Apache Attack Helicopter

Apache AH-64 military attack helicopter is one of the most respected combat helicopters ever created. Two seate r with four blades in the main and tail rotor was seen in action in Panama, Gulf war, Afghanistan and Iraq. First one produced in 1984 and ever since it was one of major air to land, air to air weapons in U.S. Army.Designed by Hughes Helicopters for Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program.

Through many years AH-64 got many improvements. Latest is AH-64D Apache Longbow which is currently in use of U.S. Army.

AH-64 variations:

AH-64A is the original attack helicopter. Two seater with four blades combined with two turbo-shaft engines. 30mm M230 chain gun in combination with AMG Hellfire anti-tank missiles, Hydra 70 unguided rockets and air to air missiles for defense AIM-92 Stinger.

AH-64B upgrade from AH-64A brought newly developed GPS system and other electronics including improved navigation system and new radios. This model was soon cancel and all new gadgets were built in previously mentioned AH-64A.

AH-64C and AH-64D both quite similar and brought a lot of new improvements in sensor and weapon system. Helicopter also got a new more powerful engines. The key improvement was a small dome installed over the main rotor which housed FCR - "Fire control radar."

Sea Apache was a modified AH-64A for Navy purposes.

Design and armaments:

AH-64 power comes from two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines. The power from engines is transferred in four blades in the main rotor and in the tail rotor. There are two seats, one for a pilot and copilot(gunner) which takes care of firing weapons. Its armor provides some safety and can sustain hits from 23mm gunfire.AH-64 is armed with the main 30mm M230 Chain gun, which aim is in the gunner's helmet mounted display. Other weapons are stored in its stub-wing pylons. Usually it is armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles used for ground targets, Hydra 70 unguided 70mm rockets and AIM92 air to air missiles.

Sophisticated radars and other electronics such as GPS, Target acquisition and designation system combined with pilot night vision system allow this steeal bird to operate in combat during the day or night.

Today AH-64 is used in countries all over the world including Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

General characteristics:

Crew: 2: pilot, co-pilot/gunnerLength: 58.17 ft (17.73 m)Rotor diameter: 48 ft (14.63 m)Height: 12.7 ft (3.87 m)Empty weight: 11,387 lb (5,165 kg)Loaded weight: 18,000 lb (8,000 kg)Max takeoff weight: 21,000 lb (9,500 kg)Engines: two T700 turboshaft enginesFuselage length : 49 ft 5 in (15.06 m)Rotor systems : 4 blade main and tail rotorPerformanceMaximum speed: 158 knots (182 mph, 293 km/h)Cruise speed: 143 knots (165 mph, 265 km/h)Combat radius: 260 nmi (300 mi, 480 km) Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)

ArmamentGuns: 1× 30x113 mm M230 chain gunRockets: Hydra 70 unguided rocketsMissiles: AGM-114 Hellfire, AIM-92 Stinger, and AIM-9 Sidewinder