The Apache originally started as the Model 77 developed by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the AH-1 Cobra. The prototype YAH-64 was first flown on 30 September 1975. The U.S. Army selected the YAH-64 over the Bell YAH-63 in 1976, and later approved full production in 1982. After purchasing Hughes Helicopters in 1984, McDonnell Douglas continued AH-64 production and development. The helicopter was introduced to U.S. Army service in April 1986. The first production AH-64D Apache Longbow, an upgraded Apache variant, was delivered to the Army in March 1997. Production has been continued by Boeing Defense, Space & Security; over 2,000 AH-64s have been produced to date.[3]
The U.S. Army is the primary operator of the AH-64; it has also become the primary attack helicopter of multiple nations, including Greece, Japan, Israel, the Netherlands and Singapore; as well as being produced under license in the United Kingdom as the AgustaWestland Apache. U.S. AH-64s have served in conflicts in Panama, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Israel used the Apache in its military conflicts in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip; British and Dutch Apaches have seen deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq.
| AH-64 Apache | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| An AH-64 Apache from the U.S. Army's 101st Aviation Regiment in Iraq | |
| Role | Attack helicopter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Hughes Helicopters (1975–84) McDonnell Douglas (1984-97) Boeing Defense, Space & Security (1997–present) |
| Designer | Hughes Helicopters |
| First flight | 30 September 1975[1] |
| Introduction | April 1986[2] |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Army Israel Air Force Egyptian Air Force Royal Netherlands Air Force |
| Produced | 1983–present |
| Number built | 2,000 as of March 2013[3] |
| Unit cost |
AH-64A: $20M (2007)
AH-64D: $18M (2007)[4] |
| Variants | AgustaWestland Apache |
Development
Advanced Attack Helicopter
Main article: Advanced Attack Helicopter
Following the cancellation of the AH-56 Cheyenne in 1972, in favor of U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps projects like the A-10 Thunderbolt II and Harrier, the United States Army sought an aircraft to fill an anti-armor attack role that would still be under Army command;[5][6] the 1948 Key West Agreement forbade the Army from owning combat fixed-wing aircraft. The Army wanted an aircraft better than the AH-1 Cobra in firepower, performance and range. It would have the maneuverability for terrain following nap-of-the-earth (NoE) flying.[7] To this end, the U.S. Army issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) for an Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH) on 15 November 1972.[8][9]
As a sign of the importance of this project, in September 1973 the Army
designated its five most important projects, the "Big Five" with AAH
included.[10]
An early Hughes YAH-64A prototype with T-tail
A Hughes YAH-64A prototype in 1982
The AH-64A then entered phase 2 of the AAH program under which three pre-production AH-64s would be built, additionally, the two YAH-64A flight prototypes and the ground test unit were upgraded to the same standard.[12] Weapons and sensor systems were integrated and tested during this time, including the laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missile.[14] Development of the Hellfire missile had began in 1974, originally known by the name of Helicopter Launched, Fire and Forget Missile ('Hellfire' being a shortened acronym),[15] for the purpose of arming helicopter platforms with an effective anti-tank missile.[16][17]
Into production
In 1981, three pre-production AH-64As were handed over to the U.S. Army for Operational Test II. The Army testing was successful, but afterward it was decided to upgrade to the more powerful T700-GE-701 version of engine, rated at 1,690 shp (1,260 kW). The AH-64 was named the Apache in late 1981, keeping with the Army's traditional use of American Indian tribal names for its helicopters and it was approved for full scale production in 1982.[18] In 1983, the first production helicopter was rolled out at Hughes Helicopter's facility at Mesa, Arizona. Hughes Helicopters was purchased by McDonnell Douglas for $470 million in 1984.[19] The helicopter unit later became part of The Boeing Company with the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in August 1997.[20] In 1986, the incremental or flyaway cost for the AH-64A was $7M and the average unit cost was approximately $13.9M based on total costs.[19]
