Among all military vehicles, the AH-64 Apache helicopter is arguably the most renowned. In the early 20th century, the first tanks were created. These vehicles, no longer vulnerable to light weapons fire, enabled troops to move across terrain without opposition. Advances in airpower have transformed the hunter into the hunted, but technology never rests.
Nine Fascinating Facts About the Apache Helicopter
While ground-attack missions have been around for some time, the helicopter gunship best exemplified the benefits of combining 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 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 see aircraft in flying demonstrations that showcase their unique features, but the following facts might astonish even the most passionate aviation aficionado.
Apache attack helicopters will enable the Indian Army to launch daring attacks, 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 was awarded the final design contract for what would eventually 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 variant. The AH-64 first entered operational service in 1986 after an extended 11-year development process.
Essential Statistics
You might be forgiven for thinking that gunships are small, agile machines, but a closer look at the formidable AH-64 Apache reveals a different story; the iconic gunship is much larger than most people imagine.
The Apache is roughly the size of a typical school bus, measuring 58 feet in length, 48 feet in width, and over 13 feet in height. For a rotary-powered aircraft weighing up to 21,000 pounds, a cruising 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 their actual size in mind the next time you see one of these incredible machines gracefully soaring above you.
Function Before Form
Helicopters travel at significantly lower speeds than fixed-wing aircraft, removing the need for highly streamlined fuselages. While this reduced speed allows for more agility, it also has some unfavorable consequences.
Its twin engines generate massive amounts of heat that could potentially expose the aircraft to a 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 assisting in heat dissipation.
The AH-64 Apache has the well-known tandem seating arrangement since it is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment that requires a two-person crew. Each gunship’s cockpit is crammed 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 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 conventional fixed-wing aircraft. The AH-64’s rotor diameter of 48 feet