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 day or night and in adverse weather using the integrated helmet and display sight system.
General Characteristics
- Length: 58.3 ft (17.7 m) with rotors
- Wingspan: 16.3 ft (4.9 m)
- Height: 12.7 ft (3.87 m)
- Weight: 10.5 tons (9,525 kg)
- Speed: 227 mph (365 km/h)
- Range: 300 miles (480 km)
- Crew: 2
- Armament: AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rockets, 30mm chain gun
- Cost: ~US$14.5 million (AH-64A)
Operational Notes
Reports indicate over 80% of craft deployed in Afghanistan (2001–02) were damaged by ground fire. The aircraft requires maintenance in a ratio greater than 2:1 for hours of flight in desert operations.