Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian (1)

The AH-64 Apache was originally developed by Hughes Helicopters for the US Army as an anti-tank attack helicopter. The original AH-64A entered US Army service in 1986 and featured advanced targeting systems, including sensors that were slaved to gunners/pilots' line of sight via their helmets, as was the helicopter's 30mm cannon. The Apache’s main weapon is the laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missile, which is designed to defeat main battle tanks and came to the forefront during the Gulf War, where AH-64As were the first coalition aircraft to enter Iraq to attack early warning radar sites. Further developments of the AH-64 resulted in the new-build AH-64D Apache Longbow which included the AN/APG-78 mast-mounted Longbow Radar, which allowed the Apache to track up to 128 targets and engage the 16 highest threats at once from behind cover using a new radar-guided version of the Hellfire. The most recent version is the AH-64E Guardian, renamed from the AH-64D Block III. The Guardian uses more powerful engines and has the ability to directly control drones, the radar has also seen a significant upgrade and the fuselage/rotors are now capable of being used aboard ships.

Over the past 15 years, the Qatari Emiri Air Force has been steadily modernising its air equipment with the acquisition of a variety of western types. Qatar originally requested to purchase a fleet of 24 AH-64E Apache Guardians from the US during 2012 with an order officially being placed during 2014. Deliveries commenced during 2019 and the final example arrived in Qatar during 2020. The fleet is operated by the 41st and 42nd Squadrons assigned to Flying Wing 4 at Doha International Air Base.

In an operator debut, the Qatari Emiri Air Force will be sending one of the sand-painted AH-64E Apache Guardians for static display at RIAT25 to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apache. The Apache will be arriving in the cargo hold of a Qatari Emiri Air Force C-17A which will also be appearing on static display.

Photo Credit: Stephan de Bruijn