Boeing AH-64 Apache

AH-64 Apache
An AH-64D Apache from U.S. Army's 101st Aviation Regiment in Iraq
Role Attack helicopter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Hughes Helicopters (1975-1984)
McDonnell Douglas (1984-1997)
Boeing Defense, Space & Security (since 1997)
Designer Hughes Helicopters
First flight 30 September 1975[1]
Introduction April 1986[2]
Status Active, in production
Primary users United States Army
Israel Air Force
Egyptian Air Force
Royal Netherlands Air Force
Produced 1983–present
Number built 1,174 as of February 2010[3]
Unit cost AH-64A: US$20 million (2007),
AH-64D (AH-64A upgrade): US$18 million (2007)[4]
Variants AgustaWestland Apache

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the AH-1 Cobra. First flown on 30 September 1975, the AH-64 features a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. The Apache is armed with a 30-millimeter (1.2 in) M230 Chain Gun carried between the main landing gear, under the aircraft's forward fuselage. It has four hardpoints mounted on stub-wing pylons, typically carrying a mixture of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. The AH-64 features multiple aircraft systems with built-in redundancy to improve survivability in combat; improved crash survivability for the crew has also been prioritized.

The U.S. Army selected the AH-64 over the Bell YAH-63 in 1976, awarding Hughes Helicopters a pre-production contract for two more aircraft. In 1982, the Army approved full production. McDonnell Douglas continued production and development after purchasing Hughes Helicopters from Summa Corporation in 1984. The first production AH-64D Apache Longbow, an upgraded version of the original Apache, was delivered to the Army in March 1997. Production has been continued by Boeing Defense, Space & Security; over one thousand AH-64s have been produced to date.

The U.S. Army is the primary operator of the AH-64; it has also become the primary attack helicopter of multiple nations, including Greece, Japan, Israel, the Netherlands and Singapore; as well as being produced under license in the United Kingdom as the AgustaWestland Apache. U.S. AH-64s have served in conflicts in Panama, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Israel has made active use of the Apache in its military conflicts in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, while two coalition allies have deployed their AH-64s in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Contents

Development

Advanced Attack Helicopter

Main article: Advanced Attack Helicopter

Following the cancellation of the AH-56 Cheyenne in 1972, in favor of United States Air Force and Marine Corps projects like the A-10 Thunderbolt II and Harrier, the United States Army sought an aircraft to fill an anti-armor attack role that would still be under Army command;[5][6] the 1948 Key West Agreement forbade the Army from owning fixed-wing aircraft. The Army wanted an aircraft better than the AH-1 Cobra in firepower, performance and range. It would have the maneuverability for terrain following nap-of-the-earth (NoE) flying.[7] To this end, the US Army issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) for an Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH) on 15 November 1972.[8][9] As a sign of the importance of this project, in September 1973 the Army designated their five most important projects, the "Big Five" with AAH included.[10]

Proposals were submitted by Bell, Boeing Vertol/Grumman team, Hughes, Lockheed, and Sikorsky. In July 1973, the U.S. Department of Defense selected finalists Bell and Hughes Aircraft's Toolco Aircraft Division (later Hughes Helicopters). This began the phase 1 of the competition.[11] Each company built prototype helicopters and went through a flight test program. Hughes' Model 77/YAH-64A prototype first flew on 30 September 1975, while Bell's Model 409/YAH-63A prototype first flew on 1 October. After evaluating test results, the Army selected Hughes' YAH-64A over Bell's YAH-63A in 1976. Reasons for selecting the YAH-64A included its more damage tolerant four-blade main rotor and the instability of the YAH-63's tricycle landing gear arrangement.[12][13]

The AH-64A then entered phase 2 of the AAH program. This called for building three pre-production AH-64s, and upgrading the two YAH-64A flight prototypes and the ground test unit up to the same standard.[12] Weapons and sensor systems were integrated and tested during this time, including the laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missile.[14] The missile's development had began in 1974.[15][16][17]

Production history

In 1981, three pre-production AH-64As were handed over to the US Army for Operational Test II. The Army testing was successful, but afterward it was decided to upgrade to the more powerful T700-GE-701 version of engine, rated at 1,690 shp (1,259 kW). The AH-64 was named the Apache in late 1981, keeping with the Army's traditional use of American Indian tribal names for its helicopters and it was approved for full scale production in 1982.[18] In 1983, the first production helicopter was rolled out at Hughes Helicopter's facility at Mesa, Arizona. Hughes Helicopters was purchased by McDonnell Douglas for $470 million in 1984.[19] The helicopter unit later became part of The Boeing Company with the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in August 1997.[20] In 1986, the incremental or flyaway cost for the AH-64A was US$7.03 million and the average unit cost was approximately US$13.9 million based on total costs.[19]

In the mid-1980s, McDonnell Douglas studied an improved "AH-64B" design with an updated cockpit, new fire control system and other upgrades. In 1988 funding was approved for a multi-stage upgrade program to improve sensor and weapon avionic systems and incorporate some digital systems.[21] However, rapidly improving technology led to the upgrade program being cancelled for more ambitious changes. Development of the more advanced AH-64D Apache Longbow was approved by the Defense Acquisition Board in August 1990. The first AH-64D prototype flew on 15 April 1992,[22] testing of the prototypes ended in April 1995; it was reported that they had significantly outperformed the AH-64A.[23][24] On 13 October 1995 full-scale production of the Apache Longbow was approved,[25] and a $1.9 billion five year contract was signed in August 1996 to upgrade and rebuild 232 existing AH-64A Apaches.[26] The first production AH-64D flew on 17 March 1997 and was delivered on 31 March.[27] The cost of the AH-64D program totaled US$11 billion through 2007.[28]

In April 2006, Boeing was awarded a $67.6 million fixed-price contract for the remanufacture of several existing US AH-64As to the AH-64D configuration; between May 2009 and July 2011, a further five contracts were issued to remanufacture batches of AH-64As to the upgraded D variant.[29] Since 2008, nations operating the older AH-64A have been urged to undertake modernization programs to become AH-64Ds, as Boeing and the US Army plans to terminate support for the A-variants in the near future.[30] The Apache's effectiveness against ground forces and in urban warfare operations was bolstered by the addition of the AGM-114N - a Hellfire missile fitted with a thermobaric warhead; the AGM-114N was approved for full production in 2005.[31] The use of thermobaric "enhanced blast" weapons has been a point of controversy.[32]

Design

The AH-64 Apache has a four-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor.[33] The crew sits in tandem, with the pilot sitting behind and above the copilot/gunner.[34] The crew compartment has shielding between the cockpits, such that one crew member can survive hits. The compartment and the rotor blades are designed to sustain a hit from 23-millimeter (0.91 in) rounds. The airframe includes some 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg) of protection against ballistic strikes. The Apache also utilizes a self-sealing fuel system to protect against the loss of fuel caused by ballistic projectiles.[35]

Apache
version		 Engine version Engine power
AH-64A General Electric T700-701 1,696 shp (1,265 kW)
AH-64A+/D General Electric T700-701C 1,890 shp (1,410 kW)
AH-64D Block III General Electric T700-701D 2,000 shp (1,500 kW)
WAH-64D Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 2,100 shp (1,600 kW)

The AH-64 is powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines with high-mounted exhausts on either side of the fuselage.[36][37] Various models of engines have been used on the Apache, those in British service use engines from Rolls-Royce instead of General Electric. In 2004, General Electric Aviation began producing more powerful T700-GE-701D engines, rated at 2,000 shp (1,500 kW) for AH-64Ds.[38]

One of the revolutionary features at the introduction of the Apache was its helmet mounted display, the Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS);[39][40] among other abilities the pilot or gunner can slave the helicopter's 30 mm automatic M230 Chain Gun to his helmet, making the gun track head movements to point at where he looks. The M230E1 can be alternatively fixed to a locked forward firing position, or controlled via the Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS).[41][42]

