It can operate in day, night and adverse weather conditions in extreme climatical environments. With a crew of a pilot and a commander in tandem seat, the apache can fire AGM-114 Hellfires, 2.75" unguided and laser guided rockets and a 30mm cannon. The United States also delivered apaches to the United-Kingdom, the Netherlands and Israel (see below for the complete list of operators).

The main Apache versions are:
AH-64A
AH-64D Block I
AH-64D Block II
AH-64E (AH-64D Block III before)

The Delta Apaches and newer can also be equipped with a Fire Control Radar (FCR).

AH-64D Apache Longbow
The AH-64D Longbow is the most used Apache version by the U.S. Army and international customers. As the U.S. Army is upgrading to the AH-64E model, other countries also start to upgrade.

Armament
The Apache has a belly mounted M230 chain gun which can fire a maximum of 1200x 30mm rounds.
The Apache has 2 wing stations under each wing. It can carry 16x AGM-114 Hellfire guided missiles, or 76 Hydra 70, 2.75 inch unguided rockets or a combination of it.

AH-64E Apache Guardian
The AH-64E is the successor of the AH-64D and includes many major improvements. It is equipped with T700-GE-701D engines. The rotor blades are made of composite and are 6 inch longer and have a new tip design for improved aerodynamics (Ref. 6)

AH-64F Apache
In June 2014, Boeing seemed to be in the development of a AH-64F. This F-version would be equipped with 3000 shp powerful engines (as part of the Army improved engine program), a retractable landing gear, wingstubs to offload lift from the MR in high-speed cruise, and a tail rotor which can deliver forward thrust. (Ref 5)


Specifications AH-64D

Operators
The AH-64 Apache is/was/will be used by:

0. Total
1. United States
2. Australia
3. Egypt
4. Greece
5. India
6. Indonesia
7. Iraq
8. Israel
9. Japan
10. Kuwait
11. Morocco
12. Netherlands
13. Poland
14. Qatar
15. Saudi-Arabia
16. Singapore
17. Taiwan
18. United Arabian Emirates
19. United-Kingdom
20. South-Korea

0. Total

1. United States
There have been build 821 AH-64A helicopters for the US Army between 1984 and 1997. Most Apaches were updated to the AH-64D or AH-64D Longbow helicopter and in the future to the AH-64E.
On 16 august 1996, the US Army and McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) signed a 5-years contract for updating of 232 AH-64A apaches. On 2 september 1996 there was signed a same contract for enough more 232 AH-64A apaches. In october 2000 the US Army signed a contract with Boeing to increase the numbers of AH-64D Apache Longbow to 501. Here from was the 500e Apache Longbow 2004 delivered to the US Army on 26 august 2004.

Upgrade
With the Block III upgrade (now called AH-64E Apache Guardian) the United States Army expects they will have a apache fleet with superior technology be able to fly 30 more years.

Missions
American apaches were used since 1989 in: Panama, liberty of Kuwait, Desert storm, Gulf war 1, Bosnia and the war in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom). During operation Iraq Freedom in 2003 more than 200 American apaches were used.

Crash
1) On 27 june 2005 a U.S. Army Apache helicopter crashed at northwest of Baghdad. The two pilots were killed.
2) On 29 july 2005 a U.S. Army Apache helicopter crashed during a training mission near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The two pilots were injured.

Photo's

AH-64D	AH-64E	AH-64E
AH-64D	AH-64D	AH-64E (Le Bourget, France, June 2019)

8. Israel
Since 1990 the Israel Air Force has AH-64A Apaches. A few of them will be updated and there have been bought a unknown numbers of new AH-64D Longbow helicopters. These are called AH-64D-I Apache. The first 3 new helicopters were delivered to the IAF on 11 april, 2005. How much helicopters will be updated or have been bought is classified.

Photo's

9. Japan
Since January 2006, the Japanese ground self-defence force (army) got their first apaches in the version AH-64DJP Longbow. Originally, Japan would have bought 100 apache but that number has been reduced till 50-60. The engines of type T700-701C from the American General Electric are under licence manufactured by the Japanese Ishikawajimaharima Heavy Industries.

10. Kuwait
Since 17 august 2005, the armed forces of Kuwait has accepted already 6 of the 16 AH-64D Apache Longbow multi-role combat helicopter. The apache are manufactured at the Boeing Mesa, Arizona facility. Only 8 of them will be equipped with the AN/APG-78 Longbow radar.

12. the Netherlands
The Royal Netherlands Air Force initially bought 30 AH-64D Block I Apache attack helicopters. One Apache crashed during deployment in Afghanistan. In February 1997 the RNLAF lend for advanced money 12 AH-64A apaches from the US Army. Delivery of the D version started in may 1998 and was completed in may 2002. Most Apaches (21x) are stationed on Gilze-Rijen Air Force Base with the 301 squadron while the remaining 8 are operated by the 302 dquadron which is integrated in the US Army 21st cavalry at Forth Hood, Texas, USA.

In 2004 the Dutch government decided to discharge 6 apaches which was cancelled later. The entire fleet of apaches will be updated to the AH-64D Block II standard.

The Dutch Apache fleet is equipped with a Dutch-unique Aicraft Self-protection System. These are two AMASE pods (by the Danish company Therma) which are mounted at each wing tip.

