The AH-64 Apache helicopter holds a strong claim to being the most renowned military vehicle of all tι̇ɱe. With the initial introduction of tanks in the early 20th century, the dynamics of modern battlefields underwent a significant transformation, rendering them less vulnerable to light arms fire and enabling troops to navigate terrains with ease. However, the relentless progress of technology has reshaped the scenario, as advancements in airpower have shifted the balance of power, making the hunter the hunted.

While ground attacked sorties are nothing new, it would the helicopter gunship that truly defined the importance of ɱaneuverability, firepower, and stealth, combined in one package. Rotary attack helicopters are the most feared ωɛλρσɳs platform of any armored division.

Arguably the most famous of all, Boeing’s AH-64 Apache set the standard for gunship design that remains at the cutting edge even today. We have become accustomed to flight displays showing their unique design and abilities, but here are some facts that might surprise even the most avid aircraft fanatic.

Incredibly, the early prototype AH-64 dates back to 1975 with the US defense department looking to replace its aging AH-1 Cobras, the final design contract being awarded to Hughes Helicopters for what would become the AH-64 Apache.

The early prototype is unmistakably that of the final AH-64 production model, the pre-production version adopting a lower tail plain design and revised nose section. Undergoing an extensive 11-year development process, the AH-64 first entered operational service in 1986.

Vital Statistics

You would be forgiven for thinking gunships are small agile machines, but taking a closer look at the might AH-64 Apache reveals a different picture, the iconic gunship is much bigger than ɱany people think.

The numbers are surprising, 58 feet in length, 48 feet across, and almost 13 feet tall puts the Apache in the same size category as the average school bus. Equipped with twin Rolls-Royce RTM322 turbojets producing a combined output of 4540hp allows a cruise speed of 182mph and a “never to be exceeded” top speed of 227mph, both very impressive for rotary-powered aircraft weighing up to 21,000lbs. The next tι̇ɱe you see one of these remarkable machines effortlessly twisting and turning in the skies above, remember just how big they actually are.

Function Over Form

Unlike their fixed-wing brothers, helicopters operate at a much lower speed, removing the need for super-streamlined fuselages, this low speed is more ɱaneuverable but does come with some unwanted downsides.

Operating at lower altitudes and airspeeds does add a greater risk of hostile engagements, its twin engines generate huge amounts of heat that could potentially place the aircraft at greater risk from enemy IR-guided missiles. Placing the engines as far back and high as possible minimizes this risk, rotor downwash helping to disperse heat.

The AH-64 Apache is a hugely complete piece of hardware requiring a crew of two, resulting in the familiar tandem seating layout. Each cockpit crammed with advanced avionics for the gunships flight, navigational, offensive, and defensive abilities, any would-be pilot needs to complete basic flight training lasting 9-weeks.

Under normal operating conditions, the front seat is reserved for the ωɛλρσɳs officer while the pilot occupies the rear cockpit, however, the AH-64 is equipped with dual control systems allowing the front occupant to take control of the aircraft in the event of an emergency.

Perforɱance Abilities

By far the greatest advantage Apache pilots have over conventional fixed-wing aircraft is ɱaneuverability and agility, able to operate from smaller forward bases where space is limited. The AH-64 only needs an area slightly wider than its rotor diameter of 48 feet to operate, pilots often utilize this ability to “hide” below the tree-top level during combat sorties.

This impressive machine isn’t confined to low-level operations, boasting an impressive service ceiling of 20,000 feet and capable of level flight speeds of 227mph. If pilots find themselves in a tricky situation, they can rely on the Apache’s agility, capable of +3.5g – -0.5g ɱaneuvers.

It’s All About The Firepower – Guns

Mounting a big gun under the Apache’s nose might seem like a redundant ωɛλρσɳs system when missiles and rockets are readily available, but the importance of close-range fire support plays a crucial role in battlefield suppression. Designed by Hughes Helicopters in the early 70s, the M230 chain gun fires 30mm explosive tipped shells capable of penetrating light armor vehicles (up to 25mm) at ranges of 500 meters, each round designed to fragment on impact for maximum damage.

Now for the clever part, a combination of helmet design and cockpit mounted sensors detect where the ωɛλρσɳs officer is looking, directing the chin-mounted M230 chain gun in the same direction. This solution not only frees up the ωɛλρσɳs officer’s hands for other takes but also increases the speed and accuracy of engagement.

Aircraft Survivability

Despite the Ah-64’s appearance and size, Hughes Helicopters designed the AH-64 to be robust and strong enough to withstand enemy fire that would normally result in aircraft loss. Utilizing composite boron-kevlar armor plates and blast shields not only separate the crew but also serve to protect vital aircraft systems.

Recognizing the worst-case scenario can never fully be eliminated, the AH-64 was designed to withstand forced landings, this isn’t any rash claim of invulnerability, simply an attempt to cover every likelihood.

It’s All About The Firepower – Missiles And Rockets

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