AH-64 Apache Helicopter

— -- The AH-64 Apache is the U.S. Army's primary attack helicopter, used mainly for destroying high-value targets, such as tanks and armored vehicles. The Apache can fight close and deep, and in a variety of conditions. There are a number of variants, from the earliest, the AH-64A, to the latest, the AH-64D Longbow.

Primary Function: Attack/reconnaissance helicopter; can be used in anti-armor, force-protection and airmobile escort functions.

Builder: Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) (formerly Hughes)

Unit Cost: $14 million

Power Plant: Two General Electric T700-GE-701C turboshafts

Length: 58.17 feet (17.73 meters)

Height: 15.24 feet (4.64 meters)

Rotary Diameter (main): 48 feet (15 meters)

Speed (cruising): 145 mph (233 km/h)

Ceiling: 21,000 feet (6,400 meters)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 17,650 pounds (8000 kg)

Range (combat radius, without external fuel tanks): 300 miles (482 km)

Armament: M230 30mm Chain Gun; 70mm (2.75-inch) Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets; AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles; AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radar missiles; AIM-9 Sidewinder Air-to-Air missiles.

Crew: two in tandem: co-pilot/gunner in front, pilot behind on elevated seat.

Date Deployed: (AH-64A): 1986

Inventory: Approximately 800 in service.

Data courtesy of Boeing and the Federation of American Scientists.