Among all military vehicles, the AH-64 Apache helicopter is arguably the most renowned. Early in the 20th century, the first tanks were developed. As they were no longer susceptible to light weapons fire, soldiers could traverse terrain without resistance. Due to advancements in airpower, the hunter has now become the hunted, but technology never stands still.
Nine Lesser-Known Facts About The Apache Helicopter
Though ground-attack missions are not new, the helicopter gunship best exemplifies the combination of firepower, mobility, and stealth. A rotary assault helicopter is the most feared platform for any armored division.
To the delight of a defense contractor, a laser-equipped chopper successfully zaps its first target – The Washington Post
Boeing’s AH-64 Apache, perhaps the most famous among them, set the standard for gunship design that remains state-of-the-art today. We often witness aircraft in flying displays showcasing their unique features, but the following information may surprise even the most passionate aviation enthusiast.
Apache attack helicopters will enable the Indian Army to launch daring assaults, according to The Economic Times.
Remarkably, the original AH-64 prototype dates back to 1975, when the US defense department aimed to replace its aging AH-1 Cobras. Hughes Helicopters won the final design contract for what would ultimately become the AH-64 Apache.
The pre-production version of the AH-64 featured a lower tail plane design and a redesigned nose section, making the early prototype easily distinguishable from the final production model. The AH-64 first entered operational service in 1986 after an extensive 11-year development process.
Essential Statistics
You might be forgiven for thinking that gunships are small, agile machines, but a closer look at the powerful AH-64 Apache reveals a different story; the iconic gunship is much larger than most people assume.
At 58 feet long, 48 feet wide, and over 13 feet tall, the Apache is in the same size category as an average school bus. For a rotary-powered aircraft weighing up to 21,000 pounds, a cruise speed of 182 mph and a “never to be exceeded” top speed of 227 mph are both quite impressive. The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce RTM322 turbojets with a combined output of 4540 hp. Keep in mind their actual size the next time you see one of these incredible machines gracefully hovering overhead.
Function Before Form
Helicopters travel at significantly slower speeds than their fixed-wing counterparts, removing the need for highly streamlined fuselages. While this slower speed makes helicopters more agile, it also carries certain unfavorable consequences.
Its twin engines generate considerable heat that could potentially expose the aircraft to greater risk from enemy IR-guided missiles. Operating at lower altitudes and airspeeds does increase the likelihood of hostile encounters. This risk is mitigated by positioning the engines as high and far back as possible, with rotor downwash helping to dissipate heat.
The AH-64 Apache features the well-known tandem seating arrangement as it is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment that requires a crew of two. Each gunship’s cockpit is packed with cutting-edge technology for the aircraft’s flight, navigation, offensive, and defensive capabilities. To become a pilot, one must complete a nine-week basic flight training program.
The AH-64 is equipped with dual control systems that allow the front occupant to take control of the aircraft in an emergency. Under normal operating conditions, the front seat is reserved for the gunner, while the pilot occupies the rear cockpit.
Performance Capabilities
The ability to operate from smaller forward bases in confined spaces is by far the biggest advantage Apache pilots have over traditional fixed-wing aircraft. The AH-64’s rotor diameter of 48 feet is the minimum area it needs to function