
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AH-64 Apache
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