Editing Boeing AH-64 Apache (section)

==Variants==
===AH-64A===
[[File:Hatzerim 270613 Apache.jpg|thumb|[[Israeli Air Force]] AH-64A ''Peten'']]

The AH-64A is the original production attack helicopter. The crew sit in tandem in an [[aircraft armor|armored]] compartment. It is powered by two GE T700 turboshaft engines. The A-model was equipped with the −701 engine version until 1990 when the engines were switched to the more powerful −701C version.<ref>Bishop 2005, p. 12.</ref>

U.S. Army AH-64As are being converted to AH-64Ds. The service's last AH-64A was taken out of service in July 2012 before conversion at Boeing's facility in Mesa, Arizona.<ref>{{cite web |last= Bledsoe |first= Sofia |title=Army 'retires' last A model Apache helicopter |url= http://www.dvidshub.net/news/91675/army-retires-last-model-apache-helicopter |publisher=Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System |access-date= 18 July 2012}}</ref> On 25 September 2012, Boeing received a $136.8M contract to remanufacture the last 16 AH-64As into the AH-64D Block II version and this was planned to be completed by December 2013.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/115b-contract-to-remanufacture-129-apaches-to-ah64d-longbow-configuration-02972/ Boeing Remanufactures AH-64A Apaches to AH-64D Block II]. Defense industry daily.</ref>{{Update inline|date=September 2021|reason=were they?}}

===AH-64B===
In 1991, after Operation Desert Storm, the AH-64B was a proposed upgrade to 254 AH-64As. The upgrade would have included new rotor blades, a Global Positioning System (GPS), improved navigation systems and new radios. U.S. Congress approved $82M to begin the Apache B upgrade. The B program was canceled in 1992.<ref>Bishop 2005, p. 10.</ref> The radio, navigation, and GPS modifications were later installed on most AH-64As via other upgrades.

===AH-64C===
Additional funding from Congress in late 1991 resulted in a program to upgrade AH-64As to an AH-64B+ version. More funding changed the plan to upgrade to AH-64C, which would include all of the changes to be included in the AH-64D except for mast-mounted radar and newer −700C engine versions. However, the C designation was dropped after 1993.<ref name= Donald_p153>Donald 2004, p. 153.</ref> With AH-64As receiving the newer engine from 1990, the only difference between the AH-64C and the AH-64D was the radar, which could be moved from one aircraft to another; thus, the decision was made to simply designate both versions as AH-64D.<ref name=Donald_p153/>

===AH-64D===
[[File:US Army YPG JAGM Testing with AH-64.jpg|thumb|An AH-64D tests the [[AGM-179 JAGM]] at the [[Yuma Proving Ground]]]]
The ''AH-64D Apache Longbow'' is equipped with a glass cockpit and advanced sensors, the most noticeable of which being the [[AN/APG-78 Longbow]] [[millimeter-wave]] [[fire-control radar]] (FCR) target acquisition system and the Radar Frequency [[Interferometer]] (RFI), housed in a dome located above the main rotor.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-8202632/mcdonnell-bell-plan-longbow.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721175044/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-8202632/mcdonnell-bell-plan-longbow.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 July 2012 |title=McDonnell-Bell plan Longbow-radar for LHX |work= Defense Daily |date=22 February 1990}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/12432.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020223512/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/12432.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2011 |publisher=Lockheed Martin |access-date=20 July 2011}}</ref> The [[radome]]'s raised position enables target detection while the helicopter is behind obstacles (e.g. terrain, trees or buildings). The AN/APG-78 is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 128 targets and engaging up to 16 at once; an attack can be initiated within 30 seconds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Radar-and-Electronic-Warfare-Systems/AN-APG-78-Longbow-fire-control-radar-United-States.html |title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS |website=janes.com |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025065224/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Radar-and-Electronic-Warfare-Systems/AN-APG-78-Longbow-fire-control-radar-United-States.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Avionics/AN-APG-78-Longbow-radar-United-States.html |title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS |website=janes.com |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-date=16 February 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216074007/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Avionics/AN-APG-78-Longbow-radar-United-States.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> A radio [[modem]] integrated with the sensor suite allows data to be shared with ground units and other Apaches, allowing them to fire on targets detected by a single helicopter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/landingpage/apache.html |title=Helicopter profile: Boeing AH-64 Apache |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=2 February 2010}}</ref>

