McDonnell Douglas AH-64A Apache

AH-64 development began under Hughes as the Model 77 in 1973. In Jan 1984, McDonnell Douglas aquired Hughes, just before AH-64A deliveries to the US Army began. In 1997, Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas.

Prototype Hughes YAH-64 first flew 30 Sep 1975 and eventually won a US Army advanced attack helicopter competition. Tandem seat, all weather, day or night anti-tank capable helicopter with several high survivability features built in (eg 30 minutes dry running gearbox - without oil), powered by twin General Electric T700-GE-701 turboshaft engines. AH-64A original production version introduced into service in Apr 1986 at Fort Hood, Texas with US Cavalry units. AH-64B was a proposed advanced cockpit version (abandoned ?). AH-64C, of which two were built in 1994, was essentially an AH-64D (qv) minus the Longbow attack radar. Served with armed forces of Egypt, Greece, Israel, Kuwait, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Some similarity in appearance with Agusta A129 Mangusta and Bell AH-1 Cobra.