Aircraft & UAVs

AH-64 Apache attack helicopter

The AH-64 Apache is a U.S. twin-engine attack helicopter family designed by Hughes Helicopters and continued through McDonnell Douglas and Boeing production. Built around a two-person crew, nose-mounted sensors, a 30 mm chain gun, rockets, and guided missiles, it has direct source-backed combat use from Desert Storm and Iraq to Afghanistan, Sinai, Yemen, Gaza, Lebanon, anti-ISIS operations, and recent U.S. operations against Iran.

AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, Twin-engine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs
Image source: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article

Role in Conflicts

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
United States
Type
Twin-engine attack helicopter
Service note
1980s-present; AH-64E variant in current U.S. Army service
Designer
Hughes Helicopters
Designed
1970s
Produced
1980s-present
Number built
More than 2,875 Apaches across A through E models, according to Boeing

Specifications

Crew
2
Length
48.2 feet (14.7 meters)
Rotor diameter
48 feet (14.6 meters)
Maximum operating weight
23,000 pounds (10,433 kilograms)
Maximum level flight speed
150+ knots (279+ kph)
Service ceiling
20,000 feet (6,096 meters)
Armament
Up to 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 2.75-inch rockets, and 1,200 30 mm chain gun rounds
Design And Mission Context

The Apache family combines a tandem two-person cockpit, target-acquisition and night-vision sensors, a turreted 30 mm cannon, rockets, and guided missiles into an attack-helicopter system built for close combat, armed reconnaissance, and precision attack. Its catalog record is broad because the same U.S.-origin family spans Hughes design work, McDonnell Douglas production history, Boeing modernization, and multiple operator-specific variants.

Lineage

Hughes Helicopters designed the Apache; Boeing sources identify McDonnell Douglas as the heritage company that delivered the first production AH-64A, with Boeing continuing production and modernization.

Combat roles

Direct sources document radar-site attack, close air support, overwatch, interdiction, force protection, and anti-ISIS support roles across the conflicts listed on this page.

Modernization

The AH-64E branch adds updated mission systems and remains the current production/remanufacture path; Boeing describes Version 6.5 as the next open-systems step for launched effects and future battlefield integration.

Variants

The family page covers the U.S.-origin AH-64 line as a whole. Separate catalog pages track selected operator-specific and current-production branches where the sources support a narrower service record.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
AH-64AOriginal production Apache

Boeing identifies the first production Apache as an A-model aircraft delivered to the U.S. Army in January 1984.

Sources: Boeing delivers 2500th AH-64 Apache

AH-64A Peten attack helicopter, Attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAH-64A Peten attack helicopterIsraeli AH-64A branch

The Peten page covers Israeli AH-64A service and upgrade context separately from the broader Apache family record.

Sources: Boeing AH-64 Apache

AH-64D LongbowRadar-equipped Apache Longbow

Boeing says Apache Longbow production began in 1996 and the first Apache Longbows were delivered in 1997.

Sources: Boeing delivers 100th AH-64D Apache Longbow

AH-64D Saraph attack helicopter, Attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAH-64D Saraph attack helicopterIsraeli AH-64D Longbow branch

The Saraph page tracks Israeli AH-64D combat use, local naming, and carried-weapon evidence.

Sources: Boeing AH-64 Apache

AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, Twin-engine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAH-64E Apache attack helicopterCurrent Boeing production and remanufacture variant

U.S. Army and Boeing sources describe the AH-64E as the modern Apache variant with upgraded mission systems, sensors, and networked attack-reconnaissance capability.

Sources: AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter, Boeing AH-64 Apache

AH-64E Version 6.5Modernization configuration

Boeing says Version 6.5 is intended to add an open systems interface and keep the AH-64E aligned with launched effects and other future battlefield integrations.

Sources: Transforming the AH-64 Apache for the future

Carried Weapons

Boeing and U.S. Army sources describe the Apache as a carrier for guided missiles, rockets, and its turreted 30 mm gun system.

Carried itemItem typeCarriage evidence
AGM-114 Hellfire missile family, Air-to-surface missile family, MunitionsAGM-114 Hellfire missile familyAir-to-ground missile family

DVIDS imagery documents Hellfire loading on an AH-64E Apache, and Boeing lists Hellfire missiles as a standard Apache ordnance family.

Sources: Loading a Hellfire in Kunduz, Boeing AH-64 Apache

Hydra-70 rocket system, 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family, MunitionsHydra-70 rocket system2.75-inch rocket system

U.S. Army reporting from Latvia documents AH-64 Apache crews loading and firing Hydra-70 rockets during live-fire training.

