The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter and is used by the U.S.

Army and a growing number of international defense forces. Boeing has delivered more than 2,200
Apaches to customers around the world since the aircraft entered production. The U.S. Army Apache
fleet has accumulated (as of July 2016) more than 4.2 million flight hours since the first AH-64A was
delivered to the U.S. Army in January 1984.

Length Maximum Level Flight Speed

Height 15.24 ft (4.64 m)
Wing Span 17.15 ft (5.227 m)
Primary Mission Gross Weight 15,075 lb (6,838 kg)
Vertical Rate of Climb More than 2,000 ft per minute
Maximum Rate of Climb More than 2,800 ft per minute
Maximum Level Flight Speed More than 150 knots (279 kilometers per hour)
Boeing produced 937 AH-64A Apaches between 1984 and 1997. Some remain in service today, and
have:
 Two high-performance turboshaft engines and maximum cruise speed of 284 kph
 Laser, infrared, and other systems (including target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor)
to locate, track, and attack targets
 A combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon
with up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds
Boeing’s AH-64D Apache and the AH-64D Apache Longbow have numerous enhancements, including:
 Longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather/night fighting
 Detection of objects (moving or stationary) without being detected
 Classification and threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a minute
 Integrated sensors, networking, and digital communications for situational awareness, management of
the combat arena in real time, and digital transmission of images and target locations to joint operations
battlefield commanders

United States
Entered service 2011
Crew 2 men
Dimensions and weight
Length 17.7 m
Main rotor diameter 14.6 m
Height 5m
Weight (empty) 5.17 t
Weight (maximum take off) 10.43 t
Engines and performance
Engines 2 x General Electric T700-GE-701D turboshafts
Engine power 2 x 1 994 shp
Maximum speed 300 km/h
Cruising speed ~ 275 km/h
Service ceiling 6.4 km
Range 476 km
Armament
Cannon 1 x 30 mm cannon (1 200 rounds)
16 x AGM-114L Hellfire-2 anti-tank missiles, 4 x AIM-92 Stinger, or 4
Missiles x Mistral, or 2 x AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, 2 x AGM-122
Sidearm anti-radiation missiles
Other 19-shot pods with Hydra 70 unguided rockets
The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the AH-64, used by the US Army. It is also
known as Apache Guardian. Until 2012 it was designated as AH-64D Block III. It has a number
of improvements and upgrades, including more powerful engines, upgraded transmission and
other improvements. This gunship might be also fitted with updated Longbow fire control radar.
The US Army plan to upgrade a total of 634 AH-64D helicopters to AH-64E standard. It is
planned that another 56 helicopters will be newly built. Deliveries to the US Army began in
2011. This attack helicopter has been approved for export. Export operators are Saudi Arabia
and Taiwan. This helicopter has been ordered by other countries. India ordered 22 of these
gunships, Indonesia 8, Qatar 24, South Korea 36, and the United Arab Emirates 30. In 2014
Iraq ordered 24 of these helicopters, but later cancelled this order. In 2015 the United Kingdom
has requested to remanufacture 50 of its WAH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters of this latest
AH-64E standard.
This helicopter is fitted with more powerful General Electric T700-GE-701D engines,
developing 1 994 shp instead on the 1 800 shp on the previous versions. Also it has upgraded
transmission to coupe with extra power. The AH-64E has new composite rotor blades. These
are designed to withstand hits from 23 mm anti-aircraft guns. Maximum speed of this helicopter
is up to 300 km/h.
This gunship comes with new sensors, avionics and has improved night operation capabilities.
Furthermore the AH-64E helicopter can control a couple of UAVs.
This attack helicopter is operated by a crew of 2, including pilot and gunner.
There are numerous features to protect the crew and increase survivability of the helicopter.
The airframe is designed to withstand hits from guns of up to 12.7 mm caliber. Rotor blades can
withstand hits from 23 mm guns. A large flat-plate canopy is fitted with boran armor. Crew
members are seated on crash-resistant seats.
The AH-64E has infra-red suppressing exhaust system and is equipped with chaff and flare
dispensers. Bothe of these features combined reduce the chance of being hit by enemy air
defense missiles.
Both crew members use various sophisticated sensors and systems for the detection and
attack of targets. Their helmets have an integrated helmet sighting system.
The AH-64E comes with a 30 mm M230 cannon with 1 200 rounds of ammunition. It has 4
hardpoint on stub wings and can carry various missiles. Armament is being tailored, depending
on mission requirements. The AH-64E can carry up to 16 AGM-114R Hellfire 2 anti-tank guided
missiles. For self defense against hostile helicopters the Apache Guardian can carry up to
two AIM-9 Sidewinder, four AIM-92 Stinger, or four Mistral air-to-air missiles. It can also carry
two AGM-122 Sidearm air-to-ground anti-radiation missiles, that can target hostile radars. The
gunship is often equipped with 19-shot pods with Hydra 70 unguided rockets. The helicopter
can carry up to 4 of these pods.
This attack helicopter might be fitted with a Longbow fire control radar, which is also used on
the previous AH-64D variant. It gives the capability to fire AGM-114R Hellfire-2 anti-tank guided
missiles in fire-and-forget mode. Without this radar the Hellfire-2 missiles are launched in the
line-of-sight manner. The radar can detect, classify and prioritise 12 targets simultaneously, and
can see through the fog an smoke, that foils infra-red or TV sensors.
India and the United States concluded a $2.2 billion contract for 22 AH-64Es and 15
CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for service in the IAF in September 2015. The
contract combines a direct commercial sale with Boeing and a Foreign Military Sales
(FMS) agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense.

