Army's NEW E model Apache attack helicopter declared operational

A new Apache AH-64 attack helicopter is headed for the British Army, offering a full-colour, bigger picture of the battlefield and improved ways of affecting it.
This newly operational E model has a top speed of 186 mph, a new software overhaul to allow for greater target acquisition and is expecting new 'Romeo' variant Hellfire missiles.
Fifty of the new models are set to join the Army by 2025, with nearly £300m invested in the first delivery of the aircraft so far.
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[@ashscott6068]

After 30 years of upgrades, the Apache can now engage enemies in red cars.

[@dudanvictor4203]

😄 true.

[@ab5903]

That 🚗 is soooo fkd😳😕😲😵😵☠

[@nicksmth33]

golden comment

[@jattdadanda]

Haha

[@Fng_1975]

Yep, and think that the Army traded the Kiowa in for this ability. Smh

[@chickendinner2562]

Im just glad that the US Canada, UK and western Europe as well as Japan and South Korea are all allies.

[@LyonPercival]

It's just natural when people have the same ideology like freedom as practical as possible, for the sake of the people instead of power. NO TO TYRANNY and keeping absolute power, those are Putin's 20 year regime, China's CCP, and North Korea's government. Autocrats are the opposite - they don't trust other's autocratic governments (russia doesn't trust china) because they know very well they're ready to backstab each other.

[@polpotnoodle7441]

Now we have the swedes and the fins Were the winning side Unlucky wussia

[@randbarrett8706]

The decades of American occupation in Europe, Japan, and Korea certainly helps

[@nodramalama9531]

​@@randbarrett8706 the occupation wasn't particularily long tbh, in germany new states were founded I think in 1949 and the occupation most certainly did not endure "many decades" here

[@kelvin4833]

@@randbarrett8706 I mean we were helping them for the most part. For example Korea and Japan are way more successful now after US occupation than they ever were in their history

[@dmomintz]

In my opinion, the Apache is one of the most gorgeous and lethal aircraft ever built.

[@aegonbreakspear9102]

It's the closest feeling of having a Dragon. If it's with you, you feel invincible. If it's against you, you're already dead.

[@herisson15]

...and equally ugly

[@m.m14433]

I prefer the cobra helo, looks wise.

[@Slay_No_More]

Ever seen the AH-99 Comanche II? Also pretty good looking but not as much as the Apache.

[@edgarsnezinu1439]

Lethal true but how safe ?? Doubting .........

[@Assassin1959]

Awesome machine and awesome aircraft!!! Flew this bird for 21 years and loved it every minute.

[@ianskelding2169]

Thank you for your service true hero

[@timschutte6924]

Thank you for your service and I'm sure that ground troops loved you and enemies hated you which is exactly what this aircraft was made for. The simple fact that you are alive writing this is a direct result of its survivability. Very tough and deadly chopper.

[@JacobT-1]

Great video! Did not realize 2005 is when our British buddies started using the AH-64. Having the tech systems buffed is awesome. The transmission being upgraded is a big deal too. Just a great and satisfying 3+ min video. Thanks for making and posting. Edit: Just wanted to add that the new blades are a sweet addition too. I think the blades type/quality are one of those things that make a gigantic difference but don't get the love and attention they deserve by casuals like me. Wouldn't have flight without the things that spin around really fast. Also, thanks for all the replies. Good for the channel. OH! and there is talk about US Navy using the Apache. Army Apache on Navy vessels? idk? Hope there is a video on that at some point.

[@pantherowow77]

The AH-64 is obsolete today...waste of money. Just a very expensive flying coffin for 2

[@justonecornetto80]

@@pantherowow77 According to whom?

[@pantherowow77]

@@justonecornetto80 according to Mr. MANPAD.

[@LRRPFco52]

Biggest upgrade is the net-centric capability with JTIDS.

