AH-64A Apache Helicopter

In service since 1986, the Apache AH-64A helicopter was primarily designed as a tank-killer. It was envisioned that fleets of Apache helicopters would be able to counter the Soviet Union's 4 to 1 numeric superiority in tanks on the plains of Europe. In the anti-armor role, the Apache can carry 16 laser-guided AGM-114 missiles. Hovering amongst the trees or behind terrain, the Apache can pop up and engage targets then retreat behind cover. In the close support role the Apache's rocket pods and 30mm cannon can bring devastating firepower to bear against a ride range of enemy units.

An Apache battalion is made up of 18 AH-64As and 13 OH-58DKiowas. The Kiowas scout ahead and find targets for the Apaches. The smaller and more agile Kiowa is more likely to remain undetected. When it finds a target it can 'paint' it with its mast-mounted laser. The Apache can remain hidden behind terrain and still engage the target with

AH-64A APACHE FEATURES

• cockpits surrounded by Boron armor
• crash-resistant airframe, energy absorbing crew seats and landing gear
• airframe and rotors are able to withstand hits up to 23mm caliber hits
• 4-bladed main rotors made from steel, GRP and composites
• infra-red dampers on engine outlets reduce the helicopter's heat signature
• advanced avionics sensors allow the apache to fly and fight in all weathers, day or night
• redundant fly-by-wire flight systems

COMBAT HISTORY

• the Apache AH-64A saw combat for the first time in 1989 during the US invasion of Panama
• in the opening salvos of Desert Storm, a flight of Apaches, led by MH-53J Pavelows, destroyed Iraqi radar installations
• over 500 Iraqi tanks were destroyed by AH-64As in Desert Storm
• Apache squadrons provided close air support to coalition ground forces in Afghanistan, 2001 and on
• AH-64As engaged Iraqi forces during the US-led invasion in 2003

AH-64A Apache Specifications

Crew	2 - With Pilot seated above and behind Weapons Systems Officer
Engines	Two T700-GE-701Cs
Dimensions	L - 17.73m W - 5.227m H - 4.64m
Weights	11,800 lbs (empty) 15,075 lbs (standard loudout)
Max Speed	150 kt (279 kph)
Range	400 km - internal fuel 1,900 km - internal and external fuel
Armament	M230 30mm Cannon (typical loudout of 1200 rounds) Hydra 70mm FFAR Folding Fin Aerial Rockets (in pods of 19) AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles (up to 16) Stinger AIM-92 air-to-air missiles
Avionics	TADS (AN/ASQ-170) PNVS (AN/AAQ-11) Honeywell Integrated Helmet And Display Sighting System (IHADSS) AN/APR-39A(V) radar warning receiver AN/ALQ-144 infra-red countermeasures AN/AVR-2 laser warning receiver AN/ALQ-136(V) radar jammer