Apache AH-64

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The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine attack helicopter featuring a tail wheel-type landing gear arrangement, with a tandem cockpit for its two-man crew. Developed by Hughes Helicopters as the Model 77 for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program, it replaced the AH-1 Cobra and was first flown on September 30, 1975. It entered U.S. Army service in April 1986. Equipped with a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems, the Apache is armed with a 30mm M230 Chain Gun between its main landing gear under the forward fuselage. With four hardpoints on stub-wing pylons, it typically carries a mix of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. Its systems redundancy enhances combat survivability. In 1976, the U.S. Army selected the YAH-64 by Hughes Helicopters over Bell's YAH-63. Full production was approved in 1982, with McDonnell Douglas taking over production and development after acquiring Hughes Helicopters in 1984. The first AH-64D Apache Longbow, an upgraded version of the original Apache, was delivered to the Army in March 1997. Boeing Defense, Space & Security continues production, with over 1,000 AH-64s produced so far. The AH-64's primary operator is the U.S. Army; it has become the main attack helicopter for multiple nations like Greece, Japan, Israel, Netherlands, and Singapore. The Apache is also manufactured under license in the UK as AgustaWestland Apache. AH-64s have seen action in Panama, Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq; Israeli forces utilized it in Lebanon and Gaza Strip conflicts, while British and U.S. Apaches were deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq.