Editing Boeing AH-64 Apache (section)

==Design==
===Overview===
{|class="wikitable floatright"
! Apache <br />version !! Engine version !! Engine power
|-
| AH-64A+/D<ref>US Army TM 1-1520-251-10 Operator's Manual for Helicopter, Attack, AH-64D Longbow Apache, dated 29 March 2002 pp. 2-31 to 2-36.</ref> || [[General Electric T700|General Electric T700-701]] || {{convert|1696|shp|abbr=on|lk=in}}<ref name="Bishop_p8-9"/>
|-
| AH-64A+/D || General Electric T700-701C || {{convert|1890|shp|abbr=on}}<ref>[http://www.geaviation.com/engines/military/t700/t700-701c.html "Model T700-701C"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217231053/http://www.geaviation.com/engines/military/t700/t700-701c.html |date=17 December 2013}}. GE Aviation</ref>
|-
| AH-64E || General Electric T700-701D || {{convert|1994|shp|abbr=on}}<ref>[http://www.geaviation.com/engines/military/t700/t700-701d.html "Model T700-701D"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217231213/http://www.geaviation.com/engines/military/t700/t700-701d.html |date=17 December 2013}}. GE Aviation</ref>
|-
| WAH-64D || [[Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322]] ||{{convert|2100|shp|abbr=on}}<ref>[http://www.safran-helicopter-engines.com/helicopter-engines/over-2000-shp/rtm322 "RTM 322"]. Turbomeca</ref>
|}

The AH-64 Apache has a four-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor.<ref name=dep_of_army>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/1-112.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/1-112.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Attack Helicopter Operations |first=Joel B. |last=Hudson |date=2 April 1997 |publisher=Department of the Army |page=166}}</ref> The crew sits in tandem, with the pilot sitting behind and above the co-pilot/gunner.<ref name=Donald_p110>Donald 2004, pp. 110–11.</ref> Both crew members are capable of flying the aircraft and performing methods of weapon engagements independently.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Apache Helicopters Work |date=2 April 2002 |url=http://science.howstuffworks.com/apache-helicopter4.htm |publisher=HowStuffWorks |access-date=10 October 2013}}</ref> The AH-64 is powered by two [[General Electric T700]] [[turboshaft]] engines with high-mounted exhausts on either side of the fuselage.<ref name="Donald_p111-2">Donald 2004, pp. 111–112.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-9295562/ge-says-t700-operating.html |title=GE Says T700 Operating Well in Gulf |work=Defense Daily |date=20 December 1990 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719035126/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-9295562/ge-says-t700-operating.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 July 2012}}</ref> Various models of engines have been used on the Apache; those in British service use engines from [[Rolls-Royce plc|Rolls-Royce]]. In 2004, [[GE Aviation|General Electric Aviation]] began producing more powerful T700-GE-701D engines, rated at {{convert|2000|shp|kW|abbr=on}} for AH-64Ds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geae.com/aboutgeae/presscenter/military/military_20041104.html |title=T700-GE-701D Engine Awarded U.S. Army Qualification |publisher=GE Aviation |date=4 November 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121080711/http://www.geae.com/aboutgeae/presscenter/military/military_20041104.html |archive-date=21 November 2008}}</ref>

The crew compartment and rotor blades are designed to sustain a hit from [[23×152mm|{{convert|23|mm|in|abbr=on|2}}]] rounds. The airframe includes some {{convert|2500|lb|kg|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} of protection and has a [[Self-sealing fuel tank|self-sealing fuel system]] to protect against [[List of rifle cartridges|ballistic projectiles]].<ref>Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 16–17.</ref> The crew compartment also incorporates a transparent blast shield between the pilot and gunner seats so that at least one crew member can survive in the event of a direct hit, but the canopy and windows are otherwise unrated against ballistic threats.<ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing AH-64 Apache windshields, windows, canopy and blast barrier |url=https://www.ppgaerospace.com/getmedia/9a556385-c535-491c-bbce-e332a8ca63bf/boeing_apache_-AH64-12021Final.pdf?ext=.pdf |website=ppgaerospace.com |publisher=PPG Aerospace}}</ref>

