AH-64 Apache

AH-64 Apache
Boeing AH-64 Apache. Larger version
Description
Role
Crew
Dimensions
Length
Wingspan
Height
Wing area
Weights
Empty
Loaded
Maximum take-off
Powerplant
Engines
Power
Performance
Maximum speed
Combat range
Ferry range
Service ceiling
Rate of climb
Armament
Guns
Bombs

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is the US Army's principal attack helicopter, the successor to the AH-1 Cobra.

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 AH-64A is also equipped with some of the latest avionics and electronics, such as the target acquisition designation sight, pilot night vision system, radar jammer, infrared countermeasures, nap-of-earth navigation, and the global positioning system.

General Characteristics

• Length: 58.3 feet (17.7 m) with rotors
• Wingspan: 16.3 feet (4.9 m)
• Width: 6.5 feet (1.98 m)
• Height: 12.7 feet (3.87 m)
• Weight: 10.5 tons (9525 kg)
• Speed: 227 miles per hour (365 km/h)
• Range: 300 miles (480 km)
• Crew: 2
• Armament: various combinations of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 (70mm) rockets mounted on the four pylons under the stub wings (two pylons per stub wing); one M230 30mm automatic cannon mounted under the nose.
• Cost: original unit cost for the AH-64A was about USD 14.5 million; In September 2003, Greece ordered 12 AH-64D for a total cost of USD 675 million (presumably including weapons and support), indicating a unit cost of USD 56.25 million.

Notes

Recent reports indicate that the craft is vulnerable - of the 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 rotors, damaging them. To combat 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

• Apache AH-64 crashed/shot over Albania, during Kosovo 1999 war against Serbs
• Janes' AH-64 page

Referenced By