The Ah 64 Apache Helicopter

Provides an in-depth look at the AH-64 Apache helicopter, with detailed cross-section diagrams, photographs, and additional facts and information.

A series about the most sophisticated and up-to-date military weaponry explained in vivid detail. Highlighting the profiles and uses of these weapons, reluctant teen readers will learn much about military technology.

Discusses the AH-64 Apache helicopter, its uses, engines, weapons, and future in the U.S. Air Force.

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter developed in the United States of America since the early seventies. Use a main rotor and one tail, both with four blades. The helicopter is designed as a twin-engine two-seater in tandem, for use in anti-tank missions, assault, escort and fighter anti-helicopter, to be carried out in all weather conditions and light. The main armament consists of an automatic cannon M230 chain gun caliber 30 mm. It can be equipped with a combination of anti-tank missiles, rockets and air-to-air attached to the side flaps. The Apache is the primary attack helicopter of the US Army and the successor to the Bell AH-1 Cobra. It was designed by Hughes Helicopters to meet the requirements of the program "Helicopter Attack Advanced" (AAH) launched by the US Army in 1972. Later, the McDonnell Douglas acquired Hughes Helicopters and continued the development of the AH-64, AH-64D Apache getting the Longbow. After various corporate events, the project was awarded to Boeing Defense, Space & Security that continued production for the US requirements and for export to other countries. Apaches saw the first operational deployment in battle during the commitment of the US Army during the invasion of Panama in 1989. Other uses of war helicopter from the US Army were the 1991 Gulf War, the Kosovo war in 1999, the war in Afghanistan in 2001 and the war in Iraq 2003. The AH-64 Israelis have participated in all major military operations in his country since the nineties.

For use in schools and libraries only. Provides general information about helicopters and specific facts about the features and operation of the Apache helicopter.

Developed and deployed in a short time due to the pressure of the Vietnam War, Bell s AH-1 Cobra performed well; but Army planners believed a better attack helicopter would be needed in the next war. In 1976, Hughes Helicopter s YAH-64A prototype bested the Cobra in firepower, performance and range, and won the competition to replace it. It would be 1982 before production commenced, but eventually over 1100 would be produced including the advanced AH-64D Apache Longbow. Dubbed the Apache, the AH-64 is a four- blade, twin-engine, tandem-cockpit design with tailwheel landing gear. The AH-64 features double and triple-rendundant systems that ensure maximum survivability in combat, and an awesome array of weapons that can include Hellfire missiles and a 30mm M230 Chain Gun that can be slaved to the pilot s head movements via a helmet mounted display (IHADSS). The Apache first saw combat during the invasion of Panama in 1989, and conducted the first attack of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying into Iraq to destroy enemy radar systems. AH-64s are credited with destroying over 500 tanks during that conflict. They continued their service in Bosnia and Kosovo, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The AH-64 is now also deployed by the United Kingdom, Israel, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Japan and other air forces worldwide. Created by the Army for the AH-64A version of the Apache, this unclassified pilot s flight manual runs over 600 pages, and contains chapters about aircraft systems and procedures. It is reprinted here in its entirety."

Photographic discussion of the development and structure of the combat helicopter McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache, the U.S. Army's tank killer.