Boeing AH-64 Apache.

 

Image source 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/n-bphotography/36570605232/

About aircraft

Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American helicopter. It have tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement. It is twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tandem cockpit for crew of two. For night vision systems and target acquisition, Boeing AH-64 Apache is featured with a nose-mounted sensor suite. Between the main landing gear of Boeing AH-64 Apache, it carry a M230 chain gun of 30mm (1.18 in). To improve combat survivability, Boeing AH-64 Apache has significant systems redundancy. Primarily Boeing AH-64 Apache is operated by U.S Army. Nations like including Greece, Japan, Israel, Netherlands, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates has selected Boeing AH-64 Apache as their primary attack helicopter. 

Some characteristics of Boeing AH-64 Apache

1. It can be operated by two crew. 
2. Its length is 17.73 meters (58 ft 2 in). 
3. Its fuselage length is 15.06 meters (49 ft 5 in). 
4. Its height is 3.87 meters (12 ft 8 in). 
5. Its gross weight is 8006 kilograms (17650 lb). 
6. Its maximum takeoff weight is 10433 kilograms (23000 lb). 
7. Its main rotor diameter is 14.63 meters (48 ft). 

Overview of Boeing AH-64 Apache Design

Boeing AH-64 Apache have main rotor with four blade and a tail rotor with four blade. Seating arrangement in cockpit is such that pilot seats behind and above the copilot. Both the crew can fly aircraft and can operate weapons independently. Two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines powered Boeing AH-64 Apache with an high-mounted exhausts on either side of the fuselage. Crew compartment of cockpit has a shielding due which at least one crew can survive hit. Structural design of Boeing AH-64 Apache main rotor blade is such that it can sustain a hit from 23 mm (0.91 in) rounds.

Performance of Boeing AH-64 Apache

1. Its maximum speed is 293 km/h. 
2. Its cruise speed is 365 km/h. 
3. Its range is 476 km. 
4. Its combat range is 480 km. 
5. Its service ceiling is 6100 m.

Some Highlights of Boeing AH-64 Apache

1. It perform role of attack helicopter. 
2. It is originated from United States. 
3. It is manufactured by Hughes Helicopters (1975–1984), McDonnell Douglas (1984–1997), Boeing Defense, Space & Security (1997–present). 
4. It is primarily used by United States, Israel Air Force, Egypt Air Force, Royal Netherland Air Force. 
5. It have some variants like AH-64A, AH-64B, AH-64C, AH-64D, AH-64E, AH-64F, Compound Apache and Sea Apache. 
6. It have Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS) which enable gun to track movement of helmet to shoot at where they are looking. 
7. It have M230 Chain Gun with 1,200 rounds as part of the Area Weapon Subsystem. 
8. It have Hydra 70 70 mm, CRV7 70 mm, and APKWS 70 mm air-to-ground rockets. 
9. It have  AIM-92 Stinger and Spike missiles.