The AH-64 is designed to endure front-line environments and to operate during the day or night and in adverse weather using avionics,[43] such as the Target Acquisition and Designation System, Pilot Night Vision System (TADS/PNVS), passive infrared countermeasures,[44] GPS, and the IHADSS.[41][43] A newer system that is replacing TADS/PNVS is Arrowhead (MTADS); it is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a contract was made on 17 February 2005 to begin equipping all models of American Apaches.[45]

Mission[33] Hellfire 30 mm
rounds		 Hydra 70 Maximum
speed (knots)		 Rate of climb
(feet/min)		 Endurance
(hours)
Anti-Armor 16 1,200 0 148 990 2.5
Covering Force 8 1,200 38 150 860 2.5
Escort 0 1,200 76 153 800 2.5

The AH-64 is adaptable to numerous different roles within its context as Close Combat Attack (CCA), and has a customizable weapons loadout for the role desired.[33] In addition to the 30-mm M230E1 Chain Gun, the Apache carries a range of external stores on its stub-wing pylons, typically a mixture of AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, and Hydra 70 general-purpose unguided 70 mm (2.76 in) rockets.[46] The Stinger and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and the AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radiation missile were evaluated beginning in the late 1980s.[47][48] The Stinger was initially selected over the AIM-9, but the US Army is considering the Starstreak air-to-air missile instead.[3][47] The stub-wing pylons also have mounting points for use during ground helicopter maintenance; though in case of emergency the mount points can be used for harnessing personnel to the wings during transport.[49] External fuel tanks can also be carried by the pylons to increase range and mission time.[33]

For rapid deployment and transport around the world, six AH-64 Apaches can be safely fitted inside the cargo hold of a USAF Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.[50]

Operational history

United States Army

The U.S. Army formally accepted its first production AH-64A in January 1984 and training of the first pilots began later that year.[51][52] The first operational Apache unit, 7th Battalion, 17th Cavalry Brigade, began training on the AH-64A in April 1986 at Fort Hood, Texas.[53][54] Two operational units with 68 AH-64s first deployed to Europe in September 1987 and took part in large military exercises there.[53][55] The Apache was first used in combat in 1989, during Operation Just Cause, the invasion of Panama. The AH-64 participated in over 240 hours of combat attacking various targets, mostly at night.[56][57] General Carl Stiner, commander of Operation Just Cause, praised the Apache for its precision: "You could fire that Hellfire missile through a window from four miles away at night".[58]

As the Army began fielding the Apache, capabilities such as use of the FLIR for extensive night-flight operations made it clear that the AH-64 was capable of traveling and fighting well beyond the forward line of own troops (FLOT) that previous attack helicopters were normally restricted to.[59] In addition to deep-strike capabilities, it was discovered that the Apache had, not by any intention, been fitted with the same Have Quick UHF radio systems used by the U.S. Air Force; once this was recognized, inter-service coordination and joint operations such as the joint air attack teams (JAAT) were encouraged and inserted into standard training. The Apache operated extensively with CAS aircraft such as the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II and the USMC's McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II, often acting as a target designator so the Apache could conserve its own munitions.[60]

A year after the Panama operation, close to half of all U.S. Apaches were deployed to Saudi Arabia in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.[58] During Operation Desert Storm on 17 January 1991, eight AH-64As guided by four MH-53 Pave Low IIIs destroyed a portion of the Iraqi radar network;[61] the first attack of Desert Storm, an act to allow attack aircraft into Iraq without detection.[62] The Apaches carried an asymmetric load of Hydra 70 flechette rockets, Hellfires, and one auxiliary fuel tank each.[63] During the 100-hour ground war a total of 277 AH-64s took part, destroying over 500 tanks, numerous armored personnel carriers and other Iraqi vehicles.[61][64] One AH-64 was lost in the war, to an RPG hit at close range, the Apache crashed but the crew survived.[65] In order to maintain Apache operations with spare parts and support equipment, during the Gulf War the U.S. Army unofficially grounded all other AH-64s worldwide; additionally Apaches in the war zone flew only one-fifth of the flight-hours the Army had planned for.[66]

The AH-64 played roles in the Balkans during separate conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s.[67][68] During these deployments the Apache encountered problems such as deficiencies in training, night vision equipment, fuel tanks, and survivability.[69][70] Deploying 24 Apaches to a land base in Albania to participate in the Kosovo engagement required 26,000 tons of equipment to be deployed and over 550 C-17 flights, at a cost of $480 million.[71] On 27 April 1999 an Apache crashed during training in Albania due to a failure with the tail rotor,[72] causing the entire fleet in the Balkans to be grounded in December 2000.[73] Major General Dick Cody, commanding officer of the 101st Airborne at the time, wrote a strongly worded memo to the US Army Chief of Staff about the failures in training and equipment.[74] The Washington Post also dedicated an front-page article to the failures in Kosovo, commenting that: "The vaunted helicopters came to symbolise everything wrong with the Army as it enters the 21st century: Its inability to move quickly, its resistance to change, its obsession with casualties, its post-Cold War identity crisis".[75] The Apache did not conduct any combat missions over Kosovo due to fears over the risk of casualties; in addition, none of the pilots were qualified to fly with night vision goggles, preventing nighttime operations.[76]

U.S. Apaches have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 2001.[77] The Apache was the only platform capable of providing accurate close air support (CAS) duties for Operation Anaconda; although they regularly took fire during the intense early fighting, they were kept operational by their ground crews.[78] American AH-64Ds typically flew in Afghanistan and Iraq without the Longbow Radar as there were no armored threats remaining.[79]

The AH-64 took part in invasion of Iraq in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.[80] In one engagement on 24 March 2003, 31 Apaches were damaged, and one Apache was shot down and captured by Iraqi troops near Karbala.[81] The intended attack against an armored brigade of the Iraqi Republican Guard's Medina Division was unsuccessful. The tank crews had set up a "flak trap" amongst terrain and employed their guns to good effect.[82][83] Iraqi officials claimed a farmer with a Brno rifle shot down the Apache,[84] but the farmer denied involvement.[85] The helicopter came down intact, and both the pilot and co-pilot were captured.[82] The AH-64D was destroyed via air strike the following day.[86][87]

Most Apache helicopters that have taken heavy combat damage have been able to continue their missions and return safely.[83] In 2006, an Apache helicopter was downed by a Soviet-made Strela 2 (SA-7) in Iraq. The Apache is typically able to avoid hits by such missiles but in this instance it did not.[88] The coordination of Apaches in the war was discussed by Thomas Adams, who noted the helicopters tended to fight in small teams but had little autonomy to react to local threats and opportunities, requiring lengthy dialogue with command structures in an effort to centrally micromanage each unit.[89]

According to Boeing the U.S. Army Apache fleet has accumulated more than 3 million flight hours since the first prototype aircraft flew in 1975.[90] According to a DOD audit released in May 2011, Boeing had significantly overcharged the U.S. Army on multiple occasions, ranging from 33.3 percent to 177,475 percent for routine spare parts in helicopters like the Apache.[91]

Israel

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) first received AH-64As in 1990,[92] for a total fleet of 42.[93] There was some controversy over the Air Force's choice to purchase Apaches over upgrading existing AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters.[94] In 2000 Israel was interested in acquiring up to 48 Apache AH-64Ds, but US reluctance to share the software source code complicated the prospect.[93] In April 2005, Boeing delivered the first AH-64D to the IAF.[95] In 2009, an arranged sale of six AH-64Ds was reportedly blocked by the Obama Administration (pending interagency review) over concerns the helicopters may pose a threat to civilian Palestinians in Gaza.[96][97] Also, in February 2001 reports emerged the US government was investigating alleged misuse of the Apache and other US military equipment against Palestinian leaders and facilities.[98] The IAF has named the AH-64A Peten (Hebrew: פתן‎, for Cobra[N 1]), and the AH-64D Saraph[92] (שרף, also as "Seraph", Hebrew for flaming angel).[100]

