Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian (2)

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 crews’ 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.

The Apache was originally developed for the US Army and entered full-scale production in 1982. The US Army intend to eventually operate 812 AH-64E variants which are a mixture of remanufactured AH-64Ds and new build airframes.

Currently based in Europe, the 12 Combat Aviation Brigade will be sending one of their AH-64 Apache Guardians for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo as part of our gathering of Apaches to celebrate 50 years of the type.

Photo Credit: US DOD