Portions of the Apache are produced by various aerospace firms. AgustaWestland has produced number of components for the Apache, both for the international market and for the British Army's AgustaWestland Apache.[30] Since 2004, Korea Aerospace Industries has been the sole manufacturer of the Apache's fuselage.[31][32][33] Fuselage production had previously been performed by Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical; the transfer of fuselage production led to a prolonged a legal dispute between Teledyne Ryan and Boeing.[34]
In April 2006, Boeing was awarded a $67.6M fixed-price contract for the remanufacture of several existing U.S. AH-64As to the AH-64D configuration; between May 2009 and July 2011, a further five contracts were issued to remanufacture batches of AH-64As to the upgraded D variant.[35] Since 2008, nations operating the older AH-64A have been urged to undertake modernization programs to become AH-64Ds, as Boeing and the U.S. Army plans to terminate support for the A-variants in the near future.[36] The Apache's effectiveness against ground forces and in urban warfare operations was bolstered by the addition of the AGM-114N – a Hellfire missile fitted with a thermobaric warhead; the AGM-114N was approved for full production in 2005.[37] The use of thermobaric "enhanced blast" weapons has been a point of controversy.[38]
Design
Overview
| Apache version |
Engine version | Engine power |
|---|---|---|
| AH-64A | General Electric T700-701 | 1,696 shp (1,265 kW)[18] |
| AH-64A+/D | General Electric T700-701C | 1,890 shp (1,410 kW)[39] |
| AH-64E | General Electric T700-701D | 1,994 shp (1,487 kW)[40] |
| WAH-64D | Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 | 2,100 shp (1,600 kW)[41] |
The crew compartment has shielding between the cockpits, such that at least one crew member can survive hits. The compartment and the rotor blades are designed to sustain a hit from 23 mm (0.91 in) rounds. The airframe includes some 2,500 lb (1,100 kg) of protection and has a self-sealing fuel system to protect against ballistic projectiles.[48] The aircraft was designed to meet the crashworthiness requirements of MIL-STD-1290,[49] which specifies minimum requirement for crash impact energy attenuation to minimize crew injuries and fatalities. This was achieved through incorporation of increased structural strength, crashworthy landing gear, seats and fuel system.
Avionics and targeting
The U.S. Army's Aerial Weapons Scoring System Integration with Longbow Apache Tactical Engagement Simulation System (AWSS-LBA TESS) provides the LBA pilots the ability to conduct force-on-target engagements using live ammunition for 30 mm and rocket engagements and simulated Hellfire missile engagements. The Smart Onboard Data Interface Module (SMODIM) transmits aviation data from the Apache to the AWSS ground station to support gunnery scoring. Trainers and commanders use AWSS to score the pilot's live-fire gunnery performance and provide constructive AAR feedback.[56]
The AH-64 was designed to perform in front-line environments, and to operate at night or day and during adverse weather conditions.[57] Various sensors and onboard avionics allows the Apache to perform in these conditions; such systems include the Target Acquisition and Designation System, Pilot Night Vision System (TADS/PNVS), passive infrared countermeasures,[58] GPS, and the IHADSS.[52][57] On more modern AH-64s, the TADS/PNVS has been replaced by Lockheed Martin's Arrowhead (MTADS) targeting system.[59]
In August 2012, 24 AH-64D were equipped with the Ground Fire Acquisition System (GFAS), which detects and targets ground-based weapons fire sources in all-light conditions and with a 120° field of vision. The GFAS consists of two sensor pods working with the AH-64's other sensors, an infrared camera precisely locates ground-based threats.[60] In 2014, it was announced that new targeting and surveillance sensors were under development to provide high-resolution color imagery to crews, instead of the Apache's current low definition black and white picture quality.[61]
Armaments and configurations
| Mission[42] | Hellfire | 30 mm rounds |
Hydra 70 | Maximum speed (knots) |
Rate of climb (feet/min) |
Endurance (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Armor | 16 | 1,200 | 0 | 148 | 990 | 2.5 |