Sources: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article

AGM-179A JAGM, Air-to-surface precision-guided missile, MunitionsAGM-179A JAGMAir-to-surface precision-guided missile

The U.S. Army reported AH-64E Apache crews firing AGM-179A JAGM during operational testing in Florida.

Sources: Army JAGM operational test

M230 30 mm chain gun, 30 mm autocannon, Aircraft & UAVsM230 30 mm chain gun30 mm chain gun

Army and ammunition sources identify the Apache's M230 gun and its 30 mm ammunition as core close-combat armament.

Sources: AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter, PEO Ammunition 2017

M789 high-explosive dual-purpose round, 30 mm high-explosive dual-purpose cartridge, MunitionsM789 high-explosive dual-purpose round30 mm HEDP round

General Dynamics describes the M789 HEDP round as operable in the M230 chain-gun turret used on Apache helicopters.

Sources: 30mm x 113 Ammunition Suite - MP - M788 TP - M977 TP-T - M789 HEDP

Transport Aircraft

Strategic airlift sources document Apache helicopters being moved by outsize transport aircraft for theater deployments.

CarrierCarrier typeCarriage evidence
C-5 Galaxy, Strategic airlifter / transport aircraft family, Aircraft & UAVsC-5 GalaxyOutsize cargo transport aircraft

U.S. Air Forces in Europe says two C-5M Galaxies delivered Army AH-64 Apache helicopters to Europe.

Sources: USAF supports Army helicopter delivery to Europe

Timeline

AH-64 Apache attack helicopter Key Events

  1. YAH-64 prototype first flight

    A U.S. Senate resolution and Boeing lineage sources identify September 30, 1975, as the first flight date for the Apache prototype.

    Sources: Senate Apache resolution, Boeing AH-64 Apache

  2. First production Apache delivered

    Boeing says the first production AH-64A Apache was delivered to the U.S. Army in January 1984 after rolling off the Mesa production line.

    Sources: Boeing delivers 2500th AH-64 Apache

  3. Task Force Normandy opens Desert Storm

    Army University Press describes eight Army AH-64 Apache helicopters destroying Iraqi early-warning radar sites in the opening minutes of Operation Desert Storm.

    Sources: Task Force Normandy

  4. Apache Longbow deliveries begin

    Boeing says Apache Longbow production began in 1996 and first deliveries followed in 1997.

    Sources: Boeing delivers 100th AH-64D Apache Longbow

  5. AH-64D Block III redesignated AH-64E

    A Director, Operational Test and Evaluation report states that the Army redesignated AH-64D Apache Block III as AH-64E in September 2012.

    Sources: DOT&E AH-64E report

  6. Boeing announces 2,500th Apache delivery

    Boeing announced delivery of its 2,500th AH-64 Apache, an E-model aircraft for the U.S. Army, from the Mesa production line.

    Sources: Boeing delivers 2500th AH-64 Apache

  7. Version 6.5 modernization flight testing begins

    Boeing says Version 6.5 took its first flight in 2023 as part of the AH-64E modernization path.

    Sources: Transforming the AH-64 Apache for the future

Media

AH-64 Apache attack helicopter Videos

AH-64 Apache attack helicopter Images

AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, Twin-engine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs - view 1
Source: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article
AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, Twin-engine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs - view 2
Source: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article
AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, Twin-engine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs - view 3
Source: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article
Related Weapon Systems
AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, Twin-engine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAH-64E Apache attack helicopterTwin-engine attack helicopterThe AH-64E Apache is Boeing's Echo-model Apache variant, developed from the AH-64D Block III remanufacture program and built around improved engines, sensors, networking, and a two-person attack-helicopter weapons station. Direct source-backed conflict records place AH-64E aircraft with U.S. Army units in Operation Inherent Resolve, the 2001 War in Afghanistan's Operation Freedom's Sentinel phase, and Operation Epic Fury during the 2020 United States-Iran Conflict.
M230 30 mm chain gun, 30 mm autocannon, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsM230 30 mm chain gun30 mm autocannonThe M230 30 mm chain gun is an externally powered 30x113 mm autocannon built around Apache helicopter fire support, later adapted into M230LF and XM914 ground counter-UAS variants. Northrop Grumman describes the aviation M230 as the original medium-caliber Chain Gun and the M230LF as a lightweight ground and sea-platform weapon; direct sources document Apache M230 fielding in Afghanistan, Iraq, Operation Inherent Resolve, Israeli Apache use in the 2023 Israel-Hamas War, and M230LF-based Slinger systems ordered for Ukraine.
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F-4 Phantom II, Twin-engine, two-seat supersonic fighter-bomber, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsF-4 Phantom IITwin-engine, two-seat supersonic fighter-bomberThe F-4 Phantom II is an American twin-engine, two-seat supersonic fighter-bomber developed by McDonnell for U.S. Navy fleet defense and later adopted by U.S. and allied air arms for interception, strike, reconnaissance, and electronic-warfare roles. More than 5,000 were built, with source-backed catalog use spanning Israeli War of Attrition strikes, U.S. F-4G Wild Weasel missions in the Gulf War, Turkish F-4E 2020 strikes against PKK targets, Turkey's RF-4E loss over the Syria crisis, and attributed Iranian anti-ISIS strikes in Iraq.