The aircraft is powered by a pair of uprated [[T700-GE-701C]] engines. The forward fuselage was expanded to accommodate new systems to improve [[survivability]], [[navigation]], and 'tactical internet' communications capabilities. In February 2003, the first Block II Apache was delivered to the U.S. Army, featuring digital communications upgrades. The Japanese Apache AH-64DJP variant is based on the AH-64D;<ref name="Donald_p157"/> it can be equipped with the [[AIM-92 Stinger]] [[air-to-air missile]]s for self-defense.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-62774999/apache-stinger-testing-holding.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718221146/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-62774999/apache-stinger-testing-holding.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2012 |title=Apache Stinger Testing in Holding Pattern until Starstreak Integration Finished |work=Defense Daily |date=15 June 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Japan to get first Boeing copter |work=East Valley Tribune |first=Ed |last=Taylor |date=21 December 2005}}</ref>

===AH-64E===
[[File:AH-64E Apache-Guardian-0006.jpg|thumb|AH-64E Apache Guardian]]

Formerly known as AH-64D Block III, in 2012, it was redesignated as ''AH-64E Guardian''.<ref>Bledsoe, Sophia. [https://www.army.mil/article/94163/Team_Apache_announces_nickname_for_the_Apache_Echo_Model "Team Apache announces nickname for the Apache Echo Model"]. U.S. Army, 14 January 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=952 "Army Renames Apache Block III Helicopters."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109012316/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=952 |date=9 November 2013}} ''National Defense Magazine''.</ref> It has improved digital connectivity, the [[Joint Tactical Information Distribution System]], more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with upgraded [[face gear]] transmission to handle more power,<ref>"[http://helihub.com/2013/10/28/interlocking-gears-used-in-clocks-give-army-helicopters-more-power/ Interlocking gears used in clocks give Army helicopters more power] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220134816/http://helihub.com/2013/10/28/interlocking-gears-used-in-clocks-give-army-helicopters-more-power/ |date=20 February 2014}}", HeliHub, 28 October 2013. [https://web.archive.org/web/20140220134816/http://helihub.com/2013/10/28/interlocking-gears-used-in-clocks-give-army-helicopters-more-power/ Archived] on 20 February 2014.</ref> capability to control [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAVs), full [[Instrument flight rules|IFR]] capability, and improved landing gear.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2011-11-02-Boeing-US-Army-Mark-Delivery-of-1st-AH-64D-Apache-Block-III-Combat-Helicopter |title=Boeing, US Army Mark Delivery of 1st AH-64D Apache Block III Combat Helicopter |website=MediaRoom |access-date=9 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/35056/technology_gives_apache_block_iii_more_lift_capability_landing_ability |title=Technology gives Apache block III more lift, capability, landing ability |website=www.army.mil |date=26 February 2010 |access-date=9 February 2019}}</ref> New composite rotor blades, which completed testing in 2004, increase cruise speed, climb rate, and payload capacity.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d/news/2004/q2/nr_040510m.html "Boeing-Developed Composite Rotor Blade Spins Forward"]. Boeing, 10 May 2004. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629082357/http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d/news/2004/q2/nr_040510m.html |date=29 June 2011}}</ref> Deliveries began in November 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/from-albania-to-afghanistan-us-army-integrates-lessons-into-latest-apache-364245/ |title=From Albania to Afghanistan, US Army integrates lessons into latest Apache |first=Stephen |last=Trimble |date=3 November 2011 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> Full-rate production was approved on 24 October 2012.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} The total Army Acquisition Objective for both new build and remanufactured AH-64Es is 812.<ref name="Volume 1">{{Cite web |date=March 2024 |title=Justification Book Volume 1 of 1 Aircraft Procurement, Army |url=https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2025/Base%20Budget/Procurement/Aircraft-Procurement-Army.pdf }}</ref>