[@supergooner7581]

@@dawidb2848 Believe in what you will,but do not put your beliefs onto me. You come across as someone who believes in witchcraft and sorcery? Something so ridiculous that people in the middle east get killed(beheaded) for.Are you in agreement with this nonsense?Is a Film Harry Potter a "Fantasy" something you consider believable?If so science must be a foreign language to you,and I consider you to be a danger to society if you are that gullable to consider something debunked,science time and time again has disproven it's exsistence (witchcraft etc)We are living in a time of great scientific progress,but people of (suppossed faith) charlatens Kenneth Copeland etc a wolf in sheeps clothing if ever their was one!Ido not mean to attack you verbaly it just infruiates me how these con artist fleese people out of their hard earned money for financial gain.I just hope to use a biblical frase the people see the light and stopsending thses crooks their hard earned money. I wish no harm ,but for people to realsise no good will come of them wasting there money and tansfering intothe crooks bankaccount.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

High praise coming from our Brit friends, given the fact that Great Britain has been masters of outstanding aviation all the way from before WW2. 🇺🇸💛🇬🇧

[@russellwilliams3209]

I work at Boeing in AZ and have personally been involved in assisting the building of Apaches to be delivered to GB! Truly a honor!

[@davebrown9707]

@@russellwilliams3209 well thank you for your work to help the defence of my country.

[@TaMeVero]

"Look at that red car". Wait... I own a red car... oh shi-

[@IIISentorIII]

Yeah, it's a big improvement actually. The older models could only be operated by color blind people.

[@orlock20]

@@IIISentorIII If it's a red car, then it's still the case :).

[@user-bl4oq7fd8d]

@@IIISentorIII only colorblind people can tell the colors in a black and white picture!

[@SnowRookie]

Seeing this aircraft fly overhead and provide close air support is truly a sight to behold

[@ljnouata9088]

This and the Tiger attack helicopter are quite an intimidating sight for an enemy.

[@TacShooter]

Still looks futuristic to me, 40 years later.

[@skuly0161]

where u gettin 40 years from

[@TacShooter]

@@skuly0161 I dunno, maybe from being 53 farking years old?!

[@seamalulion]

I had the privilege of fueling and arming these bad boys. As well as see them in action. I love them so much, one of my favorite vehicles that I fueled up while I was in the Army.

[@timschutte6924]

Thank you for your service!!! It's guys like you that do the greasy dirty hard work behind the scenes that allow these birds to remain in the air. Once again, thank you.

[@dylanmoore8638]

Thank you for your service!

[@Snooperking]

I just finished up AIT as a fueler and get to meet my unit next month (National Guard). I get to refuel these bad boys and I'm soooo excited.

[@Husker5454]

These things are absolutely nuts in capability especially compared to KA50/52 . In theory you can fire off 16 different missiles at 16 different targets while behind a mountain and have them guided in from 16 different JTAC designations . The new data link capability's where the helicopters can share data , targets , waypoints with each other is far far superior to that of the MK1 . An enhanced TADS like mentioned brings better information to the pilots and i imagine with an upgraded camera supports better night fighting operations , I wouldn't be surprised if the NVS had been upgraded too . When you compare military vehicles against each other its important to view them with what they are designed to fight along side , the apache is designed to almost cheat conventional tactics which is what makes it so powerful , its not about payload or speed its about how well can it destroy a target while still having all the cards on the table and this thing is still unmatched in doing just that .

[@Husker5454]

@Dr. Bright haha true , they are simply inferior helicopters and thats just factual , they still rely on laser guided missiles and atleast the ones in ukraine dont even have an MWS . KA50/52 also do not work anywhere near as closely with ground assets with far less capability because of that . Apache works more as an extension of a ground assault with the ability to also conduct night raids where as these KA helicopters are flown as either hunting units which is very dangerous for helicopters or as fire support assets working in the old fashioned CAS role with far less ways to work with ground units .

[@thifmaster1466]

If it is survivable unough to survice modern war

[@LyonPercival]

@Dr. Bright hahha Russian choppers dropping like FLIES in Ukraine by Ukrainians with Stingers... those Kas and Hinds and Havocs haven't even tasted a NATO force and they're already blowing Russia's strained economy and killing even killing their pilots 😅

[@Husker5454]

@@thifmaster1466 Apache is far more survivable than any other helicopter in a modern conflict , Not only can it fire without self designating but it has access to one of the best RWR/MWS systems in modern aircraft , this thing can not only detect radar spikes and locate them but it can detect incoming projectiles from RPG's to laser guided tows . Its well armored , has 2 engines , plenty of redundant systems and far better situational awareness than anything else on the market . The apache deserves the hype it gets because its an absolute masterpiece of engineering.

[@akipovakipov8240]

​@@Husker5454 Cant say AH 64 has not been in war with advanced Starstreak missile etc like KA 52 does

[@clean04si]

250 targets from 10 miles. Beast of a heli. Cheers

[@doodskie999]

This apache looks so new and clean. Guess it will look weathered once it gets more air time amd service

[@TheBongReyes]

A stronger UK military is a stronger friend. Glad the Brits are upgrading. Might be small but the British military carries a big stick!!!