On 7 and 8 may 2005, 4 Apache attack helicopters were used to support the security of the US President when he visited The Netherlands. The Heli's were put for 2 days on Maastricht-Aachen Airport.

Crash
In 2004 one Apache crashed in Afghanistan.
On 17 march 2015 an Apache crashed during a fire exercise in Mali. Both pilots were killed.


Block II Update
The Royal Netherlands Air Force initially bought 30 AH-64D Block I Apaches. All Dutch Apaches have been upgraded to the Block II standard.
In november 2013, the first Dutch AH-64D Block II apache was delivered to the RNLAF at the Boeing plant in Mesa, Arizona.

AH-64E remanufacture
In 2018, the NL MoD announced that all 28 Apaches will be remanufactured to the AH-64E configuration. Remanufacture means that a new airtframe is used with legacy (Delta) components and new components.

On december 13, 2022, the first two (2) AH-64E's Version 6 (Sn Q-31 and Q-32) were delivered to the RNLAF 302 squadron at Fort Hood (Texas, USA). They will be used for training of the RNLAF pilots and maintainers. The first RNLAF AH-64E to be delivered in the Netherlands to the 301 squadron at Gilze-Rijen Air Force Base is expected for the end of 2023. A major improvement for the RNLAF between the RNLAF Delta models is the Fire Control Radar which is most visibly installed on top of the main rotor assembly.


Demo team
The Royal Netherlands Air Force was long time the only apache operator in the world which had an Apache display team. The team gives shows on national and international air shows (almost only in Europe). The UK now also has an Apache demo team.

Missions
Dutch apaches have been used in Bosnia, Djibouti, Iraq, Afghanistan and Mali
Mali:
Since may 2014, are 4 Apaches deployed from camp Castor in Gao, Mali. Three Dutch CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters will be added later to the detachement.

On 1 November 2013, the Dutch cabinet announced that 4 Apache helicopters will be send to Mali as part of the UN mission MINUSMA.

Afghanistan: For several years, 6 apaches (3x2) were deployed to Aghanistan as part of the ISAF mission. One apache is crashed in Afghanistan. The apaches took care of the stability and security in the Afghan capital Kabul by supporting - international - ground forces. The 6 apaches were stationed on the airport of Kabul. Thanks to the Dutch apaches the number of mortar attacks has been reduced till 0 accidents. The afghan authorities said they were very happy with the participation of the Dutch apaches.

Iraq: Since may 2004 6 (3x2) Dutch apache attack helicopters have been stationed in Iraq to support the Dutch ground forces. The Apaches took care of Close Combat Support and display of force. Besides they gathered information for the ground forces thanks to the highly advanced sensors and weapon systems.
The apaches have been used to support the ground forces by capturing terrorists.
The Apaches are - with about 180 air force soldiers - stationed on Tallil Air Force Base. This former Iraqi air force base is now a large tactical air force base from the Americans in Iraq. The US Air Force are leading this base. Besides the base is used by others like: US Marines, US Army and the Italian air force.

Photo's

AH-64D	AH-64D	Sensors
AH-64D with CH-47D	AH-64D and An-124	Deployed to Afghanistan
LPD Ship trials	LPD Ship trials	Deployed to Afghanistan
AMASE pod	NL Fort Hood Apaches with MUMT

19. United-Kingdom
In march 1996 the UK ministry of defence ordered 67 WAH Mk I Apache attack helicopters. These helicopters are manufactured under license from Boeing in the United-Kingdom by Whilst Agusta Westland. These AH Mk1 Apaches are equipped with Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines instead of the original T700 engines from General Electric. The UK Apaches can be equipped with the Longbow fire control radar, Hellfire missiles, both semi-active laser and radio frequency versions, CRV7 ground suppression rocket system, the 30mm cannon and the improved Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (HIDAS).

British Army AH-64 Mk1	British Army AH-64 Mk1	British Army AH-64 Mk1
2x AH-64 Mk1

20. South-Korea
In September 2012 South-Korea send a request to the United States Government for the delivery of 36x AH-64D Block III Longbow helicopters. With a eventual delivery, South-Korea would become the first export country for the advanced Block III version with many (but not all) new systems.

The request for delivery contains at least:
- 84x T700-GE-701D engines
- 42x MTADS/PNVS
- 36x AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radar (FCR)
- 43x AAR-57(V) 3/5 CMWS with 5th sensor and Improved Countermeasure Dispensers
- 42x AN/APX-123 transponders
- 120x IHADSS-21
- 41x Embedded GPS/INS
- 90x AN/ARC-201E SINCGARS
- 400x AGM-114R1 Hellfire missiles
- 438x Stinger Block I 92H missiles
- 771.144x 30mm High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) M789s
- 11.020x 2.75'' unguided Hydra rockets
- 108 AAIH

The request for delivery contains also a request for the delivery of 36x AH-1Z Cobra helicopters.

References

1. The Boeing Company
2. United States Army
3. Royal Netherlands Air Force
4. British Army
5. High-Speed apache
6. Aviation Week
7. ATK M230 chain gun
8. IAFS
9. TALON laser guided rockets
10. AGM-122 on FAS

a US Army AH-64A apache prepares to launch at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan
"Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army" by SFC Joe Belcher

US Army AH-64D's helicopters on a airfield in Iraq. Apaches played a key role in Operation Iraqi Freedom
"Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army" by Dod