Changes in production lots 4 through 6 include a cognitive decision aiding system and new self-diagnostic abilities. The updated Longbow radar has an oversea capacity, potentially enabling naval strikes; an [[AESA radar]] is under consideration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-army-fields-first-ah-64e-unit-but-more-improvements-to-come-380875/ |title=US Army fields first AH-64E unit, but more improvements to come |first=Dave |last=Majumdar |date=9 January 2013 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> It will have a [[L-3 Communications]] MUMT-X datalink in place of two older counterparts, communicating on C, D, L, and Ku frequency bands to transmit and receive data and video with all Army UAVs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-army-replaces-lockheed-data-link-on-ah-64-apache-417707/ |title=US Army replaces Lockheed data link on AH-64 Apache |first=Stephen |last=Trimble |date=14 October 2015 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> Lots 5 and 6 will have [[Link 16]] [[data link]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2016/january/2348-viasat-to-produce-link-16-terminals-for-ah-64e-apache-guardian-helicopter-lots-5-and-6.html |title=ViaSat to produce Link 16 terminals for AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter Lots 5 and 6 |website=airrecognition.com |access-date=9 February 2019 |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927215213/https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2016/january/2348-viasat-to-produce-link-16-terminals-for-ah-64e-apache-guardian-helicopter-lots-5-and-6.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The AH-64E is to be fit for maritime use.<ref name=drwSea>{{cite web |last=Drwiega |first=Andrew |url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/topstories/U-S-Armys-Apache-Maritime-Role_83418.html |title=U.S. Army's Apache Maritime Role |work=[[Aviation Today]] |date=10 November 2014 |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129022537/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/topstories/U-S-Armys-Apache-Maritime-Role_83418.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The U.S. Army expressed interest in extended-range fuel tanks for greater endurance.<ref name="armytimes1feb15"/> {{As of|2020|4}}, 500 AH-64Es have been delivered.<ref name="Verdict">{{cite web |author=Verdict Media |date=17 April 2020 |title=US Army takes delivery of 500th Boeing AH-64E Apache Helicopter |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/us-army-takes-delivery-of-500th-boeing-ah-64e-apache-helicopter/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418123320/https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/us-army-takes-delivery-of-500th-boeing-ah-64e-apache-helicopter/ |archive-date=18 April 2020 |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=airforce-technology.com}}</ref>

Work on a further upgraded AH-64E, version 6.5 was initiated by the U.S. Army in 2021, and first flew in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2023-10-11 |title=Boeing flies upgraded AH-64E Apache for first time |url=https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2023/10/11/boeing-flies-upgraded-ah-64e-apache-for-first-time/ |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> The AH-64E is reported to have had problems with its electrical generation systems causing increased scrutiny.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saballa |first=Joe |date=2024-03-27 |title=US Army Suffers Third Apache Helicopter Crash in Two Months |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/03/27/us-army-apache-crash/ |website=The Defense Post |language=en-us}}</ref>

===AH-64F===
In 2014, Boeing conceptualized an Apache upgrade prior to the introduction of the U.S. Army's anticipated attack version of the [[Future Vertical Lift]] (FVL) aircraft, forecast to replace the Apache by 2040. The conceptual ''AH-64F'' would have greater speed via a new 3,000 shp turboshaft engine from the [[Improved Turbine Engine Program]], retractable landing gear, stub wings to offload lift from the main rotor during cruise, and a tail rotor that can articulate 90 degrees to provide forward thrust.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-proposes-high-speed-apache-heavier-chinook-400777/ |title=Boeing proposes high-speed Apache, heavier Chinook |first=Stephen |last=Trimble |date=26 June 2014 |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=9 February 2019}}</ref> In October 2016, the Army revealed they would not pursue another Apache upgrade to focus on funding FVL; the Army will continue buying the Apache through the 2020s until Boeing's production line ends in 2026, then FVL is slated to come online in 2030.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/army-will-not-pursue-ah-64f-model-apache-430045/ |title=Army will not pursue AH-64F model Apache |first=Leigh |last=Giangreco |date=4 October 2016 |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=9 February 2019}}</ref>

===Piasecki Speed Apache===
In the late 1990s, Piasecki conceived a proposal for an Apache with a tail–mounted ducted pusher rotor to enhance speed. However, the Speed Apache was not proceeded with.<ref>[http://www.combatreform.org/TACTICALSTUDIESGROUP/piaseckivtdp.htm Piasecki Compound Helicopters]. combatreform.org {{verify source|date=July 2024}}</ref> This appears to be similar to the [[Piasecki X-49 SpeedHawk]].