The AH-64A was used frequently during the 1990s to attack and destroy Hezbollah outposts in Lebanon,[101][102][103] attacking in many weather conditions – day and night. On 13 April 1996, during Operation Grapes of Wrath, an Israeli Apache fired two Hellfire missiles at an ambulance in Lebanon, killing six civilians.[104] During the al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000, the IAF used the AH-64 to kill senior Hamas figures, such as Ahmed Yassin and Adnan al-Ghoul, with guided missiles.[105][106] On 24 May 2001, a privately-owned Lebanese-registered Cessna 152 flew into Israeli airspace and was intercepted by two Israeli AH-64s, one of which shot down the Cessna with an AGM-114 Hellfire missile, killing the pilot.[107] On 22 March 2004, an Israeli AH-64 used a Hellfire missile to kill Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin, also killing both his bodyguards and nine bystanders.[108][109] IAF Apaches played a prominent role in the 2006 Lebanon War, launching strikes into Lebanon targeting Hezbollah forces.[110][111]

There have also been accidents involving the Apache helicopter in Israeli service. During the Lebanon War in 2006, two IAF AH-64A helicopters collided, killing one pilot and critically wounding three.[112] In another incident in the conflict an IAF AH-64D crashed due to a malfunction in the main rotor, killing the two crew.[113] In late 2007, the Israeli Air Force put further purchases and deliveries of AH-64Ds on hold during an investigation upon the aircraft's performance envelope.[100] However, Israeli officials have since praised the Apache for its role in Operation Cast Lead in 2008, against Hamas in Gaza.[114]

In June 2010, Israel decided against upgrading their existing AH-64A to the -D configuration, due to budget restrictions.[115] However, in December 2010, the IAF was examining the adoption of a new missile system as a cheaper and lightweight complement to the Hellfire missile, either the American Hydra 70 or the Canadian CRV7.[116] In Britain, there was controversy over British-supplied components being used in IAF Apaches; a Parliamentary report by several MPs stated: "It is regrettable that arms exports to Israel were almost certainly used in Operation Cast Lead".[117]

United Kingdom

Main article: AgustaWestland Apache

The UK operates a modified version of the Apache Longbow initially called the Westland WAH-64 Apache, and is designated Apache AH1 by the British Army. Westland built 67 WAH-64 Apaches under license from Boeing,[118] following a competition between the Eurocopter Tiger and the Apache for the British Army's new Attack Helicopter in 1995.[119][120] Important deviations made by AgustaWestland from the US variants of the Apache include replacing the engines with more powerful Rolls-Royce units,[121] and the addition of a folding blade assembly for naval use;[122] allowing British Apaches to operate from Royal Navy warships and auxiliaries.

The Netherlands

The Dutch government initially showed an interest in acquiring Apache helicopters in the late 1980s, where it stated that it may purchase as many as 52.[123] A competition held in 1994 against the Eurocopter Tiger and the AH-1 SuperCobra led to the Royal Netherlands Air Force ordering 30 AH-64D Apaches in 1995.[124][125][126] Construction for the order started in December 1997, deliveries began in 1999.[127][128] The Apaches of the RNLAF are equipped with the Apache Modular Aircraft Survivability Equipment (AMASE) system. The AMASE is an advanced Electronic Warfare self-protection system against Infra-Red (IR) missile threats.[129][130]

The RNLAF Apaches' first deployment was in 2001 to Djibouti, Africa.[131] They were also deployed alongside US AH-64s in support of NATO peacekeeping forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina.[132] In 2004, six Dutch AH-64s were deployed as part of the Netherlands contribution to Multinational force in Iraq to support the Dutch ground forces.[133] The Apaches performed close combat support and display of force missions, along with providing reconnaissance information to ground forces. In February 2006, the Netherlands contribution to NATO forces in Afghanistan was increased from 600 to 1,400 troops and 6 AH-64s were sent in support.[134]

Shortly after Apaches were deployed to Kabul airport as part of the Netherlands contribution to ISAF, on 10 April 2004 a pair of Dutch Apaches came under light gunfire close to the Afghan capital.[135] On 17 December 2007, a RNLAF Apache flew into powerlines during a night flying exercise in the Netherlands, forcing an emergency landing and causing a lengthy blackout in the region.[136]

Saudi Arabia

In the aftermath of the 1991 Gulf War, in which many US Apaches operated from bases within Saudi territory,[137][138] the government of Saudi Arabia purchased twelve AH-64As for their military.[139][140] Within the Middle East, Israel's own Apache procurements were motivated as a response to the 1992 Saudi purchase.[141] In August 2006, Saudi officials began negotiations to spend as much as $400 million on upgrades to their Apaches, potentially remanufacturing them into a AH-64D Longbow configuration.[142] In September 2008, the US Government consented to the purchase of twelve AH-64Ds requested by Saudi Arabia.[143] In October 2010, Saudi Arabia requested a further 70 AH-64Ds as part of a possible, massive US-Saudi arms deal.[144][145]

In November 2009, the Royal Saudi Air Force, as part of a military effort against insurgent intrusions of the kingdom's border, started using the Apache in Operation Scorched Earth; this involved launched air strikes against Houthi rebels operating inside neighboring Yemen as well.[146][147] In January 2010 the rebels claimed to have shot down an Apache; this was denied by the Saudi military.[148] In late January 2010, the leader of the Shiite rebels announced their withdrawal from Saudi territory, this announcement followed a key battle on 12 January when Saudi forces reportedly took control of the border village of Al Jabiri.[149]

Other and future users

The United Arab Emirates purchased 30 AH-64A helicopters in 1991 and 1994,[150] which they are now upgrading to AH-64D specification.[151] In 2005 Kuwait purchased 16 Longbow helicopters.[152] Egypt also uses the Apache.[153] In September 2003, Greece ordered 12 AH-64D in addition to existing fleet of 20 AH-64A+.[154] Singapore purchased a total of 20 AH-64D Longbow Apache aircraft in two batches between 1999 and 2001;[155] during October 2010 Apache training was suspended following the forced crash-landing of an Apache.[156] Japan has ordered a total of 50 AH-64Ds,[157] which are being built under license by Fuji Heavy Industries, designated AH-64DJP. The first helicopter was delivered to the JGSDF in early 2006.[158]

The Apache Longbow was one of several types that competed for the Indian Air Force order for 22 attack helicopters. Boeing had backed out of the competition in October 2008.[159] But in 2009 the competition was restarted. Boeing submitted an Apache proposal in October 2009.[160][161] In December 2010, India requested the possible sale of 22 AH-64Ds and associated weapons and equipment.[162] In late October 2011, it was reported that the American AH-64D Apache had emerged as the front-runner ahead of the Russian Mi-28N.[163][164]

South Korea showed interest in acquiring Apache attack helicopters, perhaps as early as by 2012.[165] This move may be in response to plans made by the US to withdraw many of their own Apaches from South Korea.[166] As of August 2009 the purchase remains uncertain, due to considerations of alternative aircraft.[167] The Republic of China (Taiwan) reached an agreement with the US to purchase 30 AH-64D Block III Apaches in June 2011.[168]

Variants

AH-64A

The AH-64A is the original production attack helicopter. The crew sit in tandem in an armored compartment. It is powered by two GE T700 turboshaft engines. The A-model was equipped with the -701 engine version until 1990 when the engines were switched to the more powerful -701C version.[169] The Japanese Apache variant is based on the AH-64A.[41] Japan's AH-64DJP can also equipped the AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles for defense.[170][171]

AH-64B

In 1991 after Operation Desert Storm, the AH-64B was a proposed upgrade to 254 AH-64As. The upgrade would have included new rotor blades, a Global Positioning System (GPS), improved navigation systems and new radios. Congress approved US$82 million to begin the Apache B upgrade. The B program was canceled in 1992.[172] The radio, navigation, and GPS modifications, were later installed on most A-model Apaches through other upgrades.

AH-64C

Additional funding from Congress in late 1991 resulted in a program to upgrade AH-64As to an AH-64B+ version. More funding changed the plan to upgrade to AH-64C. The C upgrade would include all changes to be included in the Longbow except for mast-mounted radar and newer -700C engine versions. However, the C designation was dropped after 1993.[173] With AH-64As receiving the newer engine from 1990, 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; thus the decision was made to simply designate both versions AH-64D.[173]

AH-64D

The AH-64D Apache Longbow, is equipped with an advanced sensor suite and a glass cockpit. The main improvement over the A-variant is the dome installed over the main rotor, housing the AN/APG-78 Longbow millimeter-wave Fire Control Radar (FCR) target acquisition system and the Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI).[174][175] The raised position of the radome enables the detection of targets and launching of missiles while the helicopter is behind obstacles (e.g. terrain, trees or buildings). A radio modem integrated with the sensor suite allows data to be shared with other D-models; allowing them to fire on targets detected by a single helicopter.[176]

The aircraft is powered by a pair of uprated T700-GE-701C engines. The forward fuselage was expanded to accommodate new systems to improve crashworthiness, survivability, navigation, and 'tactical internet' communications capabilities. The first of the upgraded Block II Apaches was delivered to the US Army in February 2003. Block II includes upgrades to the digital communications systems.[177]

Block III aircraft include the following upgrades: improved digital connectivity, the joint tactical radio system, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines, an enhanced transmission with new split-torque face gears to accommodate more power, capability to control UAVs, new composite rotor blades, full IFR capability and improved landing gear.[177][178] The new blades, which successfully completed flight testing in May 2004, increased the Apache's cruise speed, climb rate and payload capability.[179] The US Army now plans to field the first Block III equipped unit in November 2012.[180] The Army awarded a contract to begin initial production of Block III helicopters in October 2010.[181] Throughout 2011, AH-64Ds will be upgraded with VNsight low-light television sensors (LLTV), allowing ambient lighting such as street lights, beacons, and headlights to be viewable; which existing thermal imagers cannot do.[182] The first Block III aircraft was delivered November 2, 2011.

Sea Apache

Naval versions of the AH-64A for the United States Marine Corps and Navy were examined from 1984 to 1987.[183][184] The Canadian Forces Maritime Command also examined the prospect of using a modified Apache in naval service.[185] Multiple concepts were studied with altered landing gear arrangements, improved avionics and weapons.[183] Funding for the naval version was not provided, and the Marine Corps has continued to use the AH-1 SuperCobra.[186] The British Army's AgustaWestland Apache went through trials in 2004 onboard HMS Ocean to test its suitability for use. The US expressed interest in these trials.[122]In 2011 the British Army used their Apache to attack targets in Libya flying off HMS Ocean and Royal fleet auxiliary (RFA) vessels.

Export Apaches

Several models have been derived from both AH-64A and AH-64D for export. The British-built AgustaWestland Apache (assembled from kits purchased from Boeing) is based on the AH-64D with several different systems, including more powerful engines and modifications allowing operation from Royal Navy vessels.

Operators

 Egypt
 Greece
 Israel
 Japan
 Kuwait
 Netherlands
 Republic of China (Taiwan)
 Saudi Arabia
 Singapore
 United Arab Emirates
 United Kingdom
 United States

Specifications (AH-64A/D)

Data from Jane's Information Group,[3][41] Bishop[198]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