[@ewancook]

@@TokinDope … strongest in Europe

[@ianskelding2169]

We certainly do my friend

[@onewhostudies6856]

yeah, what could possibly go wrong?

[@mattmichael2441]

@0:58 thats a very good note. A large part of attack helicopters is to provide close support to ground forces. Belong able to tell the color of the vehicle quickly is worth a lot imo. Camera tech is probably the fastest area of improvement in regards to the hardware on the aircraft.

[@dougaltolan3017]

That section baffles me a bit... Since when did any enemy drive pink tanks?

[@simondan3828]

I could be wrong, but AFAIK the pilot was talking about the ground troops-aircrew communication system, used to mark targets. As in "I've marked your target tanks as red". "Okay, I see them".

[@greatestytcommentator]

Being able to tell the difference between a Video Camera and a Machine Gun is important too... We can hope.

[@mattmichael2441]

@@dougaltolan3017 I take it you're thinking of WW2 esk Tanks driving across a battlefield. Most combat these days is more urban. Even in more rural areas it's very possible to have hostile vehicles near other similar vehicles. A certain miltain ground was not just using Toyota pickup trucks for brand loyalty. They are good vehicles for the terrain that they already had on hand. Hence the non hostile vehicles (the locals, etc) are likely to be driving similar cars. I'd wager if an attack helicopter was just hovering in an area and saw a non friendly target become hostile and start shooting stuff they would return fire possible with just their eyes. The thing is you don’t want your helicopters just flying low sitting there like ducks. So it’s much more likely they would be called for support and not see the very start of hostilities so little things like seeing color better can help possibly shave a few seconds (asking for license plates numbers, or just the gunner spotting the right target).

[@dougaltolan3017]

@@mattmichael2441 my comment was like a joke, but jokes are funny...

[@chuckcuttress2991]

Worked on the prototypes back in 79 when it was Hughes helicopters what a great company left when they sold out to McDonnell Douglas

[@byloyuripka9624]

good move MD has wrecked so many businesses unless you view it from the perspective of the iNvEsToR

[@andreawyatt3059]

Every time I see the Apache flying I think of my late brother S.A.Wyatt DFC.

[@AsteroidM749A]

Please do share his story, Andrea! All I've found a tiny little line on the internet, something about Royal Artillery, helicopter ambush in Northern Ireland?

[@wolfmaster2898]

didnt know him but i could guess he was a hero that served his country proudly.

[@AsteroidM749A]

@@wolfmaster2898 amen to that. But I'd be really interested to hear how potentially someone in the Royal Artillery ended up with a Distinguished Flying Cross - if it's one in the same.

[@andreawyatt3059]

I tried to add a link but it seems to keep disappearing from my replies. During Shaun’s posting to Cyprus, he got a chance to have a test flight with the Army Air Core.They were impressed and supported his posting to the Army air core training at Middle Wallop. However the first gulf war got in the way, once this was over, he was posted to Middle Wallop for pilot training. He completed his training and was top of his class, at first flying the Gazelles and eventually moving onto the Lynx. He was still in the Royal Artillery during his posting to NI, where he received the DFC. He was then rebadged into the Army Air Core and was selected for training on the Apache and eventually becoming a pilot instructor.

[@Casper-ju9cw]

Hope another towers get knocked out✈️💥🏢🏢

[@rs232killer]

Interesting, good news for the UK on this, but I believe Boeing has been delivering E models since 2020 and also retrofitting older models to the E configuration since that time.

[@neilgriffiths6427]

So - American aircraft gets the upgrade first in America? Hardly surprising.

[@death_parade]

@@neilgriffiths6427 Well, that is obvious. Still, its weird how UK is getting an Apache-64E or a Boeing P-8 after India gets them. Makes me think us Indians are getting way too close to USA than is good for us.

[@garry19681]

@@death_parade I am pretty sure if China attacks India and the United States help India, you won’t be concerned about how close they are getting.

[@tams805]

@@death_parade Compared to what? Getting closer to Russia? Are you sure you want their equipment now? And Pakistan aside, your biggest potential foe is China... who mostly use Soviet derived equipment too.

