AH-64 Apache

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is the US Army's principal attack helicopter, the successor to the AH-1 Cobra.

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 AH-64A is also equipped with some of the latest avionics and electronics, such as the target acquisition designation sight, pilot night vision system, radar jammer, infrared countermeasures, nap-of-earth navigation, and the global positioning system.

General Characteristics

• Length: 58.3 feet (17.7 m) with rotors
• Wingspan: 16.3 feet (4.9 m)
• Width: 6.5 feet (1.98 m)
• Height: 12.7 feet (3.87 m)
• Weight: 10.5 tons (9525 kg)
• Speed: 227 miles per hour (365 km/h)
• Range: 300 miles (480 km)
• Crew: 2
• Armament: various combinations of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rockets, and 30-mm chain guns.

However, recent reports indicate that the craft is vulnerable - of the craft deployed in Afghanistan in 2001-02 over 80% were badly damaged by ground fire.

An additional problem is that when firing the Hellfire missiles fragments can fly into the rotors, damaging them. To combat this the pilots have been told to fire missiles only from the right-side pylon.

The craft have also proved themselves unsuitable for desert operations, they require repair and maintenance in a ratio greater than 2:1 for hours of flight.