The aircraft was designed to meet the [[crashworthiness]] requirements of MIL-STD-1290,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bellhelicopter.com/MungoBlobs/815/470/HelicopterSafetyHistory.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418061005/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/MungoBlobs/815/470/HelicopterSafetyHistory.pdf |url-status=dead |title=The History of Helicopter Safety |archive-date=18 April 2013}}</ref> which specifies minimum requirement for crash impact energy attenuation to minimize crew injuries and fatalities. This was achieved through incorporation of increased structural strength, crashworthy landing gear, seats and fuel system.

On a standard day, when temperatures are 59&nbsp;°F (15&nbsp;°C), the AH-64 has a vertical rate of climb of 1,775 feet per minute (541 m/min), and a service ceiling of 21,000 feet (6,400 m).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/ah-64.htm |title=AH-64 Apache – Military Aircraft |website=fas.org |access-date=22 June 2016}}</ref> However, on a hot day, when temperatures are 70&nbsp;°F (21&nbsp;°C), its vertical rate of climb is reduced to 1,595 fpm (486 m/min), and service ceiling is reduced to 19,400 feet (5,900 m) due to less dense air.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/boeing_ah64d_longbow.htm |title=Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache Attack Helicopter |website=military-today.com |access-date=22 June 2016 |archive-date=9 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609093342/http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/boeing_ah64d_longbow.htm |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

===Avionics and targeting===
[[File:De cockpit van de schutter voorin een Boeing AH-64D Apache (2156 023657).jpg|thumb|right|The gunner's position in the AH-64D Longbow Apache]]

One of the revolutionary features of the Apache was its [[Helmet mounted display#Integrated Helmet And Display Sight System (IHADSS)|helmet mounted display]], the Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS);<ref>{{cite report |url=http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA202984 |title=The Impact of the U.S. Army's AH-64 Helmet Mounted Display on Future Aviation Helmet Design |publisher=Army Aeromedical Research Lab Fort Rucker |first=Clarence E. |last=Rash |author2=Martin, John S. |date=August 1988 |access-date=31 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227062116/http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA202984 |archive-date=27 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://spie.org/x648.html?product_id=478896 |title=Emergence of Solid State Helmet-Mounted Displays in Military Applications |journal=Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays VII |volume=4711 |pages=28–32 |publisher=SPIE |first=Curtis J. |last=Casey |editor-first1=Clarence E. |editor-first2=Colin E. |editor-last1=Rash |editor-last2=Reese |date=5 August 2002|bibcode=2002SPIE.4711...28C |doi=10.1117/12.478896|s2cid=110336810 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> among its capabilities, either the pilot or gunner can [[Master/slave (technology)|slave]] the helicopter's 30&nbsp;mm automatic M230 Chain Gun to their helmet, making the gun track head movements to point where they look. The M230E1 can be alternatively fixed to a locked forward firing position, or controlled via the [[Target Acquisition and Designation Sights, Pilot Night Vision System|Target Acquisition and Designation System]] (TADS).<ref name=Janes_AWA_2000>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/defence/air_forces/news/jawa/jawa001013_1_n.shtml |title=Boeing AH-64 Apache |publisher=Jane's Information Group |date=13 October 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225163847/http://www.janes.com/defence/air_forces/news/jawa/jawa001013_1_n.shtml |archive-date=25 February 2008 |access-date=1 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990504n.htm |title=Boeing To Develop Electric Gun Turret for the AH-64D |publisher=Boeing |date=5 May 1999 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701003336/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990504n.htm |archive-date=1 July 2013}}</ref> On more modern AH-64s, the TADS/PNVS has been replaced by [[Lockheed Martin]]'s [[Apache Arrowhead|Arrowhead]] (MTADS) targeting system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2624m-in-arrowheads-for-apaches-0442/ |title=$262.4M in Arrowheads For Apaches |website=Defense Daily |date=2 May 2005}}</ref>

