AH-64 Apache
| AH-64 Apache | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Attack | |
| Crew | 2 — one pilot, one co-pilot/gunner (CPG) | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 17.7 m (58.3 ft) with rotors | |
| Wingspan | 4.9 m (16.3 ft) | |
| Height | 3.87 m (12.7 ft) | |
| Wing area | 168.11 m² (1,809.5 ft²) main rotor disc | |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 5,165 kg (11,387 lb) | |
| Loaded | 8,006 kg (17,650 lb) | |
| Max take-off | 9,525 kg (21,000 lb) | |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 2 × GE T700 Turboshafts | |
| Power | 1,238 kW (1,660 shp) | |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 365 km/h (197 kt) | |
| Combat range | 482 km (260 n miles) | |
| Ferry range | 1,899 km (1,024 n miles) | |
| Service ceiling | 6,400 m (21,000 ft) | |
| Rate of climb | 762 m/min (2,500 ft/min) | |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | M230 30mm automatic cannon, 1200 rds | |
| Missiles | Hellfire/Hellfire II (and Stinger, Starstreak, Sidewinder/Sidearm proposed) | |
| Rockets | Hydra 70, FFAR | |
The Boeing IDS (McDonnell Douglas) AH-64 Apache is the US Army's principal attack helicopter, the successor to the AH-1 Cobra.
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 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 GPS.
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.
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. 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 targetting 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.
Notes
Recent reports indicate that the helicopter is vulnerable; of craft deployed in Afghanistan in 2001-02 over 80% were badly damaged by ground fire.
An additional problem is that when firing the Hellfire missiles, fragments can fly into the tail rotor and damage it. To avoid this, the pilots have been told to fire missiles only from the right-side pylon.
The craft have also proved themselves unsuitable for desert operations, they require repair and maintenance in a ratio greater than 2:1 for hours of flight.
External links
- Janes' AH-64 page (http://www.janes.com/defence/air_forces/news/jawa/jawa001013_1_n.shtml)
- Apache AH-64 crashed/shot over Albania, during 1999 Kosovo war (http://www.outpost-of-freedom.com/w2apache.htm)
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