AH-64 Apache

The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was developed by Boeing. It is one of the most advanced attack helicopter in service today. It is a multi-mission attack helicopter and a very advanced and accurate battlefield weapon-delivery platform. It has day or night and all-weather flight capabilities in any climate zone.

Primary mission for the AH-64 Apache is a high-value target destruction. It is armed with a 30-mm M230 chain gun, Hydra 70 rocket pods and Hellfire missiles. It can carry up to 16 Hellfire anti-tank laser-guided missiles. This missile has a range of fire in up to 8 kilometers and can be also used against buildings and other material targets. Hydra rockets are mainly used against soldiers or light armored vehicles. The 30-mm chain gun has a combat load of 1 200 rounds. It can also carry air-to-air missiles for a close-range air defence. These include AIM 92 Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Mistral or Sidearm.

This helicopter has a number of survivability equipment, while some of it's vital mechanisms can resists hits from 23-mm gun fire. It has a common attack-helicopter arrangement with a co-pilot/gunner seating in front and the pilot behind him.

The AH-64 Apache is powered by two General Electric gas turbine engines. Each of them deliver 1 890 shaft horse power. In case one of the engine is damaged or failed, this helicopter can continue to fly powered by a single unit. The AH-64 has a maximum cruising speed of 230 km/h with a flight endurance of over three hours. Combat radius of this helicopter is approximately 150 kilometers.

There are two main variants of the AH-64. The AH-64A and improved AH-64D Longbow Apache. US Army and NATO countries operate over 800 Apache helicopters of both variants.