McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache Facts for Kids

An AH-64 Apache helicopter flying

Missiles and rockets on an AH-64

The AH-64's powerful gun

The AH-64 Apache is a special kind of attack helicopter. It was first flown in 1975 and has been built since 1984. This helicopter was designed by Hughes Helicopters. Later, that company became McDonnell Douglas, and then it became part of Boeing.

The Apache helicopter is made to attack things on the ground. This helps soldiers during battles. To do its job, it can carry many weapons. It can hold 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, which are like powerful rockets. It also has pods that can fire many rockets. Plus, it has a 30mm chain gun that can shoot 625 bullets every minute! The helicopter can carry 1,200 bullets for this gun. It can also carry missiles like the AIM-9 Sidewinder. These are used to shoot down other aircraft if the Apache is attacked by fighter aircraft or other helicopters.

What are the AH-64 Apache's features?
- How fast and far can the Apache fly?
Who uses the AH-64 Apache?
How was the AH-64 Apache developed?
- When were the Apaches built?
Images for kids
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What are the AH-64 Apache's features?

The AH-64 Apache is a big helicopter. It is about 49 feet (14.97 meters) long. It is also about 17 feet (5.23 meters) wide and 16 feet (4.95 meters) tall.

When it's empty, the Apache weighs about 11,799 pounds (5,352 kilograms). But when it's full of fuel and weapons, it can weigh up to 22,282 pounds (10,107 kilograms). Two strong General Electric T700-GE-701C engines power this helicopter.

How fast and far can the Apache fly?

The AH-64 Apache can fly very fast. It can reach speeds of 162 miles per hour (261 kilometers per hour). It can also fly a long way without needing more fuel. It can travel about 1,181 miles (1,900 kilometers). The Apache can fly very high, up to 9,478 feet (2,889 meters). It can also climb quickly, going up 2,415 feet (736 meters) in just one minute.

Who uses the AH-64 Apache?

The AH-64 Apache has been used by many countries around the world. The United States was the first to use it in a real battle. This happened during Operation Just Cause.

Many other countries also use the Apache helicopter. These include:

How was the AH-64 Apache developed?

In the early 1990s, the British Army needed a new, very safe helicopter. By February 1993, they asked different companies to design and build this new helicopter.

Many companies wanted to build it:

Boeing and Sikorsky offered the RAH-66 Comanche.
Agusta offered the A129 Mangusta.
British Aerospace and Eurocopter offered the Tiger.
GEC Marconi and Bell Helicopter offered the Cobra Venom.
Westland and McDonnell Douglas offered the AH-64 Apache.

In July 2005, the British Army chose the AH-64 Apache from Westland and McDonnell Douglas. A year later, in 2006, they signed a contract for 67 helicopters. This is how the WAH-64D Apache, a special version for the UK, began.

When were the Apaches built?

The 67 WAH-64D Apache helicopters were built between 1999 and 2004. They were made by Boeing and McDonnell Douglas (which had merged in 1997) and Westland. Boeing built the first one and gave it to the Army in March 1999. Westland built their first one in 2000 and delivered it in July 2000. The very last helicopter was built and delivered in July 2004.

Images for kids

An early Hughes YAH-64 prototype with a T-tail
A YAH-64A prototype in 1982
A YAH-64A in 1984
An AH-64 Apache flying
A British Apache pilot with IHADSS (Integrated Helmet And Display Sighting System)
An AH-64 Apache showing its weapons
An AH-64 during an exercise at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo in 2007
An AH-64 over Baghdad, Iraq on a reconnaissance mission, 2007
An IAF AH-64D "Saraph"
A UK Army Air Corps Westland WAH-64D Apache Longbow at an airshow
A Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64D at the Farnborough Airshow, 2006
A Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64D Apache from the Apache Solo Display Team
A Royal Saudi Land Forces AH-64A, 2005
An IAF AH-64E in 2019
A ROCA AH-64E in 2014
An Indonesian Army Aviation AH-64E Guardian in 2018
Two US Army AH-64 Apaches during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019
An Israeli Air Force AH-64A Peten
An AH-64D testing the AGM-179 JAGM at the Yuma Proving Ground
An AH-64E Apache Guardian
A U.S. Army AH-64A Apache aboard USS Nassau
A Hellenic Army AH-64
An AH-64E Apache of the Indian Air Force
A Fuji Heavy Industries Apache for the Japanese GSDF
A U.S. Army ski-equipped AH-64 training at Fort Wainwright, Alaska
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