Avionics

Notable appearances in media

Main article: AH-64 Apache in fiction

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ^ Google translated the Hebrew word "Peten" (פתן) as a noun with 3 choices to chose from: Cobra, Adder and Viper. However, the Hebrew word actually means an Elapidae snake and since the desert Cobra (Walterinnesia aegyptia) is also found in Israel, "Cobra" would be a more fitting name over "Viper". Israel had already used "Tzefa" (צפע), Hebrew for Viper to name their Bell AH-1 Cobras.[99] Donald 2004 states Peten translates to "Viper".[92]
  2. ^ Note the difference between an A-model and a D-model is in the external appearance of the main-rotor hub, A-models are "pointy" while D-models are flat for mounting the Longbow fire-control radar.
Citations
  1. ^ "Boeing Marks 25th Anniversary of Apache First Flight Sept. 30". Boeing. 2 October 2000. http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2000/news_release_001002n.htm. 
  2. ^ Haynes, Mary L. and Cheryl Morai Young, ed. "Department of the Army Historical Summary, FY 1987, Chapter 5: Modernizing and Equipping the Army". Center of Military History, United States Army, 1995.
  3. ^ a b c "Boeing AH-64 Apache". Jane's All the World's Aircraft. Jane's Information Group, 2010. subscription article, 1 February 2010.
  4. ^ "Modernizing the Army’s Rotary-Wing Aviation Fleet". Congressional Budget Office. November 2007. http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/88xx/doc8865/Chapter1.5.1.shtml. 
  5. ^ "Army Cancels Helicopter Contract". Victoria Advocate. 10 August 1972. 
  6. ^ "Army Decides To Scrap Cheyenne Helicopter Gunship". Boca Raton News. 3 September 1972. http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=j8kPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=No0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5294,127450&dq=advanced+attack+helicopter&hl=en. 
  7. ^ Bishop 2005, pp. 5–6.
  8. ^ OAVCSA 1973, p. 10.
  9. ^ "Army Seeking Bids On New Helicopter". New York Times. 16 November 1972. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F0091FFD3D55137B93C4A8178AD95F468785F9. 
  10. ^ "New Army Tactic". Reading Eagle. 11 September 1973. http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=H64hAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hpoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1762,200656&dq=advanced+attack+helicopter&hl=en. 
  11. ^ Bishop 2005, p. 7.
  12. ^ a b Richardson and Peacock 1992, p. 8.
  13. ^ Donald 2004, p. 114.
  14. ^ Bishop 2005, p. 8.
  15. ^ "AGM-114 Hellfire missile". Boeing. http://www.boeing.com/history/bna/hellfire.htm. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
  16. ^ "AGM-114 Hellfire Variants". http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/agm-114-var.htm. Retrieved 27 September 2011. 
  17. ^ "AGM-114 Hellfire Chronology". http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/agm-114-chron.htm. Retrieved 27 September 2011. 
  18. ^ Bishop 2005, pp. 8–9.
  19. ^ a b Donald 2004, p. 119.
  20. ^ Wilson, Cynthia; Dale Singer (13 January 2004). "McDonnell-Boeing Merger". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/special/pd125.nsf/0/0EC17704770E83BF86256E04006C5943?OpenDocument. 
  21. ^ "Helicopter Contract Awarded". Prescott Courier. 17 August 1988. 
  22. ^ Donald 2004, pp. 150–153.
  23. ^ Foote, Sheila (4 April 1995). "DOD Halts Apache Longbow Tests Early". Defense Daily. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-16790134/dod-halts-apache-longbow.html. 
  24. ^ Donald 2004, pp. 156–158.
  25. ^ Foote, Sheila (16 October 1995). "DoD Approves Production Of Longbow Apache Attack Helicopter". Defense Daily. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-17609179/dod-approves-production-longbow.html. 
  26. ^ Caires, Greg (19 August 1996). "Army Inks $1.9 Billion AH-64D Apache Deal". Defense Daily. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-18589330/army-inks-1-9.html. 
  27. ^ Eden, Paul, ed. "Boeing AH-64 Apache". Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
  28. ^ "AH-64D Apache Longbow". Deagel.com. http://www.deagel.com/Combat-Helicopters/AH-64D-Apache-Longbow_a000519003.aspx. Retrieved 28 October 2010. 
  29. ^ "Boeing Remanufactures AH-64A Apaches to AH-64D Block II". defenseindustrydaily.com. 21 July 2011. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/115b-contract-to-remanufacture-129-apaches-to-ah64d-longbow-configuration-02972/. 
  30. ^ Hoyle, Craig (15 October 2008). "Greece urged to commit to Apache upgrade, as air force eyes new utility model". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/10/15/317276/greece-urged-to-commit-to-apache-upgrade-as-air-force-eyes-new-utility.html. 
  31. ^ "US approves full new warhead production". New Zealand Herald. 25 August 2005. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/war/news/article.cfm?c_id=359&objectid=10342403. 
  32. ^ Smith, Michael (22 June 2008). "Army 'vacuum' missile hits Taliban". London: The Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4187835.ece. 
  33. ^ a b c d Hudson, Joel B. (2 April 1997). "Attack Helicopter Operations" (PDF). Department of the Army. p. 166. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/1-112.pdf. 
  34. ^ Donald 2004, pp. 110–11.
  35. ^ Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 16–17.
  36. ^ Donald 2004, pp. 111–112.
  37. ^ "GE Says T700 Operating Well in Gulf". Defense Daily. 20 December 1990. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-9295562/ge-says-t700-operating.html. 
  38. ^ "T700-GE-701D Engine Awarded U.S. Army Qualification". GE Aviation. 4 November 2004. http://www.geae.com/aboutgeae/presscenter/military/military_20041104.html. 
  39. ^ Rash, Clarence E.; Martin, John S. (August 1988). The Impact of the U.S. Army's AH-64 Helmet Mounted Display on Future Aviation Helmet Design. Army Aeromedical Research Lab Fort Rucker. http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA202984. 
  40. ^ Casey, Curtis J. (5 August 2002). Emergence Of Solid State Helmet-Mounted Displays In Military Applications. SPIE. http://spie.org/x648.html?product_id=478896. 
  41. ^ a b c d "Boeing AH-64 Apache". Jane's Information Group. 13 October 2000. Archived from the original on 25 February 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080225163847/http://www.janes.com/defence/air_forces/news/jawa/jawa001013_1_n.shtml. Retrieved 1 April 2010. 
  42. ^ "Boeing To Develop Electric Gun Turret For The AH-64D". Boeing. 5 May 1999. http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990504n.htm. 
  43. ^ a b Harris, Tom. "How Apache Helicopters Work: Apache Sensors". howstuffworks.com. http://science.howstuffworks.com/apache-helicopter5.htm. Retrieved 2 February 2010. 
  44. ^ Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 26–31.
  45. ^ "$262.4M In Arrowheads For Apaches". Defense Daily. 2 May 2005. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2624m-in-arrowheads-for-apaches-0442/. 
  46. ^ Donald 2004, pp. 124–127.
  47. ^ a b c Donald 2004, pp. 134–135.
  48. ^ Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 40–41, 60.
  49. ^ "Helicopter rescue bid for Marine". BBC News. 17 January 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6269613.stm. 
  50. ^ "C-5 Galaxy, United States of America: Lower deck". airforce-technology.com. Net Resources International. http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/c5/. Retrieved 13 October 2011. 
  51. ^ Richardson and Peacock 1992, 14–15.
  52. ^ Apache news 2004, pp. 33–34. Boeing, 2004.
  53. ^ a b Richardson and Peacock 1992, 47–48.
  54. ^ Bernsteein 2005, p. 6.
  55. ^ Donald 2004, p. 121.
  56. ^ Richardson and Peacock 1992, 51–52.
  57. ^ Bishop 2005, pp. 16–17.
  58. ^ a b Bernstein 2005, p. 7.
  59. ^ Williams 2005, pp. 212-213.
  60. ^ Williams 2005, pp. 215-218.
  61. ^ a b Bishop 2005, pp. 17–18.
  62. ^ Donald 2004, pp. 144–145.
  63. ^ Taylor, Thomas. Lightning in the Storm. Hippocrene Books, 2003. ISBN 0-7818-1017-5.
  64. ^ Ference, Edward W. (December 2002). "Case Study of the Development of the Apache Attack Helicopter (AH-64)". Naval Postgraduate School. http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA411790&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf. 
  65. ^ Donald 2004, p. 147.
  66. ^ "High Tech Weapons In Desert Storm: Hype or Reality?". Project on Government Oversight. 1 July 1992. http://www.pogo.org/pogo-files/reports/national-security/high-tech-weapons/ns-puav-19920701.html. 
  67. ^ Bishop 2005, pp. 21–24, 33.
  68. ^ "U.S. Mulls More Copters In Bosnia – The Aircraft Were Requested For U.N. Troop Reinforcement". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. 18 July 1995. http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=JDgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=nHwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5602,3407150&dq=bosnia+apache&hl=en. 
  69. ^ Bowman, Tom (16 July 1999). "Army Hunts For Answers As Apaches Fail In Kosovo; Readiness, Training Faulted As 21st-century Helicopter Stumbles". The Baltimore Sun. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/43251221.html?dids=43251221:43251221&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+16%2C+1999&author=Tom+Bowman&pub=The+Sun&desc=Army+hunts+for+answers+as+Apaches+fail+in+Kosovo%3B+Readiness%2C+training+faulted+as+21st-century+helicopter+stumbles&pqatl=google. 
  70. ^ Thompson, Mark (20 June 1990). "Army Defends Troubled Copter". Spokesman-Review. 
  71. ^ Adams 2006, p. 60.
  72. ^ "Repairs Planned For Army Helicopters". New York Press. 10 November 1999. http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/10/us/repairs-planned-for-army-helicopters.html. 
  73. ^ "Some Apaches To Be Grounded 10 Months". Fayetteville Observer. 11 November 1999. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=FV&p_theme=fv&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F55000022413A5A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 
  74. ^ Anderson, Jon R. (19 December 2000). "Apaches Are Ailing Warriors". European Stars and Stripes. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/man-ac-ah64-001220.htm. 
  75. ^ Adams 2006, p. 61.
  76. ^ Luttwak 2001, pp. 78-80.
  77. ^ Bishop 2005, pp. 33–35.
  78. ^ Bernstein 2005, pp. 16-17.
  79. ^ "Afghan Field Report: British WAH-64Ds". Defense Industry Daily. 26 November 2007. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/afghan-field-report-british-wah-64ds-04289/. 
  80. ^ Bishop 2005, pp. 35–37.
  81. ^ Schechter, Erik (13 June 2003). "Choppers On The Chopping Block?". Jerusalem Post. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/jpost/access/347556641.html?dids=347556641:347556641&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jun+13%2C+2003&author=ERIK+SCHECHTER&pub=Jerusalem+Post&desc=Choppers+on+the+chopping+block%3F&pqatl=google. 
  82. ^ a b "U.S. Apache Pilots Taken Prisoner". CNN. 24 March 2003. http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/03/24/sprj.irq.apache.attack/index.html. 
  83. ^ a b Fred Kaplan (23 April 2003). "Chop The Chopper: The Army's Apache Attack-Helicopter Had A Bad War". Slate. http://www.slate.com/id/2081906/. Retrieved 10 March 2007. 
  84. ^ "A City And Regime Steel For Reckoning To Come". Sydney Morning Herald. 26 March 2003. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/03/25/1048354604384.html. 