Sources

Boeing AH-64 ApachePublisher: Boeing | Note: Supports manufacturer background, production context, global fleet context, and AH-64E specifications. | Accessed: 2026-07-03AH-64E Apache Attack HelicopterPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports U.S. Army mission, armament, crew, range, endurance, and contractor details for the AH-64E. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Boeing Founders and ExecutivesPublisher: Boeing | Note: Supports Apache lineage, including Hughes Helicopters' acquisition by McDonnell Douglas in 1984 and Boeing's heritage stewardship of the program. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Boeing delivers 2500th AH-64 ApachePublisher: Boeing | Note: Supports the first production AH-64A delivery context, Mesa production-line context, Boeing manufacturer background, and 2,500th Apache delivery milestone. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Boeing delivers 100th AH-64D Apache LongbowPublisher: Boeing | Note: Supports AH-64D Apache Longbow production beginning in 1996 and first Apache Longbow deliveries in 1997. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Transforming the AH-64 Apache for the futurePublisher: Boeing | Note: Supports AH-64E Version 6.5 modernization, open systems interface context, launched-effects integration, and future Apache modernization claims. | Accessed: 2026-07-03DOT&E AH-64E reportPublisher: Director, Operational Test and Evaluation | Note: Supports the September 2012 redesignation of AH-64D Apache Block III as AH-64E and AH-64E system context. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Army JAGM operational testPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports AH-64E Apache firing of AGM-179A JAGM during operational testing. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Senate Apache resolutionPublisher: U.S. Senate | Note: Supports the September 30, 1975 first flight of the Apache attack helicopter prototype and general Apache mission framing. | Accessed: 2026-07-03US Army Latvia Hydra-70 articlePublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports Apache carriage of Hydra-70 rockets and provides public-domain image provenance from the 2025 Latvia live-fire article. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Loading a Hellfire in KunduzPublisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: Supports Apache carriage of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles during loading operations in Kunduz. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Need for SpeedPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the Apache helicopter's tactical M789 30 mm cartridge relationship and the electrically primed round description. | Accessed: 2026-07-03PEO Ammunition 2017Publisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the M789 cartridge composition, Apache Attack Helicopter System origin, and the AH-64 Apache M230 mount context. | Accessed: 2026-07-0330mm x 113 Ammunition Suite - MP - M788 TP - M977 TP-T - M789 HEDPPublisher: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems | Note: Supports the M789 HEDP designation, Apache M230 turret compatibility, and manufacturer background for the 30x113 mm ammunition suite. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Task Force NormandyPublisher: Army University Press | Note: 1990 Gulf War: used by U.S. forces, with eight AH-64 Apache helicopters destroying Iraqi early-warning radar sites during the opening minutes of Operation Desert Storm. | Accessed: 2026-07-03CENTCOM Operation Epic Fury Fact SheetPublisher: U.S. Central Command | Note: 2020 United States-Iran Conflict: fielded by U.S. forces, with AH-64 Apache helicopters listed among U.S. assets employed in Operation Epic Fury against Iran. | Accessed: 2026-07-03U.S. Army AH-64s in Operation Epic FuryPublisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: 2020 United States-Iran Conflict: fielded by U.S. Army forces, showing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters armed with rockets and Hellfire missiles during Operation Epic Fury; also supports public-domain image provenance. | Accessed: 2026-07-0331st MEU AH-64E FARP OperationsPublisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: 2020 United States-Iran Conflict: fielded by the 82nd Airborne Division, with an AH-64E preparing to conduct Operation Epic Fury operations; also supports public-domain image provenance. | Accessed: 2026-07-0331st MEU AH-64E Refueling OperationsPublisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: 2020 United States-Iran Conflict: fielded by the 82nd Airborne Division, with Marines and soldiers refueling an AH-64E in support of Operation Epic Fury; also supports public-domain image provenance. | Accessed: 2026-07-0331st MEU AH-64E Night FARP OperationPublisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: 2020 United States-Iran Conflict: fielded by the 82nd Airborne Division, with an AH-64E landing to refuel before Operation Epic Fury operations; also supports public-domain image provenance. | Accessed: 2026-07-03What Does Landpower Bring to an Air and Naval Fight?Publisher: Modern War Institute at West Point | Note: 2020 United States-Iran Conflict: used by U.S. forces for counter-UAV and southern-coastline support operations during Operation Epic Fury, according to MWI analysis. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Army Apache missions in AfghanistanPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: 2001 War in Afghanistan: used by U.S. forces, with Apache crews protecting helicopter insertions and ground forces during the 2015 deployment in Afghanistan and clearing enemy positions during the mission described by the U.S. Army. | Accessed: 2026-07-03CMH Operation Enduring FreedomPublisher: U.S. Army Center of Military History | Note: 2001 War in Afghanistan: documents AH-64 Apache helicopters used by U.S. forces for fire support during Operation Anaconda and additional AH-64 reinforcements from 3rd Battalion, 101st Aviation. | Accessed: 2026-07-05UK MOD Apache 50000 HoursPublisher: UK Ministry of Defence | Note: 2001 War in Afghanistan: documents British Army Air Corps Apache helicopters used on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan for ground-force support, tactical strike, reconnaissance, and armed helicopter escort. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran reflects on his return to servicePublisher: U.S. Army | Note: 2003 Iraq War: used by U.S. forces, with an AH-64D Apache lead aircraft conducting deep attacks against Iraqi forces in central Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. | Accessed: 2026-07-03DVIDS Apache air support in IraqPublisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: 2003 Iraq War: used by U.S. forces, with an AH-64 Apache providing air support for U.S. Army and Iraqi Army soldiers during a raid in Iraq. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Task Force Saber air missionPublisher: U.S. Central Command | Note: Supports 2014 War Against the Islamic State direct conflict use under Operation Inherent Resolve: 2014 Operation Inherent Resolve: used by coalition forces, with AH-64E Apache helicopters at Camp Erbil providing air support on the battlefield for partnered forces against ISIL. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Task Force Saber exploits the initiative in the fight against ISISPublisher: U.S. Central Command | Note: Supports 2014 War Against the Islamic State direct conflict use under Operation Inherent Resolve: 2014 Operation Inherent Resolve: used by coalition forces, with Task Force Saber bringing AH-64E helicopters to Operation Inherent Resolve and using Apache pilots against enemy targets. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Reuters Egyptian Apache strikes in SinaiPublisher: Reuters via The Jerusalem Post | Note: 2011 Sinai Insurgency: used by Egyptian forces, with Apache helicopters targeting Sinai Province militants in Northern Sinai during Reuters' February 6, 2015 reporting. | Accessed: 2026-07-03AP Israeli Apache missile fire toward GazaPublisher: Associated Press | Note: 2023 Israel-Hamas War: used by Israeli forces, with an Israeli Apache helicopter photographed firing a missile toward the Gaza Strip on November 20, 2023. | Accessed: 2026-07-03AP Israeli Apache missile fire toward LebanonPublisher: Associated Press via ABC News | Note: 2023 Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: used by Israeli forces, with an Israeli Apache helicopter photographed firing a missile toward southern Lebanon on October 13, 2024. | Accessed: 2026-07-03The Escalating Northern Front in YemenPublisher: The Washington Institute for Near East Policy | Note: 2014 Yemen Civil War: used by Saudi-led coalition forces, with Emirati and Saudi AH-64 Apache helicopters described as backing coalition ground operations around Taizz. | Accessed: 2026-07-03Two Saudi airmen killed in helicopter crash in Yemen - coalitionPublisher: Kuwait News Agency | Note: 2014 Yemen Civil War: used by Saudi-led coalition forces; the coalition command said a Saudi Apache crashed in Maareb, Yemen. | Accessed: 2026-07-03USAF supports Army helicopter delivery to EuropePublisher: U.S. Air Forces in Europe | Note: Supports AH-64 Apache helicopters delivered by C-5M Galaxies to Europe. | Accessed: 2026-07-03