| Covering Force | 8 | 1,200 | 38 | 150 | 860 | 2.5 |
| Escort | 0 | 1,200 | 76 | 153 | 800 | 2.5 |
Starting in the late 1980s, the Stinger and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and the AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radiation missile were evaluated for use upon the AH-64.[63][64] The Stinger was initially selected over the AIM-9, but the U.S. Army is considering the Starstreak air-to-air missile instead.[65][63] External fuel tanks can also be carried on the stub wings to increase range and mission time.[42] The stub-wing pylons have mounting points which make maintenance easier; these mountings can be used to secure personnel to the wings for transport for emergencies.[66] Stinger missiles are more used by non-U.S. Apaches because foreign forces don't have as many other aircraft for air superiority to control the skies.[67]
Manned/unmanned teaming
The AH-64E-model Apache has the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles, and the U.S. Army is using this capability to perform aerial scouting missions previously performed by the OH-58 Kiowa. Where Kiowa pilots had to fly in close proximity to the enemy and take fire, an Apache can control an RQ-7 Shadow at brigade level or MQ-1C Grey Eagle division level to safely scout from the air. The UAVs are launched and mostly controlled by soldiers at ground control stations, but Apache pilots simply have to request to take control. Apache pilots have four levels of interoperability (LOI) with UAVs: LOI 1 is indirectly receiving its payload data; LOI 2 is directly receiving payload data through direct communication; LOI 3 is firing a weapon from the UAV; and LOI 4 is physically having flight control over it. An Apache pilot can use a UAV's laser designator to target an area to guide their own or another aircraft's weapons onto that area. Another tactic is to make the UAV search for and locate targets for the Apache to attack, rather than the Apache wasting time and fuel trying to acquire targets itself.[68]Operational history
United States Army
The U.S. Army formally accepted its first production AH-64A in January 1984 and training of the first pilots began later that year.[69][70] The first operational Apache unit, 7th Battalion, 17th Cavalry Brigade, began training on the AH-64A in April 1986 at Fort Hood, Texas.[71][72] Two operational units with 68 AH-64s first deployed to Europe in September 1987 and took part in large military exercises there.[71][73] The Apache was first used in combat in 1989, during Operation Just Cause, the invasion of Panama. The AH-64 participated in over 240 hours of combat attacking various targets, mostly at night.[74][75] General Carl Stiner, the commander of the operation, commented that: "You could fire that Hellfire missile through a window from four miles away at night".[76]Upon fielding the Apache, capabilities such as using the FLIR for extensive night operations made it clear that the AH-64 was capable of operating beyond the forward line of own troops (FLOT) that previous attack helicopters were normally restricted to.[77] It was discovered that the Apache was coincidentally fitted with the same Have Quick UHF radio system used by the U.S. Air Force; once recognized, inter-service coordination and joint operations such as the joint air attack teams (JAAT) were encouraged and inserted into standard training. The Apache have operated extensively with close air support (CAS) aircraft such as the USAF's Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II and the USMC's McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II, often acting as a target designator to conserve the Apache's own munitions.[78]
The AH-64 played roles in the Balkans during separate conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s.[86][87] During Task Force Hawk, 24 Apaches were deployed to a land base in Albania in 1999 to participate in the Kosovo engagement; this required 26,000 tons of equipment to be transported and over 550 C-17 flights, at a cost of US$480 million.[88] During these deployments, the AH-64 encountered problems such as deficiencies in training, night vision equipment, fuel tanks, and survivability.[89][90] On 27 April 1999, an Apache crashed during training in Albania due to a failure with the tail rotor,[91] causing the entire fleet in the Balkans to be grounded in December 2000.[92]
