Warszawa 2023-04-04
American Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
The Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter is an American attack helicopter, twin-engine, two-seater, with a three-support landing gear with a tail wheel. The helicopter is equipped with an extensive target detection and tracking system as well as weapons capable of combating them. The armament system includes a night vision system, a radar station and others. The helicopter is armed with a 30-millimetre (1.18 in) M-230 propulsion cannon and four weapon mounts mounted on pylons.
Development of the AH-64 Apache helicopter.
Work on the helicopter began with Hughes Helicopters, joining the Advanced Attack Helicopter program, which was ordered by the US Army. The goal was to replace the AH-1 Cobra helicopters. Hughes Helicopters unveiled the Model 77. The design was selected for development along with the competitor Bell YAH-63. The YAH-64 prototype made its first flight on September 30, 1975. In 1976, the US Army selected the YAH-64. After further tests, the helicopter was put into serial production in 1982.
In 1984, Hughes Helicopters was purchased by McDonnell Douglas, which continued the production of AH-64 Apache helicopters. The helicopter was introduced into service with the US Army in April 1986. In 1997, the right to manufacture the helicopter was acquired by Boeing, which took over McDonnell Douglas. To date (2023), AH-64 Apache helicopters are manufactured under the Boeing Defense, Space & Security brand. By 2020, over 2,400 AH-64s have been produced. Over 800 copies are used by the US Army. American AH-64s served in conflicts in Panama, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. Helicopters are in service with the following countries: Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Morocco, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, UK.
Boeing AH-64 Apache for Poland.
On September 8, 2022 (Thursday), the Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak announced that the Republic of Poland had submitted an official inquiry to the USA regarding the purchase of 96 Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters. Negotiators began, fortunately without the participation of the Polish-language media, which, after the aggression of the tsar – comrade – Putin’s bandit against sovereign Ukraine, on February 24, 2022, prefer to remain silent. In January 2023, the Ministry of National Defense announced that the helicopters would first go to the 18th Mechanized Division. Lieutenant General Tadeusz Buk. It should be emphasized here that this unit will also be equipped with American Abrams tanks. Tanks and helicopters are adapted to mutual cooperation. 116 Abrams tanks are to appear in Poland in 2023 and will be stationed in the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade. It is also known that Poland would like to temporarily equip AH-64 Apache helicopters, which are in stock in the USA, before we receive new helicopters. This will speed up the combat readiness of the Polish Army on the new equipment.
Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian.
Poland has placed an option for the latest AH-64 E Apache Guardian version. The AH-64 E helicopter was formerly known as the AH-64 D Block III. In 2012, the designation was changed to AH-64E Guardian. The aircraft features improved digital connectivity, a Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with an upgraded spur gear to run with more power, new main rotor blades, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control capability, full IFR capability and improved chassis. New composite rotor blades completed testing in 2004. They increase cruising speed, rate of climb and payload.
Deliveries of the new AH-64 E helicopters began in November 2011. In addition, it was decided to bring the already built AH-64 D helicopters to the AH-64 E standard. By April 2020, 500 AH-64 E helicopters had been delivered.
Already in 2015, work was underway in the USA on a new attack helicopter, the program of which was marked Future Vertical Lift (FVL). These helicopters in the future, by 2040, are to replace the AH-64 helicopters. It was decided to introduce new modifications. The first change they have without new engines. Retractable landing gear and smaller wings with attachments for armament were proposed. The tail rotor is to be new, which is to rotate during flight to increase the maximum speed. In October 2016, the US Army stated that it would no longer modify the AH-64 helicopters that are in service and would focus on a new design. It was stated that the production line of AH-64 E helicopters will be closed in 2026. The new FVL helicopter is scheduled to enter service in 2030.
It is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-701 turbine engines, each rated at 1,690 shp (1,260 kW) upgraded to 1,890 shp (1,409 kW) T700-GE-701C for the AH-64A/D from 1990).
T-T data Boeing AH-64 Apache:
The crew of two pilots in the tandem cabin and each of them can pilot the helicopter. Length 58 feet 2 inches (17.73 m). Helicopter fuselage length 49 ft 5 in (15.06 m). Height 12 feet 8 inches (3.87 m). Curb weight 11,387 lb (5,165 kg). Gross weight 17,650 lb (8,006 kg). Max takeoff weight 23,000 lb (10,433 kg). Main rotor diameter 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m). Main rotor area 1,908.5 square feet (177.31 m2). 4-blade rotor and 4-blade tail rotor. Top speed 158 knots (182 mph, 293 km/h). Cruising speed 143 knots (165 mph, 265 km/h). Range of 257 nautical miles (296 mi, 476 km) with Longbow radar mast. 260 nautical miles (300 mi, 480 km) combat range. Range for ferrying 1,024 nautical miles (1,178 miles, 1,896 km). Usable ceiling 20,000 feet (6,100 m).
Written by Karol Placha Hetman