The 2015 contract stipulates that the Indian government can place a follow-on order for
11 additional AH-64Es and seven Chinooks at a fixed price that was agreed upon in
2013.

The Indian Army’s Aviation Corps (AAC) is also considering procuring its own AH-64E
fleet and reportedly intends to stand up three separate AH-64E squadrons with a total of
up to 39 helicopters. The AAC and the IAF have been locked in an inter-service
rivalry over the new helicopters for a number of years, as I reported previously:

[T]he prolonged negotiations over the initial batch of 22 Apache helicopters are
partially to blame for the interservice rivalry. In 2012, then Indian National Security
Advisor Shankar Menon decided that any new attack helicopters procured would go
the Army. The Air Force, however, countered that it had already begun the acquisition
process in 2012. Following extensive field trials, the Indian Air Force selected the
Apache gunship and the Chinook helicopter in 2009.

According to Boeing, the Indian Army is currently in the process of evaluating the
acquisition of an initial batch of six AH-64Es.

The Apache helicopters are flown by the US Army. The other nations to have
Apache helicopters include the United Kingdom, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan,
Indonesia, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Singapore, Korea, Kuwait and the Netherlands.

The Apache helicopter is similar to a flying tank, it is designed to survive

heavy attack and inflict massive damage.

The combat helicopter can zero in on specific targets, regardless of whether

it is day or night or even when weather is not suitable.

The Apache is one of the most lethal helicopters with the most advanced
flight systems, weapons systems, sensor systems and armor systems.

Apache double tail rotors

The core structure of the helicopter is like any other helicopter. The Apache
has double tail rotors with two blades each. However, the rotor is optimized
to provide much greater agility than you find in a typical helicopter.

The core structure of each blade comprises five stainless steel arms called
spars that are surrounded by a fiberglass skeleton. While the trailing edge of
each blade is covered with a sturdy graphite composite material, the leading
edge is made of titanium.

The titanium is strong enough to survive brushes with trees and other minor
obstacles, which is ideal if the Apache is required to sneak up on targets and
to avoid an attack. Further, the Apache's blades and wings detach for easier
transport.

Hellfire missile
he Hellfire missile is the primary weapon of the Apache helicopter. The
missile is like a mini aircraft, it has its own guidance computer, steering
control and propulsion system.

The missile carries a payload that is highly explosive and powerful enough to
take down the heaviest tank.

Apache Hydra rocket launchers

The Apache has two Hydra rocket launchers, each launcher carries 19 aerial
rockets, secured in launching tubes. The rockets can be fired one at a time
or even in groups. The rockets might be armed with high-power explosives
or just smoke-producing materials.

In one configuration, the rocket delivers several submunitions, small bombs

that separate from the rocket in the air and fall on targets below.

Apache Chain Gun

The Apache also comprises the automatic cannon, which is a chain gun that
is powered by an electric motor. The electric motor rotates the chain that
slides the bolt assembly back and forth to load, fire, extract and eject
cartridges.

The chain gun is different from an ordinary machine gun, which uses the
force of the cartridge explosion or flying bullet to move the bolt.