U.S. Army engagement training is performed under the Aerial Weapons Scoring System Integration with Longbow Apache Tactical Engagement Simulation System (AWSS-LBA TESS), using live 30&nbsp;mm and rocket ammunition as well as simulated Hellfire missiles. The [[Smart Onboard Data Interface Module]] (SMODIM) transmits Apache data to an AWSS ground station for gunnery evaluation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peostri.army.mil/PRODUCTS/AWSS-LBA-TESS/home.jsp |title=PEO STRI AWSS LBA TESS |publisher=PEO STRI |access-date=20 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320202151/http://www.peostri.army.mil/PRODUCTS/AWSS-LBA-TESS/home.jsp |archive-date=20 March 2014}}</ref> The AH-64's standard of performance for [[aerial gunnery]] is to achieve at least 1 hit for every 30 shots fired at a wheeled vehicle at a range of {{convert|800|–|1200|m|yd|abbr=on}}.<ref name=heligun1>[http://www.dodsbir.net/sitis/display_topic.asp?Bookmark=42650 "ASP Motion Base for Stabilized Mounts"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708201653/http://www.dodsbir.net/sitis/display_topic.asp?Bookmark=42650 |date=8 July 2013}}. [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] [[Small Business Innovation Research]]. Retrieved June 2012.</ref>

[[File:Female Apache Pilot MOD 45151297.jpg|thumb|left|British Apache pilot with IHADSS]]
The AH-64 was designed to perform in front-line environments, and to operate at night or day and during adverse weather conditions,<ref name=Harris>{{cite web |url=http://science.howstuffworks.com/apache-helicopter5.htm |title=How Apache Helicopters Work: Apache Sensors |publisher=howstuffworks.com |first=Tom |last=Harris |date=2 April 2002 |access-date=2 February 2010}}</ref> thanks to systems including the [[Target Acquisition and Designation System, Pilot Night Vision System]] (TADS/PNVS), passive [[infrared countermeasure]]s,<ref>Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 26–31.</ref> [[Global Positioning System|GPS]], and the IHADSS.<ref name=Janes_AWA_2000 /><ref name=Harris /> Longbow-equipped Apaches can locate up to 256 targets simultaneously within {{convert|50|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="koreatimes26jan16">[https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/01/205_196370.html Apache Guardian set to deploy on May] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304174602/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/01/205_196370.html |date=4 March 2016}} – Koreatimes.co.kr, 26 January 2016</ref> In August 2012, 24 U.S. Army AH-64Ds were equipped with the Ground Fire Acquisition System (GFAS), which detects and targets ground-based weapons fire sources in all-light conditions and with a 120° [[visual field]]. The GFAS consists of two [[targeting pod|sensor pods]] working with the AH-64's other sensors, and a [[thermographic camera]] that precisely locates muzzle flashes.<ref>[http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/afghan-debut-for-apache-ground-fire-system.html Ground Fire Acquisition System] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028221156/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/afghan-debut-for-apache-ground-fire-system.html |date=28 October 2012}} – Armedforces-int.com, 26 October 2012.</ref>

In 2014, it was announced that new targeting and surveillance sensors were under development to provide high-resolution color imagery to crews, replacing older low definition black-and-white imaging systems.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-army-apaches-lockheed-idUSBREA1I14220140219 |title=Lockheed tech lets U.S. Apache helicopter pilots aim in color |newspaper=Reuters |date=19 February 2014 |access-date=9 February 2019|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref> Lockheed received the first contract in January 2016, upgrading the Arrowhead turret to provide higher-resolution color imaging with longer ranges and a wider field of view.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/lockheed-secures-first-order-for-apache-day-sensor-k-420607/ |title=Lockheed secures first order for Apache day sensor kits |first=James |last=Drew |date=7 January 2016 |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=9 February 2019}}</ref> In 2014, the U.S. Army was adapting its Apaches for increased maritime performance as part of the Pentagon's rebalance to the Pacific. Additional avionics and sensor improvements includes an extended-range radar capable of detecting small ships in littoral environments, software adaptions to handle maritime targets, and adding [[Link 16]] data-links for better communications with friendly assets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2014/10/13/army-configures-apaches-for-sea-duty |title=Army Configures Apaches for Sea Duty |date=13 October 2014 |website=Military.com |access-date=9 February 2019}}</ref>

