AH-64 Apache Helicopter: The US Army’s “Flying Tank”

Photo Credit: Tom Stoddart / Getty Images
Photo Credit: Tom Stoddart / Getty Images

The Boeing AH-60 Apache helicopter is by far one of the most advanced aircraft produced today. The twin-turboshaft attack helicopter has seen use in numerous combat situations, from the Gulf War to the Iraq War, and is known for its abilities on the frontline.

It features a nose-mounted sensor for target acquisition, night vision systems, a tailwheel-type landing gear, a four-blade main rotor, and a four-blade tail rotor. It’s powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines, with high-mounted exhausts on each side of the fuselage. The cockpit allows for two crew members – pilot and gunner – who are able to fly the aircraft and operate its weaponry.

This ensures the AH-60 Apache helicopter can perform its duties, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.

AH-64 Apache helicopter parked on the tarmac
AH-64D Apache Longbow assigned to 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB) prepares for flight on Fort Wainwright, Alaska, November 2018. (Photo Credit: CW2 Cameron Roxberry / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

The Apache’s prototype experienced its maiden flight on September 30, 1975, and was approved for production in 1982. It entered service in 1986, seeing combat three years later. According to Boeing, there are more than 1,200 in operation across the world. Together they’ve accumulated over four million flight hours, 1.3 million of which have been in combat.

The models used by the US Army are the AH-64D Longbow and the AH-64E. It is the most advanced, incorporating the latest navigation, sensor, communications, and weapons systems. Among its upgrades are the Improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision System (MTADS/PNVS) and an updated Small Tactical Terminal radio that allows for communication in joint environments.

AH-64 Apache helicopter in flight
Apache helicopter hovers over Baghdad’s restive Haifa street district, January 2007. (Photo Credit: ALI YUSSEF / AFP / Getty Images)

Now that we’ve reviewed the basics, here are some facts about the AH-64 Apache helicopter.

AH-64 Apache helicopters can operate at sea

While the majority of helicopters can’t operate at sea, the Apache can, thanks to its Fire Control Radar. It serves a purpose in these situations by working with US Navy transport craft and aircraft carriers.

Pilot standing in front of an AH-64 Apache helicopter on the tarmac
A pilot with an Apache helicopter at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. (Photo Credit: Danny Lawson – PA Images / Getty Images)

The aircraft’s ability to operate at sea makes it integral for both the Army and Navy, as it can be transported and used in practically any environment. This cooperation between the services is crucial and aids in the US military’s often-used “force projection” – the ability to deploy and sustain armed forces outside of its borders.

It’s nicknamed the “flying tank”

Due to its armor and weaponry, the AH-64 Apache helicopter is nicknamed the “flying tank.” It’s equipped with an automatic 30 mm cannon M230A1 Hughes Chain Gun, along with AGM-114 Hellfire II anti-armor missiles and Hydra-70 2.75-inch rockets. The M230 is carried between the main landing gear, while the other armaments are mounted on 5-meter-long wings.

US Army soldier inspecting armaments
US Army soldier inspects an Apache helicopter weapon system at the airport of Skopje, June 1999. (Photo Credit: HECTOR MATA / AFP / Getty Images)

Along with its night-vision sensor and fire control radar, it also has as thick outer armor that can withstand most enemy fire. It’s made from composite boron-kevlar armor plates and blast shields that protect crew members and onboard systems.

Not all AH-64 Apache helicopters are produced in America

While the AH-64 Apache helicopter was developed in the US by Hughes Helicopters, McDonnell Douglas and Boeing, the aircraft has been produced elsewhere. For example, Westmoreland Helicopters in the UK produces a modified version of the AH-64 Longbow – the AgustaWestland Apache – for the British Army at its factory in Somerset.

In Japan, AH-64D Apaches, designated “AH-64DJP.” were built under license by Fuji Heavy Industries. The initial order was for 50 helicopters, the first of which was delivered to the country’s military in 2006. However, production was stopped after 13 were delivered, due to costs.

WAH-64D Apache helicopter flying in front of a wall of fire
British Army Air Corps WAH-64D Apache in front of a wall of fire. (Photo Credit: Jason Wells / Loop Images / Universal Images Group / Getty Images)

The majority of countries have simply  opted to purchase Apaches from the US.

