AH-64 Apache

The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, attack helicopter designed to operate during day, night, and in adverse weather. After the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne cancellation, the US Army launched a new competition for an Advanced Attack Helicopter or AAH. In 1973, the Hughes Model 77 (YAH-64) was selected as the winner against the Bell 409 ( YAH-63 ).

Bell 409, YAH-63

Hughes 77, YAH-64

Hughes prototype completed first flight on September 30, 1975 and in 1976 the company received a full-scale development contract. In 1982 the Army gave the program, now known as AH-64A Apache , production go-ahead. On January 1984, McDonnell Douglas Helicopters acquired Hughes and deliveries of production Apaches began with the first combat unit deployed in 1986. These AH-64A of the first series played a key role in the 1991 Gulf War, where 147 Apaches destroyed near 245 enemy vehicles.

Hughes AH-64A

AH-64A Apache

Crew : 2

AH-64A :
Mission: Attack Helicopter
Engines: 2 * 1536 hp General Electric T700-700 Turbine engines
Top Speed: 309 km/h
Range: 610 km -- Max: 1804 Km
Weight: Empty: 4657 kg -- Max: 8006
Rotor Span: 14.63 m
Length: 14.97 m
Height: 4.22 m
Disc Area: 168.11 m2

Apache 3D

By late 1996, McDonnell Douglas had delivered 937 AH-64A Apaches, 821 to the US Army and 116 to international customers, including Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas and launched a new variant, the AH-64D Longbow Apache . Near 600 AH-64A were upgraded with 1800 shp T700-GE-701 turboshafts engines, the Westinghouse Longbow radar system for automatic detection and classification of targets and all weather fire-and-forget type weapons. New built aircraft production followed.

The Longbow Apache was exported to the United Kingdom, as WAH-64 to be assembled by Westland, and to the Netherlands.

Pilot Crewstation (Rear)

Gunner Crewstation (Front)

Boeing has developed and delivered Apache Longbow Crew Trainers -- deployable, full-mission, high-fidelity flight simulators -- to the US Army, Dutch Air Force and international customers ensuring readiness levels for individuals, crews and maintenance test pilots.

Apache Simulator