===Compound Apache===
In October 2018, Boeing began testing the ''AH-64E Block 2 Compound'', a [[compound helicopter]] design which added a larger fixed wing and a pusher propeller to the Apache airframe to provide additional lift and thrust, respectively. In addition, the engine exhaust was redirected downwards.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.janes.com/article/84079/boeing-testing-high-speed-apache-concept |title=Boeing testing high-speed Apache concept |author=Host, Pat |date=26 October 2018 |work=Jane's International Defence Review |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Collectively, the modifications were anticipated to improve speed to {{convert|185|knot|abbr=on}}, range to {{convert|460|nmi|abbr=on}}, payload to {{convert|5900|lb|abbr=on}}, and fuel economy. A 30% scale model completed wind tunnel testing in January 2019. The Compound Apache has been pitched as an interim replacement for the Apache before its replacement under the [[Future Vertical Lift]] program.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rotorandwing.com/2019/04/26/boeing-finished-six-wind-tunnel-tests-compound-apache-january-company-says/ |title=Boeing Finished Six Wind Tunnel Tests on Compound Apache in January, Company Says |author=Wolfe, Frank |date=26 April 2019 |work=Rotor & Wing International |access-date=15 October 2019 |archive-date=15 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015192511/https://www.rotorandwing.com/2019/04/26/boeing-finished-six-wind-tunnel-tests-compound-apache-january-company-says/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Sea Apache===
[[File:U.S. Army AH-64 prepares to launch from USS Nassau Feb 2005.jpg|thumb|A U.S. Army AH-64A Apache aboard {{USS|Nassau|LHA-4|6}} during Joint Shipboard Weapons and Ordnance training]]

During the 1980s [[Navalised|naval versions]] of the AH-64A for the [[United States Marine Corps]] and [[United States Navy|Navy]] were examined.<ref name="Richardson_Peacock_p60-61">Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 60–61.</ref><ref name=Donald_p150>Donald 2004, p. 150.</ref> Multiple concepts were studied with altered landing gear arrangements, improved avionics and weapons.<ref name="Richardson_Peacock_p60-61" /> The USMC conducted a two-week evaluation of the Apache in September 1981, including shipboard operation tests. Funding for a naval version was not provided; the USMC continued to use the [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|AH-1]].<ref name=Donald_p170>Donald 2004, p. 170.</ref>

The [[Canadian Forces Maritime Command]] also examined naval Apaches.<ref>{{cite news |title=Local firms hope for spin-offs from big naval aircraft project |work= Montreal Gazette |first= Peggy |last=Curran |date= 6 August 1986}}</ref> In 2004, [[British Army]] AgustaWestland Apaches were deployed upon the [[Royal Navy]]'s {{HMS|Ocean|L12|6}}, a [[Landing Platform Helicopter]], for suitability testing; there was U.S. interest in the trials.<ref name="seatrials1">{{cite web |url= http://www.navynews.co.uk/articles/2004/0405/0004051101.asp |title= Apache Moves Closer To Front Line |website= Navy News |date= 11 May 2004 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110611043406/http://www.navynews.co.uk/articles/2004/0405/0004051101.asp |archive-date= 11 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> During the [[2011 military intervention in Libya]], the British Army extensively used Apaches from HMS ''Ocean''.<ref name="Apaches fly from HMS Ocean">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Ships/Assault-Ships/HMS-Ocean/ |title=HMS Ocean |publisher=Royal Navy/MOD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618015525/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Ships/Assault-Ships/HMS-Ocean |archive-date=18 June 2012}}</ref> In 2013, US AH-64Ds were tested on several U.S. Navy ships.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.armytimes.com/article/20130905/NEWS/309050004 |title=Army helicopters fly from Navy ships, test joint ops |date= 5 September 2013 |first= Meghann |last=Myers |website=Army Times}}</ref>

===Export Apaches===
Several models have been derived from the AH-64A, AH-64D and AH-64E for export. The British-built [[AgustaWestland Apache]] (assembled from kits purchased from Boeing) is based on the AH-64D Block I with several different systems, including more powerful engines, folding rotor blades, and other modifications for operation from Royal Navy vessels.

===Block modification===
While a major change in design or role will cause the type designator suffix to change, for example from AH-64D to AH-64E, the helicopters are also subject to block modification. Block modification is the combining of equipment changes into blocks of modification work orders, the modifications in the block (sometimes called a block package) are all done to the helicopter at the same time.<ref name="block">{{cite web |url= http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r750_10.pdf |title= Army Regulation 750-10 Army Modification Program |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130220191234/http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r750_10.pdf |archive-date= 20 February 2013 |df= dmy-all}}</ref>