In 2000, Major General Dick Cody, commanding officer of the 101st Airborne, wrote a strongly worded memo to the U.S. Army Chief of Staff about training and equipment failures.[93] The Washington Post dedicated a front-page article to the failures in Kosovo, commenting that: "The vaunted helicopters came to symbolise everything wrong with the Army as it enters the 21st century: Its inability to move quickly, its resistance to change, its obsession with casualties, its post-Cold War identity crisis".[94] The Apache did not conduct any combat missions over Kosovo due to fears of casualties; in addition, no pilots were qualified to fly with night vision goggles, preventing nighttime operations.[95]
U.S. Apaches served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 2001.[96] The Apache was the only platform capable of providing accurate CAS duties for Operation Anaconda; although they regularly took fire during the intense early fighting, they were kept operational by their ground crews.[97] U.S. AH-64Ds typically flew in Afghanistan and Iraq without the Longbow Radar in the absence of armored threats.[98] On 21 December 2009, a pair of U.S. Apaches attacked a British-held base in a friendly fire incident, killing one British soldier.[99] In 2006, Thomas Adams noted that Apaches tended to fight in small teams but had little autonomy to react to threats and opportunities, requiring lengthy dialogue with command structures in an effort to centrally micromanage each unit.[100]
By the end of U.S. military operations in Iraq in December 2011, several Apache helicopters had been shot down by enemy fire, and others lost in accidents. In 2006, an Apache was downed by a Soviet-made Strela 2 (SA-7) in Iraq, despite the Apache being typically able to avoid such missiles.[109] In 2007, four Apache helicopters were destroyed on the ground by insurgent mortar fire, they had used web-published embedded coordinates photographs taken by soldiers.[110] Several AH-64s were lost to accidents in Afghanistan as of 2012.[111][112][113][114] Most Apaches that have taken heavy damage have been able to continue their missions and return safely.[104]
As of 2011, the U.S. Army Apache fleet had accumulated more than 3 million flight hours since the first prototype flew in 1975.[115] A DOD audit released in May 2011, found that Boeing had significantly overcharged the U.S. Army on multiple occasions, ranging from 33.3 percent to 177,475 percent for routine spare parts in helicopters like the Apache.[116]
On 21 February 2013, the 1st Battalion (Attack), 229th Aviation Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord became the first U.S. Army unit to field the AH-64E Apache Guardian; a total of 24 AH-64E were received by mid-2013.[117] On 27 November 2013, the Apache Guardian achieved initial operating capability (IOC).[118] In March 2014, the 1st-229th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion deployed 24 AH-64E Apaches to Afghanistan, marking the E-variant's first combat deployment.[119] From March to June 2014, the AH-64E flew 1,700 hours in Afghanistan at what Boeing described as a "higher tempo" than the D-model would be capable of.[120]
In FY 2015 budgets, the Army is considering moving all Apaches from the Army Reserve and National Guard to the active Army to serve as scout helicopters to replace the OH-58 Kiowa. Using the AH-64 in the scouting role would be less expensive than Kiowa upgrades or purchasing a new scout helicopter type. AH-64E Apaches can control unmanned aerial vehicles like the MQ-1C Grey Eagle to perform aerial scouting missions; a 2010 study found that manned-unmanned teaming of Apaches and UAVs was the most cost-effective alternative to a new scout helicopter and would meet 80% of reconnaissance requirements, compared to 20% with existing OH-58s and 50% with upgraded OH-58s. National Guard units, who would lose their attack helicopters, criticized the proposal.[121][122]
Israel
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) first received AH-64As in 1990,[123] for a total fleet of 42.[124] There was some controversy over the Air Force's choice to purchase Apaches over upgrading existing AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters.[125] In 2000, Israel was interested in acquiring up to 48 Apache AH-64Ds, but U.S. reluctance to share the software source code complicated the prospect.[124] In April 2005, Boeing delivered the first AH-64D to the IAF.[126] In 2001, the U.S. government was allegedly investigating misuse of the Apache and other US-supplied military equipment against Palestinian leaders and facilities.[127] In 2009, an arranged sale of six AH-64Ds was reportedly blocked by the Obama Administration, pending interagency review, over concerns the helicopters may pose a threat to civilian Palestinians in Gaza.[128][129] In IAF service, the AH-64A was named as the Peten (Hebrew: פתן, for Cobra[N 1]), while the AH-64D was named Saraph[123] (שרף, also as "Seraph", Hebrew for venomous/fiery winged serpent).[131]