  85. ^ "The 'Apache' Farmer's Tale". BBC News. 23 April 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2969471.stm. Retrieved 21 October 2009. 
  86. ^ "Downed Apache Blown Up To Keep Secrets From Iraq". Evening Times. 25 March 2003. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/smgpubs/access/317553631.html?dids=317553631:317553631&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+25%2C+2003&author=&pub=Evening+Times&desc=Downed+Apache+blown+up+to+keep+secrets+from+Iraq&pqatl=google. 
  87. ^ "Downed US Apache Blown Up With Missile". New Straits Times. 26 March 2003. http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=B6otAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UXsFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6692,4605689&dq=apache+blown+up&hl=en. 
  88. ^ "Surface-to-Air Missile Downed U.S. Chopper In Iraq". ABC News. 17 January 2006. http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/International/story?id=1515168. 
  89. ^ Adams 2006, pp. 223-224.
  90. ^ "AH-64D Apache - Overview". Boeing. http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d/docs/AH-64D_overview.pdf. Retrieved 30 July 2011. 
  91. ^ "Excess Inventory and Contract Pricing Problems Jeopardize the Army Contract with Boeing to Support the Corpus Christi Army Depot". U.S. Department of Defense. 3 May 2011. http://www.pogo.org/resources/national-security/dod-ig-report-on-audit-of-boeing-spare-parts-contracts.html. 
  92. ^ a b c d Donald 2004, p. 157.
  93. ^ a b Orme, William A. (3 February 2000). "Israeli Says U.S. Fears Endanger Major Purchase of Apache Copters". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/03/world/israeli-says-us-fears-endanger-major-purchase-of-apache-copters.html. 
  94. ^ Pinkas, Alon (23 March 1994). "IA Experts Criticize Air Force For Preferring Apache Over Upgraded Cobra". Jerusalem Post. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/jpost/access/99880525.html?dids=99880525:99880525&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+23%2C+1994&author=ALON+PINKAS&pub=Jerusalem+Post&desc=IAI+EXPERTS+CRITICIZE+AIR+FORCE+FOR+PREFERRING+APACHE+OVER+UPGRADED+COBRA&pqatl=google. 
  95. ^ "Israel Accepts First AH-64D Apache Longbows". Boeing. 11 April 2005. http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q2/nr_050411n.html. 
  96. ^ Bryen, Shoshana (23 January 2010). "QME, Part II: U.S. Arms Sales To The Arabs, And Will There Be Help For Israel". Right Side News. http://www.rightsidenews.com/201001238339/editorial/qme-part-ii-us-arms-sales-to-the-arabs-and-will-there-be-help-for-israel.html. "Indeed, Israel's request for six AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters was blocked by the Obama Administration in June-the same time the Egyptian sale was approved. U.S. sources reported that the request was undergoing an "interagency review to determine whether additional Longbow helicopters would threaten Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip"" 
  97. ^ "Administration Blocks Helicopters for Israel due to Civilian Casualties in Gaza". World Tribune. 27 May 2009. http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/ss_israel0424_05_27.asp. 
  98. ^ Powers 2002, pp. 11, 49.
  99. ^ Donald 2004, p. 191.
  100. ^ a b Alon, Ben-David (18 October 2007). "Performance Dispute Puts Israeli Apache Buy On Hold". Jane's Information Group. http://www.janes.com/news/defence/air/jdw/jdw071018_2_n.shtml. 
  101. ^ Smolowe, Jill (2 March 1992). "Vengeance Is Mine". TIME. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,974997,00.html. 
  102. ^ Kampeas, Ron (25 July 1993). "Thousands Flee Fleet, Fickle Missiles". Lakeland Ledger. http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=44csAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ygwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6847,4109692&dq=apache+israel&hl=en. 
  103. ^ "Three Killed In Hizbollah, Israeli Retaliatory Attacks". New Straits Times. 24 December 1994. http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=rugVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=nBMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2658,1417177&dq=apache+israel&hl=en. 
  104. ^ Fisk 2005, pp.773–788.
  105. ^ Urquhart, Conal; Gaby Hinsliff (18 April 2004). "Israeli Missile Attack Kills New Hamas Chief". The Guardian (London, UK). http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/apr/18/israel. 
  106. ^ Philps, Alan (24 August 2001). "Second Israeli Rocket Attack Misses Target". The Telegraph (London, UK). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1338432/Second-Israeli-rocket-attack-misses-target.html. 
  107. ^ "Israeli Air Victories". jewishvirtuallibrary.org. 30 August 2004. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/victory.html. 
  108. ^ Whitaker, Brian (23 March 2004). "Assassination method: surveillance drone and a Hellfire missile". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/mar/23/israel6. 
  109. ^ "Al Jazeera English – The Life And Death Of Shaikh Yasin". Web.archive.org. Archived from the original on 16 August 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070816132853/http://english.aljazeera.net/English/archive/archive?ArchiveId=2639. 
  110. ^ Blanford, Nicholas (8 August 2006). "Hezbollah's Hidden Stronghold Sends Death Across The Border". The Times (UK). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article603007.ece. 
  111. ^ Ilsemann, Siegesmund von (31 July 2006). "Israeli's Puzzling Military Strategy". Der Spiegel. http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,429358,00.html. 
  112. ^ "Hezbollah Defies Israeli Pressure". BBC News. 21 July 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/5201696.stm. 
  113. ^ Egozi, Arie (1 August 2006). "Israeli Air Power Falls Short As Offensive In Southern Lebanon Fails To Halt Hezbollah Rocket Attacks". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2006/08/01/208214/israeli-air-power-falls-short-as-offensive-in-southern-lebanon-fails-to-halt-hezbollah-rocket.html. 
  114. ^ Egozi, Arie (27 February 2009). "Israel seeks more Apache attack helicopters". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/27/323199/israel-seeks-more-apache-attack-helicopters.html. 
  115. ^ Egozi, Arie (30 June 2010). "Israel ditches Apache upgrade plan, commits to CH-53K". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/06/30/343883/israel-ditches-apache-upgrade-plan-commits-to-ch-53k.html. 
  116. ^ Katz, Yaajov (31 December 2010). "Rapid-fire rocket system aims to reduce civilian casualties". Jerusalem Post. http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=201665. 
  117. ^ "Ensure Israel arms curbs, say MPs". BBC News. 30 March 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8594402.stm. 
  118. ^ "British Army receives 67th Apache in ceremony held at the Farnborough Airshow 2004". AgustaWestland. 21 July 2004. http://www.agustawestland.com/node/3232. 
  119. ^ Cook, Nick (1 May 1995). "High Noon For Tiger And Apache". Interavia Business & Technology. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-6339513_ITM. 
  120. ^ Flannery, William (14 July 1995). "Mac Lands $3.5 Billion Copter Order – British Buying 67 Antitank Craft". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB0831C4678BE61&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 
  121. ^ "RTM 322". Turbomeca. http://www.turbomeca.com/public/turbomeca_v2/html/en/produits/sous_famille_home.php?sfid=509&mid=615. Retrieved 29 January 2010. 
  122. ^ a b "Apache Moves Closer To Front Line". Navy News. 11 May 2004. http://www.navynews.co.uk/articles/2004/0405/0004051101.asp. 
  123. ^ "McDonnell In Talks With Dutch On Apache Role". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 13 April 1989. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04C18BA24D9D5&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 
  124. ^ "Dutch May Buy McDonnell Copter". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 14 December 1994. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04ED1B579E699&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 
  125. ^ Fitchett, Joseph (13 April 1995). "Ignoring EU Solidarity, The Dutch Opt For U.S. Helicopters". New York Times. 
  126. ^ Flannery, William (8 April 1995). "McDonnell Wins Big Helicopter Contract But Layoffs Are Looming At Commercial Air Arm". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB082FEAB81105D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 
  127. ^ "Work Begins On First Netherlands AH-64D Apache; Production Rates To Pass Three-A-Month In January". Boeing. 23 December 1997. http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1997/news_release_971223n.html. 
  128. ^ "First AH-64D Apache Pilots From The Netherlands Complete Training At Boeing". Boeing. 29 March 1999. http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d/news/1999/news_release_990329n.htm. 
  129. ^ "Aircraft Survivability Equipment". TERMA. July 2004. http://www.terma.com/multimedia/1409_update_0704.pdf. 
  130. ^ "AMASE/DIRCM Pod During Flight Certification Testing in the Netherlands". TERMA. July 2006. http://www.terma.com/multimedia/2509_update_0706_kor4.pdf. 
  131. ^ Strass, Marc (6 March 2002). "Army Conducts First Deployment of AH-64D Apache Longbows To Kuwait". Defense Daily. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_6712/is_43_213/ai_n28901078. 
  132. ^ Atkinson, Rick (4 December 1995). "U.S. Bound for Bosnia By Train, Truck, Air". Washington Post. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/19492342.html?dids=19492342:19492342&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+04%2C+1995&author=Rick+Atkinson&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=U.S.+Bound+for+Bosnia+By+Train%2C+Truck%2C+Air%3B+Military+Tackles+Toughest+Logistics+Since+Gulf&pqatl=google. 
  133. ^ "Six Apaches to Iraq to Boost Security". Government.nl. 24 May 2004. http://www.government.nl/News/Press_releases_and_news_items/2004/May/Six_Apaches_to_Iraq_to_boost_security. 
  134. ^ "More Dutch troops for Afghanistan". BBC News. 3 February 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4673026.stm. 
  135. ^ "Two Peacekeeping Helicopters Fired on in Kabul". CTV News. 10 April 2004. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20040410/dutch_choppers040410/20040410. 
  136. ^ Gravemaker, Anno (18 December 2007). "Dutch Apache Accident Leaves 50,000 Homes Without Power". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/12/18/220380/picture-dutch-apache-accident-leaves-50000-homes-without.html. 
  137. ^ "Apache Copters All Set if Iraqis Make a Move". Eugene Register-Guard. 25 August 1990. http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=DHAVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=meoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6638,5926770&dq=saudi+apache&hl=en. 
  138. ^ Jehl, Douglas (22 January 1991). "Desert Air, Sands Alive With Modern Warriors". Los Angeles Times. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/61018142.html?dids=61018142:61018142&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+22%2C+1991&author=DOUGLAS+JEHL&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Desert+Air%2C+Sands+Alive+With+Modern+Warriors&pqatl=google. 
  139. ^ Koenig, Robert L. (3 June 1992). "Bush Endorses Sale Of Arms To Saudis...McDonnell Douglas Could Benefit from Pact". St Louis Post-Dispatch. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04DADEBA9086A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 
