AH-64 Apache | |
---|---|
Type | Attack helicopter |
Manufacturer | Hughes, McDonnell Douglas, Boeing IDS |
Maiden flight | 30 September 1975 |
Status | Active service |
Primary users | United States Army Israel |
Produced | 1984-1996 |
Number built | 1,048[1] |
Unit cost | US$18 million (1984)[1] |
Variants | Westland WAH-64 Apache |
History
Features
The AH-64 is a two-seat attack helicopter powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines, with high-mounted exhausts on either side of the rotor shaft. The crew sit in tandem, with the pilot sitting behind and above the gunner. The crew compartment is armoured against 20mm gunfire. The helicopter is armed with a 30mm M230 chain gun which is slaved to the gunner's helmet-mounted gunsight. The AH-64 carries a range of external stores on its stub-wing pylons, typically a mixture of AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles Hydra 70 general-purpose unguided 70mm rockets, and AIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles for defence. In case of emergency the pylons also have mounting points for personnel transfer. [1]
Two major models of AH-64 Apache are in service in the US Army; AH-64A (USAR and ARNG) and AH-64D (Active). An AH-64B variant was designed for naval operation (Marine Corps), but never manufactured.[citation needed] As of 2007 the Marine Corps still uses the AH-1 Cobra. When development of the D model started, the corresponding radarless version initially had the designation AH-64C. However, since the only difference between the C model and the radar-equipped D model was the radar, which could be moved from one aircraft to another, a decision was made to not distinguish between the two versions, irrespective of the presence or absence of the radar. A number of other models have been derived from both AH-64A and AH-64D for export. The British-built Westland WAH-64 (assembled from kits purchased from Boeing) is based on the AH-64D with several different systems, including newer engines.
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 Apache is also equipped with some of the latest avionics and electronics, such as the Target Acquisition and Designation System, Pilot Night Vision System (TADS/PNVS), Black Hole passive infrared countermeasures, nap-of-the-earth (sic) navigation, and GPS.
Variants
AH-64DThe advanced model, the AH-64D Apache Longbow, is equipped with an improved sensor suite and weapon systems. The key improvement over the A-variant is the AN/APG-78 Longbow dome installed over the main rotor which houses a millimeter-wave Fire Control Radar (FCR) target acquisition system. The elevated position of the radome allows detection and (arcing) missile engagement of targets even when the helicopter itself is concealed by an obstacle (e.g. terrain, trees or buildings). Further, a radio modem integrated with the sensor suite allows a D-variant Apache to share targeting data with other AH-64Ds that do not have a line-of-sight to the target. In this manner a group of Apaches can engage multiple targets but only reveal the radome of one D-variant Apache. Apaches that include all of the improvements of the Longbow Apache, with the exception of the Fire Control Radar are still designated as "AH-64D Apache Longbows", as the radome is removable and interchangeable between aircraft. AH-64Ds are currently flying in Iraq and Afghanistan without the Fire Control Radar as there are simply no armored threats for coalition forces to deal with.[citation needed]
Also, the aircraft was updated with T700-GE-701C engines, and a fully-integrated cockpit. The fusaelage of the aircraft was expanded to accommodate new systems. In addition, the aircraft receives improved survivability, communications, and navigation capabilities. Most existing capabilities of the AH-64A Apache are retained.
Specifications (AH-64A)
Data from Jane's Air Forces[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2: pilot, CPG (co-pilot/gunner)
- Length: 58.17 ft (17.73 m)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
- Height: 12.7 ft (3.87 m)
- Disc area: 1,809.5 ft² (168.11 m²)
- Empty weight: 11,387 lb (5,165 kg)
- Loaded weight: 18,000 lb (8,000 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 21,000 lb (9,500 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× General Electric T700 1,690 shp and later upgraded to T701 1,890 shp (1988-1990) and furthur upgraded to T701C (1991- today) turboshafts, (1,260 kW) each
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 197 knots (227 mph, 365 km/h)
- Maximum speed: 158 knots (182 mph, 293 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 143 knots (165 mph, 265 km/h)
- Combat radius: 260 nm (300 mi, 480 km)
- Ferry range: 1,024 nm (1,180 mi, 1,900 km)
- Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
- Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)
- Disc loading: 9.80 lb/ft² (47.90 kg/m²)
- Power/mass: 0.18 lb/hp (310 W/kg)
Armament
- Guns: 1× M230 30 mm (1.18 in) cannon, 1,200 rounds
- Rockets: Hydra 70 FFARockets
- Missiles: combination of AGM-114 Hellfire, AIM-92 Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinder
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