[@SuperVesuvius]

@@death_parade yes my friend. America is by far and away the lesser of the two "evils" if you want to call it that. Also US tech tends to generally be a lot more polished, since Russian tech is generally built under extreme pressure by the government, with tight time limits and thus more prone to errors, bugs and glitches in the short term.

[@ErikKart]

Deadly ! Congrats on the upgrade to E model

[@mnlalgangte]

Thanks for your comment on allies ♥

[@aurathedraak7909]

The second beast beautiful weapon on earth.

[@scottstewart5784]

They didn't "ditch" British engines. The existing British Apaches started arriving in 2005. The UK Apaches came with Rolls Royce engines. Now, in 2022, the current version of Apaches come with GE (American) engines. When developing the new version, Boeing would have worked with GE and RR, and all comers, and possibly would have run a subcontract competition. The final decision would consider performance, weight, reliability, integration, cost, etc, and in the context of the requirements of the new version, a decision would be made. It would be documented. Boeing built hundreds of this new version for the US. Now comes the UK wanting 50. It would cost a lot to re-engineer and re-engine a helicopter. All the engine-related (even remotely) certification steps would need to redone. That would take time and $$$. Since the UK engine manufacturers enjoy a strong market presence in the US, with RR most notably in aircraft engines, both commercial and defense, nobody is inclined to complain about that aspect. Bottom line - it would add enough cost such that they'd lose several Apaches from their order to pay for it. Because when presented with two choices - X pounds for 50 with American engines, or 1.1X pounds for 50 with UK engines, the MOD would say the amount is capped at X, buy American, or buy 45 British instead of 50 - your call. The sensible decision, in the context described above, is to maximize value for money and get 50 with the GE engines.

[@stuco81]

The Rolls Royce engines were unique to the British Apache and differentiated it from its American contemporary, the AH-64D. This time round they've 'dropped' the requirement for British engines, which was probably a political choice anyway. And as you say, it is s probably cheaper to stick with the US supplied ones.

[@donquixoteupinhere]

Great info thanks

[@scottstewart5784]

@@stuco81 Yeah I wondered about - wasn't sure my info was correct, and figured the community would correct me. I edited my post. Thank you.

[@solardanilew]

The cheapest new Apache is 60mln USD, so 300mln would only pay for 5. They did say it's just a first batch. 50 would be in the region of 3-4bln if not more

[@P.G.Wodelouse]

last time it was more about having the British firm westland build the apaches, but now it is an italian firm anyway so pick your poison cheaper american made apaches that can be upgraded with the American ones or more expensive italian made apaches that can't benefit from American upgrades and are not designed yet.

[@slobmarley9070]

great bit of kit

[@l.moorey]

2 of these beasts tried landing at old raf Thetford a couple weeks ago on the training ground, pretty awesome to watch

[@murraychadwick9362]

This will always be my favorite military war machine. I would hate to be the enemy facing this beast.

[@theylied1776]

There are two reasons why the British, Australian, and Canadian militaries are buying American Fighter Jets and Attack Helicopters. It's the software and real-time satellite global awareness command center from the Pentagon. The British, Australians, and Canadians now have Military Liaison Officers in the Pentagon.

[@BroadHobbyProjects]

All ready for against China

[@B-A-L]

I bet the Aussies regret buying Eurocopter Tigers now.

[@MRMK24]

@@B-A-L didn't they put in a 5.5 billion order for nearly 30 of the Apaches to replace the tigers?

[@ljnouata9088]

@@B-A-L nope. We are keeping the tigers we bought. And are buying the Apaches. both of them look intimidating. RIP enemies

[@ljnouata9088]

@@MRMK24 yes our army is buying said Helicopter. Tigers are great looking attack helicopters. And that’s about it. lmao

[@ianskelding2169]

I think we should order another 1000 of these fantastic pieces of kit

[@msmrepo3271]

I can remember when they first came to Wallop, think it was 90 or 91 when I was stationed there. Great bit of kit.

[@exmoorfarmer4880]

An awesome aircraft and only the best for our service personnel. ❤️

[@Foldy435]

Pity they had to ditch the Rolls Royce engines but looks a hell of a machine.

[@donquixoteupinhere]

Would like more info as to why!

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

@@donquixoteupinhere RR were a bit too powerful and a bit too slow to throttle down the helo when turning , landing and other maneuvers.

