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| AH-64 Apache | ||
|---|---|---|
 Boeing AH-64 Apache. Larger version | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Attack | |
| Crew | 2 — one pilot, one co-pilot/gunner (CPG) | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 17.7 m (58.3 ft) with rotors | |
| Wingspan | 4.9 m (16.3 ft) | |
| Height | 3.87 m (12.7 ft) | |
| Wing area | 168.11 m² (1,809.5 ft²) main rotor disc | |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 5,165 kg (11,387 lb) | |
| Loaded | 8,006 kg (17,650 lb) | |
| Max take-off | 9,525 kg (21,000 lb) | |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 2 × GE T700 Turboshaft | |
| Power | 1,238 kW (1,660 shp) | |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 365 km/h (197 kt) | |
| Combat range | 482 km (260 n miles) | |
| Ferry range | 1,899 km (1,024 n miles) | |
| Service ceiling | 6,400 m (21,000 ft) | |
| Rate of climb | 762 m/min (2,500 ft/min) | |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | M230 30mm automatic cannon, 1200 rds | |
| Missiles | Hellfire/Hellfire 2 (Stinger, Starstreak, Sidewinder/Sidearm proposed) | |
| Rockets | Hydra 70, FFAR | |
The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) AH-64 Apache is the US Army's principal attack helicopter, the successor to the AH-1 Cobra.
Built to endure front-line environments, it can operate during the day or night and in adverse weather using the integrated helmet and display sight system. The AH-64A is also equipped with some of the latest avionics and electronics, such as the target acquisition designation sight, pilot night vision system, radar jammer, infrared countermeasures, nap-of-earth navigation, and GPS.
Original unit cost for the AH-64A was about US$14.5 million. In September 2003, Greece ordered 12 AH-64D for a total cost of $675 million (presumably including weapons and support), indicating a gross unit cost for the AH-64D of $56.25 million.
Recent reports indicate that the helicopter is vulnerable; of craft deployed in Afghanistan in 2001-02 over 80% were badly damaged by ground fire.
An additional problem is that when firing the Hellfire missiles, fragments can fly into the rotors damaging them. To combat this, the pilots have been told to fire missiles only from the right-side pylon.
The craft have also proved themselves unsuitable for desert operations, they require repair and maintenance in a ratio greater than 2:1 for hours of flight.Notes
