Among all military vehicles, the AH-64 Apache helicopter is arguably the most renowned. In the early 20th century, the first tanks were invented. As they were no longer susceptible to light weapons fire, soldiers could traverse terrain without any opposition. The hunter has now become the hunted due to advancements in airpower, but technology waits for no one.

Nine Lesser-Known Facts About The Apache Helicopter

Although ground-attack missions are not new, the helicopter gunship best exemplified the importance of combining firepower, mobility, and stealth. A rotary assault helicopter is the most feared platform for any armored division.

A laser-equipped chopper zaps its first target, delighting a defense contractor – The Washington Post

Boeing’s AH-64 Apache, perhaps the most famous among them, set the standard for gunship design that remains cutting-edge today. We are accustomed to seeing aircraft in flying displays showcasing their unique features, but the following information might surprise even the most passionate aviation enthusiast.

Apache attack helicopters will enable the Indian Army to conduct daring attacks, according to The Economic Times.

Remarkably, the original AH-64 prototype dates back to 1975 when the US defense department sought to replace its aging AH-1 Cobras. Hughes Helicopters was awarded 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. After an extended 11-year development process, the AH-64 initially entered operational service in 1986.

Essential Statistics

One might be forgiven for thinking that gunships are small, agile machines, but a closer examination of the powerful AH-64 Apache reveals a very different picture; the iconic gunship is much larger than most people realize.

At 58 feet long, 48 feet wide, and over 13 feet tall, the Apache falls into the same size category as a typical 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 that produce a combined output of 4540 hp. Remember how large they are the next time you see one of these incredible machines gracefully hovering above you.

Function Before Form

Helicopters travel at considerably slower speeds than their fixed-wing counterparts, negating the need for highly aerodynamic fuselages. While this slower speed makes helicopters more agile, it also has certain undesirable consequences.

Its twin engines generate immense amounts of heat that could potentially expose the aircraft to a higher risk from enemy IR-guided missiles. Operating at lower altitudes and airspeeds does increase the likelihood of hostile engagements. This risk is mitigated by placing the engines as high and far back as possible, with rotor downwash assisting in heat dissipation.

The AH-64 Apache has the well-known tandem seating arrangement since it is a densely packed piece of equipment that requires a crew of two. Each gunship’s cockpit is filled with state-of-the-art equipment for the aircraft’s flight, navigation, offensive, and defensive capabilities. To become a pilot, one must complete a basic flight training program lasting nine weeks.

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 systems officer, while the pilot occupies the rear cockpit.

Performance Capabilities

The ability to operate from smaller forward bases in confined spaces is by far the greatest advantage Apache pilots have over traditional fixed-wing aircraft. The AH-64’s rotor diameter of