[@Foldy435]

@@donquixoteupinhere must admit it doesn’t make a lot of sense but probably another ineptitude from our government

[@Cheese_Boi1986]

likely the production line is working on something else so best to just import a well tested engine from the states

[@donquixoteupinhere]

@@Foldy435 yeah I thought that may be the case but having read various comments now I’ve learned more about it and it seems like a reasonable thing. Basically the US folks have been investing in this heli for a while and had already paid for and contracted improvements with Boeing, who likely had RR + GE (I think the other company’s name is that) competing as sub-contractors. This is a rigorous and costly process with lots of required documentation, testing and sign off. The RR engine is actually a “better” engine, with more power than the transmission can handle ergo probably overly costly and definitely overkill, also has the potential to work counter-productively for manoeuvring as Quantum Mechanic mentioned. To use the RR engine would have meant redesigning this heli significantly and buying those 50 engines at some relatively great cost as well creating a tonne of (repeated) bureaucracy in order to follow the correct processes for testing + validating a new piece of kit. So the upshot would just be that less helicopters could be bought for the same budget (which is fixed) and it would almost certainly take longer to ascertain the equipment-I’m sure of some relevance given the active situation. Seems it would’ve led to approx 10% fewer helis. Finally, the Americans being our allies and with the UK, Aus, Canada all having seats in the Pentagon there is apparently impressive tech being leveraged on the software side for global positioning et al which I gather the allied fleets all benefit from essentially-however I see no reason why the engine couldn’t be different while running the same/interoperable software, it may have had some impact on all of this but I think this is the least likely reason. My granddad was an engineer on Roll’s Royce jet engines in WWII hence I do have a slight emotional attachment to this situation but RR still are a global monster when it comes to commercial flight and related endeavours so this is kinda small potatoes overall and seemingly a sensible move in the broader context

[@allans7281]

That is one bad ass attack helo! Enemy usually runs when they see those

[@deejayimm]

I love it when they show you stuff like this to make you think this is where we're at technologically, when we've had stealth and nearly silent helicopters for decades.

[@Karlm01]

we need more than 50

[@Homeschoolsw6]

Numbers given are rarely true.

[@MrSilverPants68]

@@Homeschoolsw6 you’re right, they’re usually far less

[@kevjames4236]

You've never even served. Shut up

[@Homeschoolsw6]

@@MrSilverPants68 Or more depending on the system.

[@Dave-us5fq]

@@Homeschoolsw6 less in the case of the British armed forces…

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I fly these in the DCS simulator. It's a very accurate sim. And they've modeled it so realistically that real pilots have commented how well it's simulated. It's limiting factor is definitely the power plants. When max loaded it's very hard to get off the ground. You're at a 100% torque and still on the ground. You have to get rolling forward to lift off. More power is a Godsend for this aircraft

[@orlock20]

DCS is the D model. The E model flies like the A model with all the gear of the D model.

[@BarghestOne]

Cant wait to see her in action

[@michaelcampbell3120]

I used them on the battlefield excellent and also the Comanche

[@simmo.261]

Can't believe they've ditched RR engines, shocking!

[@sapiotone]

Do you work in supply chain for them? I do. The reasons make far more sense for the effectiveness of the aircraft and works out better value for the UK tax payer. Ain’t often I agree with decisions made by Tory governments, but in this case the SSD and MOD made a good call

[@stupidburp]

Yeah hopefully RR will still be involved in other projects and get plenty of business. Sometimes the best component for a project isn’t the one locally produced but we can still cooperate overall and provide components for each other.

[@PhantomMark]

Also makes spares and servicing a heck of a lot easier.

[@simmo.261]

@@sapiotone Yes I understand all of that I'm just disappointed they've ditched British engineering and manufacturing for American. I'm just glad RR have won 8 of the 10 major contracts by the MOD as of this year.

[@PhantomMark]

@@simmo.261 in this case it makes sense i think, especially when the RR engines are more powerful than the drivetrain can handle, let's not forget the not fit for purpose air filters for the middle East which grounded us !!

[@hukedonfonix1671]

My stepfather was a drill sergeant until 9/11 when he returned to active duty where he is an apache wso(weapons system operator) and the deadlines of this machine is getting greater by the year. I personally have never flown in a helicopter however I sat in one in the mechanics bay when they had family day at Fort Bragg I'm close to Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune so I get to see a wide array of jets and helicopter but the instrument panel alone in this bird is just jawdropping, the men and women who fly these machines are a special breed and even more so the ones selected to fly them in combat. Absolute respect to our armed forces and the real warriors who fly those and the AH-1Z Viper helicopters and to the enemy if you see it it's probably too late, thank you vets and active duty troops, some of us Americans still respect and honor you for protecting a country full of ungrateful liberals

[@Play4fuNNNNNnn]

your father was weak. thats why he died

[@ianskelding2169]

Thanks from England too everyone a hero

[@Lazarus_]

It’s so beautiful

[@IIISentorIII]

Since the Apache was Color Blind until now, red cars were considered his arch enemy and devastated entire Apache squadrons for years without any mercy!

