Taking the Apache Attack Helicopter (AH) to new heights is what Boeing does better than anyone else. Headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., Boeing’s Military Aircraft division employs some 25,000 employees in 10 locations across the United States. However, it is Boeing’s Mesa, Ariz., facility that is home to where the legendary helicopter is manufactured.
Between 1984 and 1997, Boeing produced the AH-64A Apaches, with a tandem cockpit for a crew of two for the U. S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The combat-proven AH-64A is still in service today and incorporates (among many other features) a four-blade, twin engine with high-performance turbo shaft engines that offers a maximum cruise speed of 284 kph (over 165 mph). Additional features include laser and infrared systems (including target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track and attack targets—coupled with a combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 mm rockets, and a 30 mm automatic cannon (chain gun) that fires up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds.
The combat-proven and highly effective AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow are well-known as the world’s most sophisticated, advanced and heavily armed attack helicopters that share the following history and characteristics: Testing took place in the late 1990s, delivery came in 1997 and they are now produced (primarily for) the U.S. Army and its international customers. Units costs range from $18 – $20 million, with more than 1,000 produced to date.
The radar-equipped (two-man) AH-64D Apache Longbow features numerous enhanced capabilities, including the ability to assimilate advancements in digital connectivity, sensors, weapon systems, advanced training devices and maintenance support systems. It facilitates longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather /night fighting—detection of objects (moving or stationary)—all without being detected. It can also classify and assess threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a minute.
NOTE: The multimission AH-64D Apache Longbow is the next-generation version of the original AH-64A Apache. With its fire-control radar, the aircraft is known as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. Without the radar, the combat-proven aircraft is called the AH-64D Apache.
The AH-64 Apache has been developed since its inception using incremental technology insertions at regular intervals to ensure that the world’s most capable multirole combat helicopter meets the needs of today’s (and tomorrow’s) war-fighter.