There have also been accidents involving the Apache helicopter in Israeli service. During the Lebanon War in 2006, two IAF AH-64A helicopters collided, killing one pilot and critically wounding three.[143] In another incident in the conflict an IAF AH-64D crashed due to a malfunction in the main rotor, killing the two crew.[144] In late 2007, the Israeli Air Force put further purchases and deliveries of AH-64Ds on hold during an investigation upon the aircraft's performance envelope.[131] However, Israeli officials have since praised the Apache for its role in Operation Cast Lead in 2008, against Hamas in Gaza.[145] In recent years, Israeli Apaches have been used to patrol the skies over Gaza; strike operations against insurgents using these helicopters has become a frequent occurrence.[146][147][148]
In June 2010, Israel decided against upgrading all of its AH-64A fleet to the -D configuration, due to budget restrictions.[149] As of December 2010, the IAF was examining the adoption of a new missile system as a cheaper and lightweight complement to the Hellfire missile, either the American Hydra 70 or the Canadian CRV7.[150] In 2013, Israeli AH-64As had been receiving a comprehensive upgrade of their avionics and electrical systems.[151]
United Kingdom
Main article: AgustaWestland Apache
The UK operates a modified version of the Apache Longbow initially
called the Westland WAH-64 Apache, and is designated Apache AH1 by the
British Army. Westland built 67 WAH-64 Apaches under license from Boeing,[152] following a competition between the Eurocopter Tiger and the Apache for the British Army's new Attack Helicopter in 1995.[153][154] Important deviations made by AgustaWestland from the U.S. Apache variants include changing to more powerful Rolls-Royce engines,[155] and the addition of a folding blade assembly for use on naval ships.[156]The Netherlands
The RNLAF Apaches' first deployment was in 2001 to Djibouti, Africa.[166] They were also deployed alongside U.S. AH-64s in support of NATO peacekeeping forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina.[167] In 2004, six Dutch AH-64s were deployed as part of the Netherlands contribution to Multinational force in Iraq to support the Dutch ground forces.[168] The Apaches performed close combat support and display of force missions, along with providing reconnaissance information to ground forces. In February 2006, the Netherlands contribution to NATO forces in Afghanistan was increased from 600 to 1,400 troops and 6 AH-64s were sent in support.[169]
Saudi Arabia
Following the 1991 Gulf War, during which many U.S. Apaches operated from bases within Saudi territory,[172][173] Saudi Arabia purchased twelve AH-64As for the Royal Saudi Land Force.[174][175] It has been speculated that the Saudi purchase had motivated Israel to also procure the Apaches.[176] In August 2006, the Saudi Arabian government began negotiations for Apache upgrades worth up to $400M, possibly remanufacturing their AH-64As to the AH-64D Longbow configuration.[177] In September 2008, the U.S. Government approved the purchase of 12 AH-64Ds requested by Saudi Arabia.[178] In October 2010, Saudi Arabia requested a further 70 AH-64Ds as part of a possible, massive arms deal.[179][180]In November 2009, the Royal Saudi Air Force, as part of a military effort against insurgent intrusions of the kingdom's border, started using the Apache in Operation Scorched Earth; this involved launched air strikes against Houthi rebels operating inside neighboring Yemen as well.[181][182] In January 2010 the rebels claimed to have shot down an Apache; this was denied by the Saudi military.[183] In late January 2010, the leader of the Shiite rebels announced their withdrawal from Saudi territory, this announcement followed a key battle on 12 January when Saudi forces reportedly took control of the border village of Al Jabiri.[184]
Egypt
