AH-64 Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter
The AH-64D Longbow Apache Attack Helicopter is a two-engine, four-bladed, tandem seat, attack helicopter, armed with a 30mm cannon, 2.75 in. rockets, and Hellfire missiles, the Army heavy attack helicopter. It is capable of conducting the full spectrum of operations from stability and support to major combat in warfare. It conducts the missions of armed reconnaissance, close combat, mobile strike, and vertical maneuver when required in day, night, obscured battlefield and adverse weather conditions, in support of the joint/combined arms commander's scheme of maneuver. It is equipped with a target acquisition designation sight (TADS), laser range finder/designator (LRF/D), and a pilot night vision sensor (PNVS) that allow the two-man crew to navigate and attack at night and in adverse weather conditions at extended standoff ranges. The Apache has a full range of aircraft survivability equipment and can withstand hits from rounds as large 23 millimeters in critical areas.
AH-64D Longbow Apache Block III
Early model AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopters had upgraded engines but did not have the AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar. With the addition of the radar, the "Longbow" designation was added to the name. The first Apache Longbow unit also became the first to field the Interactive Electronic Technical Manual, a revolutionary Class IV computerized data storage system that enables multiple fault troubleshooting, configuration management, and eliminates the need for paper technical manuals. U.S. Army AH-64D Apache Longbows flew in combat for the first time during Operation Iraqi Freedom in early 2003.
The AH-64D Longbow Block III addresses the critical capability gaps in the areas of aircraft performance, digital interoperability, operations & support, multi-spectral sensors, and cognitive decision aiding. These capability gaps are being addressed through the incorporation of hardware and software technology insertions into the aircraft. The Army will initially re-manufacture its Block I Longbow Apaches into the Block III configuration, followed by its Block II Longbow Apaches. The first deliveries of Block III will be in 2010, with the first unit equipped in 2011.
AH-64D Block III is a network centric, multi-role weapon system, fully interoperable with joint, current, and future force systems. It is linked to joint and combined arms air/ground maneuver teams via Open System Architecture and advanced, line-of-sight/beyond-line-of-sight, voice and digital communications. It operates in support of Brigade Combat Teams to enable the air-ground synergy required for armed reconnaissance, mobile strike, close combat, and vertical maneuver missions in the contemporary operating environment. Additionally, Block III conducts shaping operations, enables precision engagement, and provides actionable combat information. It will be more deployable and sustainable due to enhanced reliability, improved diagnostics, and reduced logistical footprint and tail.
AH-64 Longbow Apache Attack Helicopter Specifications and Performance
| AH-64A | AH-64D | |
|---|---|---|
| Rotor diameter | 48 ft. | 48 ft. |
| Length | 58 ft. 4 in. | 58 ft. 4 in. |
| Height | 15 ft. 3 in. | 13 ft. 4 in. |
| Weight | 21,000 lb. loaded | 23,000 lb. loaded |
| Armament | M230 30mm chain gun, Hellfire, Sidewinder & other missiles | Same |
| Engines | Two 1,690shp T700-GE-701 | Two 1,890shp T700-GE-701C |
| Maximum speed | 227 mph | 227 mph |
| Cruise speed | 165 mph | 165 mph |
| Combat radius * | 300 mi. max | 300 mi. max |
| Service ceiling | 21,000 ft. | 21,000 ft. |
* Range is affected by armament.
AH-64A Apache helicopter is winched down the ramp of a National Guard C-5 Galaxy at Eielson Air Force Base, AK, 6 February 1998.
AH-64A of the Arizona Army National Guard 1-285th Attack Helicopter Battalion.
AH-64D of the Arizona Army National Guard 1-285th Attack Helicopter Battalion.
Flight line of AH-64D Longbow Apache Attack Helicopters.
AH-64D Apache Longbow maiden flight, Mesa, AZ, 17 March 1997.
A pair of AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopters from 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment (Fort Campbell, KY) returning from a combat mission to Forward Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, 22 October 2005.