It might be the most difficult aircraft to pilot

The majority of military aircraft are difficult to master, and the AH-64 Apache helicopter is considered one of the hardest. In his book, Apache, Ed Macy, a former pilot with the British Army Air Corps, revealed that the flying tank requires talent and skill to successfully fly.

AH-64 Apache parked on the tarmac
AH-64 Apache helicopter is parked on the tarmac at Shape Airfield at Chievres Air Base in Belgium, October 2017. The 1st Cavalry Brigade made a refueling stop at the base on its way to a nine-month rotation in Illesheim, Germany to support Operation Atlantic Resolve and other training missions across Europe. (Photo Credit: JOHN THYS / AFP / Getty Images)

“Flying an Apache almost always meant both hands and feet doing four different things at once,” he wrote. “Even our eyes had to learn how to work independently of each other. A monocle sat permanently over our right iris. A dozen different instrument readings from around the cockpit were projected into it.

“At the flick of a button, a range of other images could also be superimposed underneath the green glow of the instrument symbology, replicating the TADS’ or PBVS’ camera images and the London Radars’ targets.”

Female Apache pilots have set the standard

Prior to the 1990s, it was rare to see a female pilot at the helm of an attack helicopter. Since December 1993, women have made important and noteworthy contributions as AH-64 Apache pilots. The first woman to operate a flying tank was Gwen Schallow, who after her combat service in Bosnia helped implement advanced weapons systems.

AH-64 Apache in flight
AH-64 Apache helicopter provides air support for US Army soldiers from the Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, and Iraqi army soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Division, during a raid in FOB (Forward Observation Base) Remagen, Iraq, February 2006. (Photo Credit: Petty Officer 3rd Class Shawn Hussong, U.S. Navy / Department of Defense / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

Another notable female pilot is Angela Williams, the first African-American woman to pilot an Apache. Taking the helm in 2000, she wasn’t concerned about being the first Black female to fly the aircraft – she just cared about getting the job done. Speaking with WKRG in 2017, she said doesn’t consider herself a pioneer, but hopes her story can inspire others.

“[Oftentimes] people ask me how does it feel to be the first African-American female pilot,” she said. “My response is always the same, I don’t know any way to feel but like me. I saw a goal that I set for myself and I said nobody’s going to stop me from achieving it. So I don’t know any other way to feel but like me.”

The Apache is one of the most successful attack helicopters in history

The AH-64 Apache is considered one of – if not the – most successful attack helicopters ever developed. Its design has enabled it to dominate the majority of battlefield conditions; its armor can sustain a hit from 23 mm rounds, while the rotor blades are designed to continue flying when damaged. As well, the space between the engines reduces the chance that both can be hit and lost.

AH-64 Apache helicopter in flight
AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter assigned to 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB) in flight over an Alaskan mountain range near Fort Wainwright, Alaska, June 2019. (Photo Credit: CW2 Cameron Roxberry / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

While maneuvering and agility are among the helicopter’s most notable features, a unique helmet design and cockpit sensors mean it’s easy to aim the M230. The gun aims where the operator looks. This frees up crew members to complete other tasks and further lends itself to the Apache’s accuracy and speed.

Hundreds are set to enter retirement

In 2020, the US Army announced it was retiring its aging AH-64D Apache helicopters. It is currently working with contractors to disassemble hundreds of deteriorating aircraft.

Three AH-64 Apache helicopters in flight at sunset
Photo Credit: U.S. Army / Getty Images

The Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) will be the go-to attack helicopter by 2030, despite it being touted as a light-attack reconnaissance craft. The remaining Apache helicopters will be upgraded to the AH-64E variant, sustaining the fleet through to 2040.

Clare Fitzgerald

Clare Fitzgerald is a Writer and Editor with eight years of experience in the online content sphere. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from King’s University College at Western University, her portfolio includes coverage of digital media, current affairs, history and true crime.

Among her accomplishments are being the Founder of the true crime blog, Stories of the Unsolved, which garners between 400,000 and 500,000 views annually, and a contributor for John Lordan’s Seriously Mysterious podcast. Prior to its hiatus, she also served as the Head of Content for UK YouTube publication, TenEighty Magazine.

In her spare time, Clare likes to play Pokemon GO and re-watch Heartland over and over (and over) again. She’ll also rave about her three Maltese dogs whenever she gets the chance.

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