In 1995, the Egyptian Air Force placed an order for 36 AH-64A helicopters.[185] These Apaches were delivered with most of the advanced avionics used on the U.S. fleet at that time, with the exception of localized radio equipment.[186] In 2000, Boeing announced that an order to remanufacture Egypt's existing Apache fleet to the AH-64D configuration.[187] Notably, the AH-64D upgrade did not include the procurement of the Longbow radar, the supply of which had been refused by the U.S. government.[188] Egypt requested a further 12 AH-64D Block II Apaches through a Foreign Military Sale in 2009.[189][190]In August 2012, the Egyptian Armed Forces undertook a large-scale military operation to regain control of the Sinai Peninsula from armed militants. Air cover throughout the operation was provided by the Egyptian Air Force's Apache helicopters; reportedly the Apaches destroyed three vehicles and killed at least 20 militants.[191] Up to five Egyptian Apaches were temporarily stationed in the Sinai following an agreement between Egypt and Israel.[192]
Other users
The United Arab Emirates purchased 30 AH-64A helicopters in 1991 and 1994,[193] which they are now upgrading to AH-64D specification.[194] In 2005, Kuwait purchased 16 Longbow helicopters.[195]In September 2003, Greece ordered 12 AH-64D in addition to existing fleet of 20 AH-64A+.[196] By 1995 they had received 20 AH-64As; another 12 AH-64Ds were ordered in 2003.[185] Singapore purchased 20 AH-64D Longbow Apache aircraft in two batches between 1999 and 2001;[197] during October 2010 Apache training was suspended following the forced crash-landing of an Apache.[198]
Japan ordered 50 AH-64Ds,[185] which are being built under license by Fuji Heavy Industries, designated AH-64DJP. The first helicopter was delivered to the JGSDF in early 2006.[199]
Taiwan (Republic of China) reached an agreement with the U.S. to purchase 30 AH-64D Block III Apaches with weapons, and associated equipment in June 2011.[200][201] On 5 November 2013, Taiwan received the first 6 AH-64E Apaches. A second batch arrived in December 2013, with all 30 to be delivered by the end of 2014.[202] By early April 2014, 18 had been delivered. On 25 April 2014, a Taiwanese AH-64E crashed into a three-story building during a training flight in bad weather conditions.[203] Power loss was also being considered as a cause. The crash is the first airframe loss of an AH-64E model and reduced Taiwan's Apache inventory to 17 helicopters.[204] An investigation ruled out mechanical failure and concluded that the pilots descended too fast through clouds at low altitude and that they didn't check the flight panels to maintain adequate height. The crash was ruled as human error and the Army responded by stepping up simulator training for pilots.[205]
Future and possible users
In 2008, the Indian Air Force (IAF) released a tender for 22 attack helicopters; there were six contending submissions - Sikorsky's UH-60 Black Hawk, the AH-64D, Bell's AH-1 Super Cobra, Eurocopter's Tiger, Mil's Mi-28 and AgustaWestland's A129 Mangusta.[206] In October 2008, Boeing and Bell withdrew.[207] In 2009, the competition was restarted and a new Apache proposal was submitted.[208][209] In December 2010, India requested the possible sale of 22 AH-64Ds and associated equipment.[210] In October 2011, the AH-64D was reportedly the front-runner.[211][212] On 5 October 2012, IAF Chief NAK Browne confirmed the AH-64D Block III's selection.[213] In October 2012, the Indian government transferred most armed helicopters from the Indian Air Force to the Army Aviation Corps.[214] The Indian Air Force sought to maintain control of the 22 proposed Apaches for air combat missions, the Indian Army argued that they would be better used in army operations.[215] In April 2013, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided that the Indian Air Force would receive the 22 AH-64s as it was an ongoing acquisition.[216] In May 2013, the Indian Army requested 11 AH-64Es;[217] the Army has a requirement for 39 Apaches.[218]South Korea showed interest in acquiring Apache attack helicopters.[219][220] This move may be related to U.S. plans to withdraw many of its Apaches from South Korea.[221] On 21 September 2012, the U.S. Congress was notified of the possible purchase of 36 AH-64D Block III Apaches, along with associated equipment and armament.[222] The Apache was competing against the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the TAI/AgustaWestland T-129 for the order; a decision was expected in late 2012.[223] In April 2013, it was announced that South Korea is to purchase 36 AH-64E helicopters.[224] The Apaches are to be delivered from 2016 to 2018.[225]