Apache Controls
The Apache has two cockpit sections. While the pilot sits in the back, the
gunner sits in the front. The rear section is slightly raised so that the pilot
can see clearly. Both sections of the cockpit include flight and firing controls
in case one pilot needs to take over the full operation. The Apache is capable
to be in an automatic hovering position for a short period of time.

Apache Sensors
The Apache has sophisticated sensor equipment. The Apache Longbow can
detect surrounding ground forces, aircraft and buildings using a radar dome
mounted to the mast. The pilot and the gunner both will have night vision
sensors to operate at night.

Apache Armor
The Apache is designed to keep out of range and evade enemy radar
scanning. The helicopter is designed specially to fly low on the ground and
evade heat-seeking missiles by reducing its infrared signature.

The Apache is also heavily armored on all sides. The cockpit is protected
with layers of bulletproof glass and reinforced armor. Boeing claims that
every part of the helicopter can survive 12.7-mm rounds and vital engine
and rotor components can withstand 23-mm fire.

The area surrounding the cockpit has been designed to deform during a
collision, except for the cockpit cover. During a crash, the deformed areas
will absorb a lot of the impact force, so that the collision isn't as hard on the
crew

The seats of the pilot and the gunner are also outfitted with heavy Kevlar
armor, which can also absorb the force of impact.

Background
The IAF received the first Apache helicopter from Boeing in May 2019. By
July 27, the first four of the 22 Apache combat helicopters were handed over
to the IAF by Boeing.

The first deliveries are ahead of schedule. The IAF is expected to operate all
22 Apache combat helicopters by 2020.

India had signed a multi-billion dollar contract for 22 of these helicopters

with the US and the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing Ltd in
September 2015.

Agreement with Trump's administration

In June 2018, the US government under President Donald
Trump approved a multi-billion dollar deal to sell the
attack helicopters to India. In addition, the US also agreed
to sell Hellfire and Stinger missiles to bolster India's
ability to deter "regional threats."
The IAF completed successful first flights of the AH-64E
Apache helicopters in July 2018. The first batch of IAF
crew began their training to fly the Apache in the US in
2018.
Special features of the AH-64E Apache helicopters
The helicopters are equipped with hellfire missiles and
rockets, with one helicopter having the capacity to carry 8
such missiles. It also has a canon gun with 1,200 rounds of
firing capacity at a time along with which two missile pods
carrying 19 missiles each can be fixed. The attack
helicopter can also be used for reconnaissance.
The helicopters weigh 6,838 kilograms and span 17.15 feet.
The aircraft can transmit and receive battlefield pictures to
and from the weapon systems through data networking,
making it a lethal acquisition. These helicopters will
provide a significant edge in any future joint operations in
support of land forces.
The aerospace major said the AH-64E has the latest
technology insertions, maintaining its standing as the
world's best attack helicopter.
"It is the only available combat helicopter with a spectrum
of capabilities for virtually any mission requirement. For
the AH-64E, this includes greater thrust and lift, joint
digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive
decision aiding...It is uniquely suited to meet the
commander's needs, including reconnaissance, security,
peacekeeping operations, and lethal attack — in both land
and littoral environments — all without reconfiguration,"
it said.
DESCRIPTION
The Apache AH-64D/E is the Army’s attack helicopter. It is capable of destroying armor, personnel and
materiel targets in obscured battlefield conditions. The Apache is a two-engine, four-bladed, tandem-seat
attack helicopter equipped with an M230 30 mm cannon, Hydra-70 2.75-inch rockets, and HELLFIRE missiles
(both laser-guided and radio frequency). The current fleet contains both AH-64D Longbow Apaches and the
AH-64E models; however, the end state is pure-fleet E-models. The Apache is fielded to both Active Army
and Army National Guard armed reconnaissance battalions and cavalry units. The aircraft is designed to
support Brigade Combat Teams across the full spectrum of warfare. The current acquisition objective is 812
aircraft.
The AH-64E program is the most current evolution of the Apache. The AH-64E is designed and equipped with
open systems architecture to incorporate the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems.
The E-model has multiple upgrades from its predecessors such as the improved Modernized Target
Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision System (MTADS/PNVS), which includes a new integrated
infrared laser that allows for easier target designation, and enhanced infrared imagery, which blends both
infrared and night vision capabilities. The E-model has the updated Small Tactical Terminal radio that includes
the LINK 16 capability required to communicate in a joint environment. The updated Fire Control Radar will
have the ability to operate in a maritime mode, enabling the Apache to be an integral asset in all fashions and
surroundings. The Manned Unmanned Teaming ability of the E model fleet provides Level of Interoperability
4 to Apache crews. This provides Apache crewmembers the ability to receive Unmanned Aerial Systems
(UAS) video in the Apache cockpit, control UAS sensors and direct the flight path of the UAS.
The aircraft is also undergoing recapitalization modifications such as the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly.
This upgrade will eliminate obsolescence issues while enhancing day sight capabilities equivalent to the
changes made with MTADS/PNVS. Other modifications in work include Manned Unmanned teaming that
provides non-line-of-sight communications, video transmission/reception and maintenance cost reductions
The Apache is provided to U.S. allies through a robust Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. There are
currently over 350 Apaches operated by partner nations and 14 active FMS cases.
BENEFIT TO THE SOLDIER
The Apache provides security to ground forces, fixed based operations and aerial escorts; conducts
reconnaissance to provide situational awareness to ground forces and higher headquarters; and decisively
engages single or multiple enemy combatants to allow freedom of maneuver or protection. It maneuvers into
enemy territory to conduct deep attacks on strategic targets to set the conditions for favorable ground
commander objectives and goals. With the Manned Unmanned Teaming capability, the AH-64 is capable of
sending real-time situational awareness of the environment and enemy forces to Soldiers in contact.
SPECIFICATIONS
 Designed and equipped with open systems architecture to incorporate the latest communications,
navigation, sensor and weapon systems
 Combat mission speed: AH-64D 145 knots (max speed); AH-64E 164 knots (max speed)
 Combat range: 260 nautical miles
 Combat endurance: 2.5 hours
 Maximum gross weight: 20,260 pounds
 Ordnance: 16 HELLFIRE missiles; 76 2.75-inch rockets and 1,200 30 mm chain gun rounds
 Crew: Two (pilot and copilot gunner)
  Rate of Fire: 600-650 rounds per minute
Boeing has so far delivered more than 2,200 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to the US and
other nations, including Egypt, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Qatar, Singapore, the UAE and
the UK