[@ben.s13]

Sounds like some great upgrades, all round. Surely the best attack helicopter going?

[@failtolawl]

The fact that they know when and where to use it solidifies the answer to that question.

[@stuartwhyman1]

Shame they downgraded the engine from the Rolls Royce.

[@failtolawl]

@@stuartwhyman1 because it was garbage

[@stuartwhyman1]

@@failtolawl GE had less power then the RR. So, I dont thing so!

[@007raybould]

Beautiful gunship

[@jbranche8024]

Hopefully the counter measures have been improved for the enemies newer shoulder fired rockets and missed systems. More advanced electronic counter measures, better battlefield communication, awareness and better, faster target acquisition and elimination will go a long way towards successful outcomes and demoralizing the enemy.

[@thelizardmen8331]

Saw an Apache flyin over my house earlier. Love seeing them fly over cuz theres an army base inside.

[@AndreSetal]

When it’s war time Americans sure do know how to make money

[@onewhostudies6856]

It's always wartime for America

[@yostugotz5619]

China and Russia getting in on it too.

[@AndreSetal]

@@yostugotz5619 cmon on without a doubt

[@jesterlead]

As a former Cobra guy, I was a huge fan of the Apache's as they were transitioning in and our old kit was being retired. That said, watching how easy a $10K MPAD wipes out the Russian KA52's I'm not sure I'd want to be in the air these days.

[@mandelorean6243]

Targeting up to hundreds of targets, AT TEN MILES away, should keep you pretty safe

[@jesterlead]

@@mandelorean6243 in concept, but that clearly hasn't helped any of the 250+ downed Russian Hinds. You will never find targets 10 miles out loitering behind a treetop inside friendly space.

[@mathewferstl7042]

@@jesterlead maybe it's a problem with russian equipment specifically

[@tams805]

@@jesterlead It's called combined arms. A manned-helicopter should never be doing most of the scouting becasue on its own it is a sitting duck.

[@jesterlead]

@@tams805 I know how it works, I was actually in the club. :) My point is that today's technology, which is very low-cost is outrageously effective against helicopters - as proven in the Ukraine. Same goes for anti-tank. I'd not want to be in an armored vehicle or helicopter in the Ukraine. Easy targets.

[@antonycharnock2993]

Not sure if it was the E variant but got to see one of these beasts up close at the Army exhibition at the F1 GP at Silverstone.

[@KaoretheHalfDemon]

*looking on in wide eyed fascination* New Apache helicopters!!!

[@ChrisDavis333]

This is why ingenuity is so fascinating, build 1 great aircraft and you can keep updating it along the way and it can be a valuable asset for the better part of a century. It’s actually insane. The Apache, the F-15, even things like the F-18. I think it’s largely the idea behind the F35, it’s a chassis that gets more affordable the longer it’s in service and it’s ability to be upgraded is unparalleled. People tend to fall in love with new platforms, and I get it, it’s fun and flashy and cool but sometimes all it takes is a significant modernization block upgrade to an old platform to make it significantly more effective in combat roles. The Apache already does everything you want an attack helicopter to do, then you upgrade its cameras, pods, TADS, displays, on top of whatever other software and hardware upgrades it got and you have a vastly improved and more effective aircraft. You get the performance of a new platform without the decades of R&D, testing, production and assembly costs, the bumps and bruises that come with a new platform that’s unproven. Instead you have decades of success in multiple different arenas and environments already under your belt and all it’s kinks have already been ironed out in past upgrades. It’s smart really, it’s not a brand new flashy next gen platform but it’s practical and efficient, it’s cost effective and is vastly improved compared to the previous iterations. Bang for your buck if you will. It’s what the U.S should have been doing with the F22 but Obama installed a communist general that killed the program instead of seeing it through and making it to where the investment paid off. 200 F22’s is better than no F22’s, but we’d love to have seen a bunch of upgrade blocks and for it to replace most F15’s and F18’s but commies gonna commie. Ya know?