In February 2012, Indonesia's deputy minister of defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces plans to buy eight AH-64s.[226][227] On 26 August 2013, the U.S. and Indonesia formalized a deal for 8 AH-64E Apaches worth $500 million.[228]
Iraq requested the sale of 24 AH-64s in April 2013;[229] a sale was cleared by Congress in January 2014.[230][231] The sale is to consist of two parts: the helicopters and associated parts and maintenance, costing a combined $4.8 billion. Pilot training with six leased Apaches would also be included at a cost of $1.37 billion.[232]
In July 2012, Qatar requested the sale of 24 AH-64D Apache Block III helicopters, with associated equipment, training, and support.[233] The sale was approved on 27 March 2014.[234]
Variants
AH-64A
U.S. Army AH-64As are being converted to AH-64Ds. The service's last AH-64A was taken out of service in July 2012 before conversion at Boeing's facility in Mesa, Arizona.[236] On 25 September 2012, Boeing received a $136.8M contract to remanufacture the last 16 AH-64As into the AH-64D Block II version, to be completed by December 2013.[237]
AH-64B
In 1991 after Operation Desert Storm, the AH-64B was a proposed upgrade to 254 AH-64As. The upgrade would have included new rotor blades, a Global Positioning System (GPS), improved navigation systems and new radios. Congress approved $82M to begin the Apache B upgrade. The B program was canceled in 1992.[238] The radio, navigation, and GPS modifications, were later installed on most A-model Apaches through other upgrades.AH-64C
Additional funding from Congress in late 1991 resulted in a program to upgrade AH-64As to an AH-64B+ version. More funding changed the plan to upgrade to AH-64C. The C upgrade would include all changes to be included in the Longbow except for mast-mounted radar and newer −700C engine versions. However, the C designation was dropped after 1993.[239] With AH-64As receiving the newer engine from 1990, the only difference between the C model and the radar-equipped D model was the radar, which could be moved from one aircraft to another; thus the decision was made to simply designate both versions AH-64D.[239]AH-64D
The aircraft is powered by a pair of uprated T700-GE-701C engines. The forward fuselage was expanded to accommodate new systems to improve survivability, navigation, and 'tactical internet' communications capabilities. In February 2003, the first Block II Apache was delivered to the U.S. Army, featuring digital communications upgrades. The Japanese Apache AH-64DJP variant is based on the AH-64D;[123] it can be equipped with the AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles for self-defense.[245][246]
AH-64E
Formerly known as AH-64D Block III, in late 2012, it was redesignated as AH-64E Guardian to represent the helicopter's increased capabilities.[247][248][249] The AH-64E features improved digital connectivity, the joint tactical radio system, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with upgraded face gear transmission to accommodate more power,[250] capability to control Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs), new composite rotor blades, full IFR capability, and improved landing gear.[251][252] The rotor blades, which successfully completed testing in 2004, increase cruise speed, climb rate, and payload capacity.[253] Deliveries began in November 2011,[254] full rate production was approved on 24 October 2012.[255] 634 AH-64Ds will be upgraded to AH-64E standard, and a production run of 56 new-build AH64Es will start in 2019/20.[256] Changes in production lots 4 through 6 shall include a cognitive decision aiding system, new self-diagnostic abilities, Link-16 data-links, and radar improvements. The updated Longbow radar has an oversea capacity, potentially enabling naval strikes; an AESA radar is under consideration.[257]AH-64F
By June 2014, Boeing was already considering another Apache technology upgrade to keep the U.S. Army's fleet viable and relevant until the arrival of the attack version of the Future Vertical Lift aircraft, which will not completely replace the Apache until 2040. The conceptual AH-64F would have greater speed due to a 3,000 shp turboshaft in development under the improved turbine engine program, and include other high-speed features such as a retractable landing gear, wingstubs to offload lift from a single main rotor in high-speed cruise, and a tail rotor that can articulate 90 degrees to provide forward thrust.[258]Sea Apache
