1986

Apache Helicopter

We tend to think of helicopters as fairly fragile. Generally speaking, helicopters are light, thin, and spindly.

But what if engineers want to create the deadliest helicopter in the world—one that can deliver amazing firepower and at the same time provide a level of protection for the crew? That is what engineers did with the Apache helicopter, released in 1986.

One key thing that distinguishes the Apache is its weaponry. It carries three weapon systems: Hellfire antitank missiles (up to 16), Hydra rockets (up to 76), and a 30mm chain gun shooting explosive rounds (up to 1,200 rounds at 600 rounds per minute).

One unique feature is a system that slaves the chain gun to the gunner’s helmet. Sensors watch the movements of the gunner’s head. The gun follows precisely. When the gunner turns to look at a threat, the gun follows and a squeeze of the trigger takes out the target. Another is the Longbow radar system, mounted in a dome over the main rotor. It can track up to 128 targets simultaneously.

The Apache’s other distinguishing feature is survivability. It is meant to fly on the battlefield, often close to the ground, to support ground troops. That means the Apache is frequently a target. Titanium, Kevlar, and bulletproof glass protect the pilot and gunner. There is also similar protection for the engines and fuel tanks. And the helicopter blades can handle bullets up to 23mm in diameter.

If the helicopter does need to crash, this process has been thought through as well. The first part to hit the ground is the landing gear. It absorbs the initial blow of the impact. Then the area under the pilot and copilot crumples and collapses. This approach greatly improves the survival rate of the people inside.

A helicopter that carries all of this weaponry and protection is going to be heavy—almost 18,000 pounds (8,200 kg) fully loaded. To get that much mass off the ground, two turboshaft engines together producing nearly 3 megawatts (4,000 hp) provide the power.

Engineers have made the Apache helicopter so powerful and useful on the battlefield that the Army owns over 1,000 of them.

SEE ALSO Radar (1940), Titanium (1940), Helicopter (1944), Kevlar (1971).

A US Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter prepares to depart Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, 2012.