[@SuperVesuvius]

The F22 program had so much potential. So sad it was messed up by politics. The f15 was such a legendary aircraft. Just speaking of the raptor as a replacement to the F15 put enormous pressure on building the raptor to perfection. Just sad it didn't come off as planned. Ahh good ol' politics.

[@kristoffermangila]

Um, you forgot a certain 1950s-era strategic bomber...

[@ChrisDavis333]

@@kristoffermangila I didn’t mention it because I personally don’t know the upgrades it’s received through the years. There’s a bunch of platforms that fit the bill of what I described I just don’t know enough about them.

[@kristoffermangila]

@@ChrisDavis333 the venerable B-52 has undergone a massive amount of mods and upgrades ever since the 1950s, from new engines to new computers as well as the ability to launch cruise missiles and guided bombs.

[@alqaeda7040]

I wish they could revive F22 production

[@adamcottrell6454]

Will the 'E' variant be fitted with folding rotor blades so it can be used on the carrier? Also, will it be fitted with Brimstone missiles?

[@lewismartin4992]

Can't imagine it will anytime soon, our Apaches struggled whilst deployed at sea, they just aren't built for it. I've heard the coating they used to cover the aircraft was a massive pain in the arse to maintain as well.

[@timmurphy5541]

seems like no Brimstones and instead the Americans have decided to make an equivalent and get us to buy it.

[@herbb8547]

@@timmurphy5541 The new missiles are a co-development between the two nations. The UK and US are really good at coming up with new systems when they work together. Goes all the way back to WWII when the US and UK worked together on upgrading the Spitfire and developing the P-51.

[@stupidburp]

Apaches have already had trial deployments on carriers. They are capable of operating in that environment. The rotor blades don’t have a formal folding option but can be folded nevertheless by pulling one of the two connecting pins and hinging in on the other. Some care should be taken care to avoid stress on the blades and rotor head but it is possible.

[@johno1544]

The Hellfire and Brimstone are basically the same thing with different names right?

[@danielramirez9299]

Yes!! Get some!!

[@Cam-kk3lw]

Top bit of kit 👍

[@HuntsChris]

Curious the decision to go with non-rolls Royce engines because the RR were too powerful for the transmission.

[@modelrailwaynoob]

Disappointing

[@bmelo909]

The US has completed testing a new engine for Blackhawks and Apaches. The new T901 ITEP engine was built by General Electric has 3000 shaft HP. This new engine is more powerful than the RR engine and will save cost and logistics will be easier

[@bmelo909]

@@Mr762308 This engine has already been tested and was designed to fit in the nacelle of the apache and Blackhawks, The new engine provides 3,000 shaft horsepower, which will buy back lift capability, and greater fuel efficiency. Again GE has already tested the engine for the Apache. Even if engine is tuned down it would still be more reliable and fuel efficient than the RR and logistics easier. The new gearbox can handle more power but not 3000hp, but more than the older gearbox. GE has already been awarded the $517 million contract for the engines. These engines are planned to be used in the late 2020"s

[@andrewdeacon8315]

Simply down to cost , these are off the shelf rather than heavily modified British only versions like our old apaches which ended up costing twice as much.

[@brandonlewis9531]

@@bmelo909 those engines will be derated though. They aren’t going to drop in 3,000 hp engines in place of 1800 hp engines and not make any upgraded to the powertrain

[@damaliamarsi2006]

I went to London and heard some helicopters flying over. I believe it was a chinook based on the thumping sound but couldn't see it through the rain. I plan on invading GB and shooting (with a camera for those who need this spelled out) as many of the sites and aircraft as allowed (with permission where required). I love the British military, very impressive and that is from someone in the USA who also has a very impressive military. The thing I love about the British Military is that they put tea kettles in their tanks and that to me is just awesome.

[@grahamtaylor6883]

Lol. I didn't know that.

[@metalsmithnick8714]

Hahah yes! Tea is a must 😁

[@donquixoteupinhere]

Haha I didn’t know that. Brews and bombs

[@andrewharper4296]

Yeah I’d didn’t really get to investigate it but last December I was in London for a running event and constantly kept seeing Chinooks for almost 45 minutes. Late evening and then Into the night. That’s sound is unmistakable! 😎

[@jefflyon2020]

the british did invent the tank, wonder if Rommel or Patton dared with a spot of tea inside their tanks at all?

[@mechanosys]

Powerful Helicopter !