===Armament and configurations===
{|class="wikitable floatright" style="text-align:right;"
! Mission<ref name=dep_of_army/> !! [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire]] !! [[M230 Chain Gun|30 mm]] <br />rounds !! [[Hydra 70]] !! Maximum <br />speed <br />(knots) !! Rate of <br />climb <br />(ft/min) !! Endurance <br />(hours)
|-
| [[Anti-tank warfare|Anti-Armor]] || 16 || 1,200 || 0 || 148 || 990 || 2.5
|-
| Covering Force || 8 || 1,200 || 38 || 150 || 860 || 2.5
|-
| [[Escort fighter|Escort]] || 0 || 1,200 || 76 || 153 || 800 || 2.5
|}

The AH-64 is adaptable to numerous different roles within its context as [[Close air support|Close Combat Attack]] (CCA).<ref name=dep_of_army/> In addition to the 30&nbsp;mm [[M230 chain gun|M230E1 Chain Gun]], the Apache carries a range of external stores and weapons on its stub-wing pylons, typically a mixture of [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] anti-tank missiles, and [[Hydra 70]] general-purpose unguided {{convert|70|mm|in|abbr=on|3}} rockets.<ref name="Donald_p124-7">Donald 2004, pp. 124–127.</ref> The Hellfire is designed to defeat stationary or moving tanks as far away as 6,500 meters.<ref name="hh92">{{cite book |last1=Hinton |first1=Henry L. |last2=Dunham |first2=Raymond |last3=Gilliam |first3=Thomas W. |last4=Grant |first4=John L. |last5=Ortiz |first5=John M. |title=Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm: Observations on the Performance of the Army's Hellfire Missile |date=1 March 1992 |publisher=GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC NATIONAL SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIV |edition=ADA251799 |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA251799.pdf}}</ref>

[[File:Ah-64 ground with weapons (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|AH-64 Apache weapon loadout]]
Since 2005, the Hellfire missile outfitted with a [[thermobaric]] warhead is designated AGM-114N; this missile version is intended for use against ground forces and urban warfare operations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/war/news/article.cfm?c_id=359&objectid=10342403 |title=US approves full new warhead production |newspaper=New Zealand Herald |date=25 August 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Smith |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/army-vacuum-missile-hits-taliban-bkpks95bdsk |title=Army 'vacuum' missile hits Taliban |work=The Times |date=22 June 2008 |location=London}}</ref> In October 2015, the U.S. Army ordered its first batch of [[Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System]] (APKWS) guided 70&nbsp;mm rockets for the Apache.<ref name="flightglobal14oct15">[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bae-secures-us-army-apache-as-apkws-laser-guided-roc-417758/ "BAE secures US Army Apache as APKWS laser-guided rocket customer"] ''FlightGlobal'', 14 October 2015</ref>

Starting in the 1980s, the [[AIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]] and [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] [[air-to-air missile]]s and the [[AGM-122 Sidearm]] anti-radiation missile were evaluated for use upon the AH-64.<ref name="Donald_p134-5">Donald 2004, pp. 134–135.</ref><ref>Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 40–41, 60.</ref> The Stinger was initially selected; the U.S. Army was also considering the [[Starstreak missile#Variants|Starstreak]] air-to-air missile.<ref name="Donald_p134-5"/><ref name=Janes_AWA_2010>"Boeing AH-64 Apache". ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft''. Jane's Information Group, 2010. [http://www4.janes.com/K2/doc.jsp?t=B&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/yb/jawa/jawa1193.htm@current&Prod_Name=JAWA& subscription article, 1 February 2010].{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> External fuel tanks can also be carried on the stub wings to increase range and mission time.<ref name=dep_of_army/> The stub-wing pylons have mounting points for maintenance access; these mountings can also be used to secure personnel externally for emergency transport.<ref name=rescue>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6269613.stm |title=Helicopter rescue bid for Marine |work=BBC News |date=17 January 2007}}</ref> Stinger missiles are often used on non-U.S. Apaches, as foreign forces do not have as many air superiority aircraft to control the skies.<ref>[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/10/23/raytheon-sells-stingers-for-apaches-abroad/ Raytheon Sells Stingers for Apaches Abroad] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301092347/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/10/23/raytheon-sells-stingers-for-apaches-abroad/ |date=1 March 2014}} – DoDBuzz.com, 23 October 2013</ref> The AH-64E initially lacked the ability to use the Stinger to make room for self-defense equipment, but the capability was added back following a South Korean demand.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/weapon-sensor-upgrades-coming-for-apache-fleet-410766/ Weapon, sensor upgrades coming for Apache fleet]. ''FlightGlobal'', 31 March 2015.</ref>