  140. ^ "U.S. Plans $1.8 Billion Saudi Military Sale". Washington Post. 3 June 1992. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/74027664.html?dids=74027664:74027664&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+03%2C+1992&author=&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=U.S.+Plans+%241.8+Billion+Saudi+Military+Sale&pqatl=google. 
  141. ^ Friedman, Thomas L. (15 September 1992). "U.S. and Israel Working Out Deal To Offset Warplane Sale to Saudis". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/15/world/us-and-israel-working-out-deal-to-offset-warplane-sale-to-saudis.html?pagewanted=1. 
  142. ^ "The 2006 Saudi Shopping Spree: $400M to Upgrade AH-64A Apache Helicopters". Defense Industry Daily. 1 August 2006. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-2006-saudi-shopping-spree-400m-to-upgrade-ah64a-apache-helicopters-02484/. 
  143. ^ Shalal-Esa, Andrea (12 September 2008). "US OKs sale of Boeing helicopters to Saudi Arabia". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0932579120080909. 
  144. ^ Lakshman, Narayan (21 October 2010). "Huge U.S.-Saudi arms deal". Chennai, India: The Hindu. http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article841039.ece. 
  145. ^ a b "Saudi Arabia – AH-64D APACHE, UH-60M BLACKHAWK, AH-6i Light Attack, and MD-530F Light Turbine Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 20 October 2010.
  146. ^ "Saudi troops combing Yemen border; security stepped up". BBC News. 20 November 2009. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=BBAB&d_place=BBAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=12C1F686E2F34400&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 
  147. ^ "Saudi Apache gunships prevent incursion by "infiltrators"". Saudi Gazette. 6 December 2009. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=BBAB&d_place=BBAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=12C6E817D6115290&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 
  148. ^ "Saudi Military Operations along the Yemen Border Repel Houthist Incursion". The Jamestown Foundation. 28 January 2010. http://www.jamestown.org/programs/gta/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=35962&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=26&cHash=6f3c9c6c6a. 
  149. ^ "Yemen rebels announce pullout from Saudi land". The Jordan Times. 26 January 2010. http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=23477. 
  150. ^ "US Copters Set For Middle East". Toledo Blade. 4 June 1991. http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=i9QpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JQMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6860,1177677&dq=apache+uae&hl=en. 
  151. ^ "UAE’s 30-Helicopter Apache Upgrade Program Underway". Defense Industry Daily. 10 May 2009. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/uaes-30helicopter-apache-upgrade-program-underway-02551/. 
  152. ^ "Kuwait Runs Apache Longbow Contract To $262.2 M". Defense Industry Daily. 26 August 2005. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/kuwait-runs-apache-longbow-contract-to-2622-m-01086/. 
  153. ^ "$67.6M To Convert US And Foreign AH-64s To AH-64D Apache Longbows". Defense Industry Daily. 7 April 2006. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/676m-to-convert-us-and-foreign-ah64s-to-ah64d-apache-longbows-02119/. 
  154. ^ Fiszer, Michal (1 October 2003). "Greece Buying New Helicopters (12 AH-64D Longbow helicopters)". Journal of Electronic Defense. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-19378901_ITM. 
  155. ^ "Singapore to Purchase 12 Additional Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbows". Boeing. 23 August 2001. http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2001/q3/nr_010823o.htm. 
  156. ^ "Apache training suspended". The Straits Times. 1 October 2010. http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_585343.html. 
  157. ^ a b c d e f Bishop 2005, pp. 40–44.
  158. ^ "Fuji Heavy Industries Delivers First Apache Longbow Helicopter to Japanese Government Under Boeing Licensing Agreement". Boeing. 15 March 2006. http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d/news/2006/q1/060315b_nr.html. 
  159. ^ Govindasamy, Siva (10 October 2008). "Bell, Boeing Quit Indian Attack Helicopter Contest". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/10/10/317257/bell-boeing-quit-indian-attack-helicopter-contest.html. 
  160. ^ "Boeing Submits Proposals To India For Apache And Chinook Helicopters". Boeing. 23 October 2009. http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=897. 
  161. ^ "US government details AH-64D bid for Indian air force contract". Flight International. 4 January 2011. http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-government-details-ah-64d-bid-for-indian-air-force-contract-351434/. 
  162. ^ "India – Support for Direct Commercial Sale of AH-64D Block III APACHE Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 27 December 2010. http://www.dsca.mil/pressreleases/36-b/2010/India_10-62.pdf. Retrieved 28 October 2011. 
  163. ^ Russia loses $600 mln Indian attack helicopter tender
  164. ^ "US likely to bag $1.4bn deal for 22 attack choppers". Times of India, 28 Oct 2011.
  165. ^ Sung-ki, Jung (14 January 2009). "Seoul Seeks To Deploy Apaches In 2012". Korea Times. http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/10/205_37859.html. 
  166. ^ Sung-ki, Jung (8 February 2009). "US May Withdraw More Apache Helos From Korea by 2012". Korea Times. http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/08/113_49464.html. 
  167. ^ "South Korea Dithers Over Apaches". United Press International. 7 August 2009. http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/08/07/South-Korea-dithers-over-Apaches/UPI-46361249661040/. 
  168. ^ Trimble, Stepehen (10 June 2011). "Taiwan buys 30 AH-64 Apaches". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/06/10/357871/taiwan-buys-30-ah-64-apaches.html. 
  169. ^ Bishop 2005, p. 12.
  170. ^ "Apache Stinger Testing in Holding Pattern until Starstreak Integration Finished". Defense Daily. 15 June 2000. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-62774999/apache-stinger-testing-holding.html. 
  171. ^ Taylor, Ed (21 December 2005). "Japan to get first Boeing copter". East Valley Tribune. 
  172. ^ Bishop 2005, p. 10.
  173. ^ a b Donald 2004, p. 153.
  174. ^ "McDonnell-Bell plan Longbow-radar for LHX". Defense Daily. 22 February 1990. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-8202632/mcdonnell-bell-plan-longbow.html. 
  175. ^ Martin, Lockheed. "AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer". http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/12432.pdf. Retrieved 20 July 2011. 
  176. ^ "Helicopter profile: Boeing AH-64 Apache". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/landingpage/apache.html. Retrieved 2 February 2010. 
  177. ^ a b "AH-64A/D Apache Attack Helicopter, USA". army-technology.com. http://www.army-technology.com/projects/apache/. Retrieved 16 February 2008. 
  178. ^ Boeing Press Release, November 2, 2011
  179. ^ "Boeing-Developed Composite Rotor Blade Spins Forward". Boeing, 10 May 2004.
  180. ^ AH-64D Block III (AB3) Development. U.S. Army, 22 March 2010.
  181. ^ Waldron, Greg (26 October 2010). "Boeing gets US Army green light for Apache Block IIIs". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/26/348907/boeing-gets-us-army-green-light-for-apache-block-iiis.html. Retrieved 26 October 2010. 
  182. ^ International Defense Review. Jane's. February 2011. 
  183. ^ a b Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 60–61.
  184. ^ Donald 2004, p. 150.
  185. ^ Curran, Peggy (6 August 1986). "Local firms hope for spin-offs from big naval aircraft project". Montreal Gazette. 
  186. ^ Donald 2004, p. 170.
  187. ^ "AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters for Egypt". Defence Talk. 29 May 2009. http://www.defencetalk.com/sale-ah-64d-apache-longbow-helicopters-egypt-19278/. 
  188. ^ "Egypt Aims to Add AH-64D Block II Attack Helicopters". DefenseIndustryDaily.com. 28 May 2009. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Egypt-Aims-to-Add-AH-64D-Block-II-Attack-Helicopters-05458/. 
  189. ^ a b c d e f g h "World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2011 Aerospace. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2011.
  190. ^ Scramble on the Web – Egyptian Air Force
  191. ^ Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". Flight International, 13–19 December 2011. pp. 26–52.
  192. ^ "Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States – AH-64D Apache Helicopters and Related Weapons". Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). 3 October 2007. http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/Taiwan_08-41.pdf. Retrieved 24 July 2009. 
  193. ^ "Washington to study Taiwan's request for new F-16s". Flight International. 30 June 2009. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/06/30/329008/washington-to-study-taiwans-request-for-new-f-16s.html. 
  194. ^ "AUSA 10: Boeing secures Apache Block III contract". Shepard Group. 26 October 2010. http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/rotorhub/ausa-10-boeing-secures-apache-block-iii-contract/7530/. Retrieved 24 April 2011. 
  195. ^ Royal Saudi Air Force
  196. ^ "SIPRI arms transfer database". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Information generated in 7 December 2011. http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php. Retrieved 7 December 2011. 
  197. ^ Scramble on the Web – United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence
  198. ^ Bishop 2005.
  199. ^ Donald 2004, p. 134.
  200. ^ AN/APG – Equipment Listing. designation-systems.net
Bibliography
  • TM 1-1520-251-10 Technical Manual for Helicopter, Attack, AH-64D Longbow Apache, U.S. Army.
  • Bernstein, Jonathan. AH-64 Apache units of operations: Enduring Freedom an Iraqi Freedom. Oxford : Osprey Publishing, 2005. ISBN 1-84176-848-0.
  • Bishop, Chris. Apache AH-64 Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) 1976–2005. Osprey Publishing, 2005. ISBN 1-84176-816-2.
  • Donald, David. "AH-64A/D Apache and AH-64D Longbow Apache". Modern Battlefield Warplanes. AIRtime Publishing Inc, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-76-5.
  • Fisk, Robert. The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East. Fourth Estate, 2005. ISBN 978-1-4000-7517-1
  • Government Accounting Office. Staff Study: Advanced Attack Helicopter. Washington, D.C.: US Government Accounting Office, 1974.
  • Luttwak, Edward. Strategy: the Logic of War and Peace. Harvard University Press, 2001. ISBN 0-67400-703-4.
  • Office of the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Army (OAVCSA). An Abridged History of the Army Attack Helicopter Program. Washington, DC: Department of the Army. 1973.
  • Powers, Adam. United States Israeli relations. Nova Publishers, 2002. ISBN 1-59033-133-8.
  • Richardson, Doug and Lindsay Peacock. Combat Aircraft: AH-64 Apache. London: Salamander Books, 1992. ISBN 0-86101-675-0.
  • Thomas, Adams K. The Army After Next: The First Postindustrial Army. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. ISBN 0-27598-107-X.
  • Williams, James W. A History of Army Aviation: From its Beginnings to the War on Terror. iUniverse, 2005. ISBN 0-59536-608-2.