In December 2016, the failure of a Main Rotor Strap Pack resulted in the loss of an AH-64D and
two crew members.

Recommendations 1. The Army should continue to investigate sources of AH-64E 30 mm gun

error, implement fi xes as appropriate, and demonstrate in side-by-side testing that the AH-64E
gun is as accurate as the gun on legacy aircraft. 2. The Apache Program Offi ce should verify in
regression testing of Version 6 AH-64E subsystems that Boeing has corrected the previous defi
ciencies. Following verifi cation of fi xes, the Army should conduct FOT&E II to demonstrate
Version 6 Apache capabilities. 3. The Army should continue to retrofi t all U.S. Government and
Foreign Military Sales aircraft with the enhanced strap pack.

Pathankot. 03 September 2019. A story which started more than a decade ago has reached its
conclusion pages today. In 2008, the Indian Air Force (IAF) released a tender for 22 attack
helicopters; there were six contending submissions: Sikorsky’s UH-60 Black Hawk, the AH-64D,
Bell’s AH-1 Super Cobra, Eurocopter’s Tiger, Mil’s Mi-28 and AgustaWestland’s A129 Mangusta.
In October 2008, Boeing and Bell withdrew. In 2009, the competition was restarted. In
December 2010, India requested the possible sale of 22 Apaches and associated equipment.

On 5 October 2012, the then IAF Chief NAK Browne confirmed the Apache’s selection. The IAF
sought control of the 22 proposed Apaches for air combat missions, while the Army Aviation
Corps argued that they would be better used in army operations. In April 2013, the Indian
Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided that the IAF would receive the 22 AH-64s. India ordered the
22 AH-64Es in 2015 with deliveries to begin in 2019. On 12 June 2018, the U.S. Department of
State approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to India for an additional six AH-64E helicopters,
armaments, and associated equipment in a deal worth an estimated $930 million. The U.S.
Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress for approval.
On 10 May 2019, India officially received its first AH-64E Apache Guardian in a ceremony at
Boeing’s Mesa, Arizona production facility. On 27 July 2019, India received its first four AH-64Es
of 22 on order. And today on 03 September 2019, India inducted 8 AH-64Es into the IAF’s 125
Helicopter Squadron at Pathankot Air Base, Punjab. For Boeing it was a well deserved pat on
the back.

