AIRCRAFT PROGRAM

Four blade, armoured attack helicopter.

AH-64 fuselage and systems are designed with enhanced protection to enable flying for 30 minutes after being hit including: armoured and structurally strengthened fuselage, self-sealing fuel system, significant systems redundancy, separated cockpits with Kevlar seats and shock absorbing non-retractable landing gear. The main 4 blade rotor is made of composite materials. Two armoured turboshaft engines - T700-GE-701D - are mounted above stub-wings on either side of fuselage.

Target Acquisition and Designation System, Pilot Night Vision System (TADS/PNVS) (Lockheed Martin), passive infrared countermeasures (Northrop Grumman), GPS, and the Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System (IHADSS) (Elbit) provide capability to fly during extreme weather conditions, day or night. Advanced digital connectivity with data sharing capabilities with other ground forces or aircraft and capable of controlling unmanned air vehicles (UAV).

M320 chain gun is positioned between landing gear and further weapons are stored on 4 pylons on stub-wings.

Tandem cockpit with co-pilot to the front and pilot on raised seat behind. Dual cockpit is separated by reinforced shields to enable each pilot independent capability for flight and weapon control in event of one of them being unable to fly. Pilots equipped with Elbit integrated helmet and display sighting system.

Type variants

Variant	Launch/First flight	Production end
Boeing AH-64A Apache	1970 / 1975	1997	Baseline variant.
Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow	1997 / 1998	2013	Upgraded, modernised version, with improved engines enhanced avionics.
Boeing AH-64E Guardian	2006 / 2008		Enhanced avionic cabability, with ability to control UAVs and improved digital connectivity.

Recent news

• 21/05/2026:  NEWS:  Army gives Apache drone wingman programme £10m backing
• 15/05/2026:  Press Release:  Thales welcomes further down-selection to the next phase of UK's Apache Wingman drone programme
• 15/05/2026:  Press Release:  Tekever selected for Project NYX to support next-generation autonomous capability for the British Army and announces Bristol Hub
• 15/05/2026:  Press Release:  GKN Aerospace to support next phase of UK MOD's Project NYX with Anduril UK
• 05/03/2026:  Press Release:  Mobix Labs receives new orders as Gulfstream aircraft production continues

View full news archive for the Boeing AH-64 Apache.

See recent updates (latest 13/07/2026)