External links

Transport rotorcraft
Attack/reconnaissance helicopters

ACH-47A · AH-64/WAH-64 · RAH-66 · MELB/AH-6
McDonnell and McDonnell Douglas military aircraft and spacecraft
Fighters
USAAF/US Air Force

XP-67 · XF-85 · XF-88 · F-101 · F-110 · F-4 · F-15 · F-15E · YF-23
US Navy/USMC

FH · F2H · F3H · F-4 · F/A-18 · F/A-18E/F
Export
Licensed
Attack
US Navy/USMC

A-4M · AV-8B · A-12
Trainers
US Navy
Transports
US Air Force

Model 119 · C-9 · KC-10 · YC-15 · C-17
US Navy

C-9
Licensed
Helicopters
US Army/US Air Force

XH-20 · AH-64
US Navy

XHJH · XHCH · XHRH
Export
Drones (UAVs)
US Navy

KDH
Experimental
US Army/US Air Force
Spacecraft
NASA
US Air Force
Fixed-wing aircraft
Experimental helicopters

XH-17 · XV-9
Civil helicopters

269 · 300 · 500 · 530F
Military helicopters

TH-55 · OH-6 · MH-6 · Defender · AH-64
Communications satellites

Intelsat I · Syncom · TDRS · GOES
Spacecraft
Avionic/Fire Control Systems

Hughes MA-1 · AWG-9 · APG-63 · APG-65
Missile Systems
USAAC/USAAF/USAF/Joint Service Helicopter designations 1941–
Numerical sequence used by USAAC/USAAF/USAF 1941–Present; US Army 1948–1956 and 1962–present; US Navy 1962–present
Main sequence
Prefix R-, 1941–1948
Prefix H-, 1948–1962
H- with a mission prefix 1962–present

R-1 • R-2 • R-3 • R-4 • R-5/H-5 • R-6/H-6 • R-7 • R-8 • R-9/H-9 • R-10/H-10 • R-11/H-11 • R-12/H-12 • R-13/H-13/OH-13/UH-13J • R-14 • R-15/H-15 • R-16/H-16 • H-17 • H-18 • H-19/UH-19 • H-20 • H-21/CH-21 • H-22 • H-23/OH-23 • H-24 • H-25/UH-25 • XH-26 • H-27 • H-28 • H-29 • H-30 • H-31 • H-32 • H-33 • H-34/CH-34 • H-35 • (H-36 not assigned) • H-37/CH-37 • (H-38 not assigned) • XH-39 • H-40 • H-41 • H-42 • H-43/HH-43 • (H-44 and H-45 not assigned) • CH-46/HH-46 • CH-47 • UH-48 • H-49 • QH-50 • XH-51 • HH-52 • CH-53/HH-53/MH-53 • CH-54 • TH-55 • AH-56 • TH-57 • OH-58 • XH-59 • UH-60/SH-60/HH-60 • YUH-61 • XCH-62 • YAH-63 • AH-64 • HH-65 • RAH-66 • TH-67 • MH-68 • (H-69 not assigned) • ARH-70 • VH-71 • UH-72
1962 redesignations
reusing old numbers

AH-1/UH-1 • SH-2/SH-2G • SH-3/CH-3/HH-3 • OH-4 • OH-5 • OH-6/MH-6/AH-6
Lists relating to aviation
General
Military
Accidents/incidents
Records