Export Apaches
Several models have been derived from both AH-64A and AH-64D for export. The British-built AgustaWestland Apache (assembled from kits purchased from Boeing) is based on the AH-64D Block I with several different systems, including more powerful engines, folding rotor blades, and other modifications for operation from Royal Navy vessels.Block modification
While a major change in design or role will cause the type designator suffix to change, for example from AH-64D to AH-64E the helicopters are also subject to Block modification. Block modification is the combining of equipment changes into blocks of modification work orders, the modifications in the block (sometimes called a block package) are all done to the helicopter at the same time.[265]Operators
Egypt
- Egyptian Air Force (AH-64D)[266]
Greece
- Hellenic Army (AH-64A/D)[266]
India
- Indian Air Force (AH-64E: 22 on order)[267]
Indonesia
- Indonesian Army (AH-64E: 8 on order)[266]
Israel
- Israeli Air Force (AH-64A/D)[266]
Japan
- Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (AH-64D)[266]
Kuwait
- Kuwait Air Force (AH-64D)[266]
Netherlands
- Royal Netherlands Air Force (AH-64D)[266]
Saudi Arabia
- Royal Saudi Land Forces (AH-64A/D/E)[266]
Singapore
- Republic of Singapore Air Force (AH-64D)[266]
South Korea
- Republic of Korea Army (AH-64E: 36 on order)[266]
Taiwan (Republic of China)
- Republic of China Army (AH-64E)[266]
United Arab Emirates
- United Arab Emirates Air Force (AH-64D)[266]
United Kingdom
- See AgustaWestland Apache
United States
- United States Army (AH-64D/E)[266]
Specifications (AH-64A/D)
Data from Jane's Information Group,[65][52] Bishop[268]
General characteristics- Crew: 2 (pilot, and co-pilot/gunner)
- Length: 58.17 ft (17.73 m) (with both rotors turning)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
- Height: 12.7 ft (3.87 m)
- Disc area: 1,809.5 ft² (168.11 m²)
- Empty weight: 11,387 lb (5,165 kg)
- Loaded weight: 17,650 lb (8,000 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 23,000 lb (10,433 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × General Electric T700-GE-701 and later upgraded to T700-GE-701C (1990–present) & T700-GE-701D (AH-64E) turboshafts, -701: 1,690 shp, −701C: 1,890 shp, −701D: 2,000 shp (-701: 1,260 kW, −701C: 1,409 kW, −701D: 1,490 kW) each
- Fuselage length: 49 ft 5 in (15.06 m)
- Rotor systems: 4 blade main rotor, 4 blade tail rotor in non-orthogonal alignment
- Never exceed speed: 197 knots (227 mph, 365 km/h)
- Maximum speed: 158 knots (182 mph, 293 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 143 knots (165 mph, 265 km/h)
- Range: 257 nmi (295 mi, 476 km) with Longbow radar mast
- Combat radius: 260 nmi (300 mi, 480 km)
- Ferry range: 1,024 nmi (1,180 mi, 1,900 km)
- Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m) minimum loaded
- Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)
- Disc loading: 9.80 lb/ft² (47.9 kg/m²)
- Power/mass: 0.18 hp/lb (0.31 kW/kg)
- Guns: 1× 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 Chain Gun with 1,200 rounds as part of the Area Weapon Subsystem
- Hardpoints: Four pylon stations on the stub wings. Longbows also have a station on each wingtip for an AIM-92 Stinger twin missile pack.[63]
- Rockets: Hydra 70 70 mm, and CRV7 70 mm air-to-ground rockets
- Missiles: Typically AGM-114 Hellfire variants; AIM-92 Stinger may also be carried.
- Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar[269] (Note: can only be mounted on the AH-64D/E)
Notable appearances in media
Main article: AH-64 Apache in fiction
See also
- Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center
- Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf
- United States Army Aviation and Missile Command
- Related development
- AgustaWestland Apache
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Agusta A129 Mangusta and TAI/AgustaWestland T-129
- Bell AH-1Z Viper
- Bell YAH-63
- CAIC WZ-10
- Denel Rooivalk
- Eurocopter Tiger
- Kamov Ka-50
- Mil Mi-24/25/35
- Mil Mi-28
- Related lists
- List of active military aircraft of the United States
- List of helicopters
- List of aviation shootdowns and accidents during the Iraq War
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