The AH-64E is able to control [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAVs), used by the U.S. Army to perform aerial scouting missions previously performed by the [[OH-58 Kiowa]]. Apaches can request to take control of an [[RQ-7 Shadow]] or [[MQ-1C Grey Eagle]] from ground control stations to safely scout via datalink communications. There are four levels of UAV interoperability (LOI): LOI 1 indirectly receives payload data; LOI 2 receives payload data through direct communication; LOI 3 deploys the UAV's armaments; and LOI 4 takes over flight control. UAVs can search for enemies and, if equipped with a [[laser designator]], target them for the Apache or other friendly aircraft.<ref>[https://www.army.mil/article/125676/Apache_UAV_teaming_combines__best_capabilities_of_man__machine_/ "Apache-UAV teaming combines 'best capabilities of man, machine'"]. Army.mil, 8 May 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.gizmag.com/boeing-apache-demonstrates-uav-control/5506/ "Boeing Apache demonstrates UAV Control"]. gizmag.com, 12 April 2006.</ref>

[[File:AH-64 Apache with Spike NLOS.jpg|thumb|AH-64E with Spike NLOS missiles]]
Boeing has suggested that the AH-64 could be fitted with a [[directed energy weapon]]. The company has developed a small laser weapon, initially designed to engage small UAVs, that uses a high-resolution telescope to direct a 2–10&nbsp;kW beam with the diameter of a [[penny]] out to a range of {{convert|5.4|nmi|km mi|abbr=on}}. On the Apache, the laser could be used to destroy enemy communications or radio equipment.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-lockheed-unveil-competing-uav-killing-concep-417714/ Boeing, Lockheed unveil competing UAV-killing concepts] ''FlightGlobal'', 14 October 2015</ref> On 26 June 2017, the Army and [[Raytheon]] announced they had successfully completed the first-ever helicopter-based flight demonstration of a high energy laser system from an AH-64.<ref>[http://airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2017/june/3573-raytheon-us-army-complete-first-ever-helicopter-based-firing-of-high-energy-laser.html "Raytheon, US Army complete first ever helicopter-based firing of High Energy Laser"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701030224/http://airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2017/june/3573-raytheon-us-army-complete-first-ever-helicopter-based-firing-of-high-energy-laser.html |date=1 July 2017 }} – Airrecognition.com, 26 June 2017</ref>

On 14 July 2016, it was reported that the AH-64 had successfully completed testing of the [[MBDA]] [[Brimstone (missile)|Brimstone]] anti-armor missile.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2016/07/14/MBDA-fires-Brimstone-missile-from-Apache-helicopter/9021468503609/ |title=MBDA fires Brimstone missile from Apache helicopter |publisher=UPI.com |date=14 July 2016 |access-date=14 March 2017}}</ref> In January 2020, the U.S. Army announced it was fielding the [[Spike (missile)|Spike NLOS]] missile on AH-64E Apaches as an interim solution to acquire new munitions that provide greater stand-off capabilities.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/01/09/army-to-field-israeli-made-long-range-missile-on-helicopters/ "US Army to field Israeli-made long-range missile on helicopters"]. ''Defense News''. 9 January 2020.</ref>