Apache is a heavy weight attack helicopter and it is degined to take heavy fire from the
ground.The crew compartment and rotor blade designed to sustain hits from 23 mm rounds. It
is a heavily armed helicopter and over the decades a lot of weapon system have been
integrated in its variants.

But the two main reasons India chose Apache over the others is the Stinger Missile and the
Hellfire Missile The former made by Raytheon and the latter by Lockheed Martin.
The first one , the Stinger missile is famous for its impact in the Soviet – Afghan war.
Mujahideens armed with these Stingers brought down jet fighters to transport aircrafts to
helicopters. One of the worst affected by the Stingers was the Mi-35. For the early part of the
war, the Hinds wreaked havoc on the war front but with the Stingers the attrition rate of the
Mi-35 shot up. Clearly the Soviets got it wrong. This helicopter which was designed to take out
tanks from the air and drop in a small number of soldiers (8) to the war front was clearly ill
equipped and bulky to outmanouevre the MANPADS. It’s counter-measures were not capable
of evading small and agile shoulder launched missiles.
But what does this have to do with India’s Apache selection? Pakistan operates 350 Stinger
launchers. With US Aid it has amassed an undisclosed amount of missiles in anticipation of
using it against India’s Mi-17s and Mi-35s. It would be ridiculous to operate the Mi-35s knowing
this dangerous threat. In a future war, this would result in a major setback for India as the Mi-
35s will be easily shot out of the sky. The Apaches has a better survivability rate. It has better
counter-measures, a lower radar profile and better maneuverability.

The second reason to choose Apache is the AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. This is a revolutionary
Air-to-Surface and Surface-to-Surface missile specifically intended for an Anti-armor role. It is
the best out there. It is so effective that the US have incorporated it into a variety of platforms
ranging from the Predator UAV Drones to the Apache Helicopters. Its compact size and smaller
weight means that 8 missiles can be carried in multi-pods on its wings hard points. This missile
is tailor made for low intensity conflicts where surgical removal of armor is required. Matched
with the agility of the Apaches, it forms a lethal combo. No equal counterpart has been
featured on the Mi-35.

Boeing delivered the first U.S. Army Apache AH-64A in January 1984. Since then, the U.S. Army
and other nations have received more than 2,200 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. Boeing’s
global customers for the Apache include Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea,
Kuwait, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the
United Kingdom. This induction of Apaches into the Indian Airforce has eventually got strategic
and potent boost in its inventory and with volatile borders a confidence booster for the nation.
As per IAF sources, another four choppers are set to arrive in India in
September. The AH64E variant comes equipped with a payload of
four air-to-air Stinger missiles, 16 air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 76
Hydra rockets of 70 mm and a 30-mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds
that can fire at the rate of 625 rounds per minute. The missiles can be
fired in 'fire-and-forget' mode. According to retired Air Marshal
Manmohan Bahadur, a helicopter pilot himself, the Longbow radar of
the Apache, which has 360-degree coverage, helps it score over the
Mi-35 in electronic warfare.

s compared to the Mi-35, the Apache has better night vision capability
and is equipped with better missiles. It can carry air-to-air missiles too
apart from air-to-ground missiles. The mast-mounted sight which has
the Longbow radar is a millimetric wave radar. The radar scans the
battlefield electronically and can transfer pictures to other air-borne
assets through network centricity,

The choppers can vertically ascend at a maximum speed of 2,800 feet

per minute. It can achieve a maximum cruise speed of 279 kmph.
"The Apache will also not be able to achieve the heights that were
required of the Mi-35 during the Kargil War. For battles fought on such
heights, we have the Light Combat Helicopter of Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited

ndia is only the 16th nation in the world to acquire the Apache stealth
helicopter as per Boeing.

The first Attack Helicopter Squadron of IAF was raised as 125 (H) Sqn (GLADIATORS) on 01 Nov 1983 and
equipped with Mi-25 helicopter Gunships. The Mi-35 was inducted in Apr 1990. 104 (H) Sqn was re-equipped
with Mi-35 in 1990.

MI-25/MI-35 : Twin engine turboshaft, assault and anti armour helicopter capable of carrying 8 men assault
squad with four barrel 12.7 mm rotary gun in nose barbette and upto 1500 Kg of external ordnance including
Scorpion anti-tank missiles. It has a max cruise speed of 310 km/hr.