[@Obvioustroller]

That thing's operational!

[@STKS1991]

What are the pair of fishing tackle looking things loosely swinging around on arms connected to the engines?

[@Magizmo2007]

Gyroscopes

[@RedMac63]

They are sensors for air temperature, air speed and so forth.

[@Magizmo2007]

@@RedMac63 pito tubes, but not... I agree was just being lazy.

[@ericconnor8419]

It is a shame they did not use British engines.

[@bountyhunter_5150]

I thought the British engines produced more hp.

[@adamcottrell6454]

Too powerful for the transmission he said which limited overall power of the RR engine.

[@TheFloorface]

thought the same thing. its never a good idea to let your industries at home atrophy.

[@P.G.Wodelouse]

they could have redesigned the last version to use the RR engines but with Agustawestland being eaten by leonardo and the americans having already designed a better machine they decided to just buy the upgrade rather than licence and build as either way it would not be British built anymore.

[@willw8011]

The AH-64E is an American designed helicopter. The US Army has been upgrading AH-64D to AH64E since 2011. The US Army has over 500 of them in service now and it will soon be 800+ in service. Boeing designed it for using the American GE engines. BTW, the 200 USMC Super Cobras also use the same GE engine. If the British wanted to use their engines on their 50 AH-64E, then they would have to pay to redesign the aircraft and the British would also have to pay whatever the cost for the 50 engines + spares. Obviously, the British thought it was better to go with cost reduction due to the higher quantity US Army production than to do everything. The British could have designed and built their own attack helicopter, but that would also significantly drive up the cost of each unit.

[@tubefreakmuva]

Stunning

[@DarknessInferno15]

Worlds most beautiful attack helicopter. It's a really striking design.

[@chrisdickinson7949]

I'm impressed, a moving screen & in colour LOL My car had that 10 years ago ,but admittedly it's a bit less deadly ( unless the wife is driving it )

[@ThexXxXxOLOxXxXx]

Damn xD

[@phooogle]

Just need more of them now. Come on defence spending!

[@EYDuff]

Would help if mod didn't waste billions on procurement I.e. ajax

[@B-A-L]

Would help if they didn't cost so much in the first place!

[@factsdontcareaboutyourfeel7204]

Beautiful looking ..

[@m.abdullahejaz3730]

All that cutting edge technology and still....

[@VickersDoorter]

But can it outsmart the likes of the shoulder-launch weaponry that's so effective at knocking out Russian helicopters old and new?

[@Tam0de]

You do realize that the source of those shoulder-launched weaponry you mentioned & the folks operating these gunships are one & the same right? Unless the enemy somehow managed to get their hands on those Javelins & MANPADS illegally, the good guys won't be sharing them with people who might use their own weapons against them.

[@IavenderSyndrome]

@@Tam0de Russians will be able to back-engineer the weaponry they scavenge from Ukrainians. It's not a matter of *if* they can do it, it's simply a matter of when. I wouldn't be surprised if they already had access to this technology, given the fact that they likely recovered some samples from the Muhjadeen during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. There's also the fact that Russia already has the igla launcher, the stinger is just a bit more technologically advanced.

[@emilnagl]

@@Tam0de Do you think only NATO has manpads???

[@theairstig9164]

The manpad threat is well understood. There are countermeasures. EC665 had missile launch detection and so does this

[@emilnagl]

@@theairstig9164 Bruh do you think only NATO has adequate countermeasures?

[@timsimpson9367]

We only got 50 of these? the way things are going we're going to need more, lot's more.

[@philipcamp1370]

And that's barely enough to deal with the mother in law at christmas

[@donquixoteupinhere]

@@philipcamp1370 hahaha

[@stuartnewman6968]

We need alot more of everything. The whole military needs a re vamp and alot more of it

[@mandelorean6243]

Targeting hundreds of targets at ten mile range, with good Intel (its never perfect) these can be utilized intelligently and do a lot of damage

[@B-A-L]

Well when America reduces the cost per unit we can have loads more just like we could have loads more F35s if they didn't cost so much!

[@bigdmac33]

Lean, Green Killin' Machine!

[@elguapo6225]

Nice to hear The Casual voice of major killer talking about it

[@Relyt345]

If I was a transformer I’d definitely wanna be an AH-64

[@Randomvideos-zi7pe]

I would be a mh-53 pave low

[@danielwhyatt3278]

It seems like a really brilliant upgrade that has been a long time coming. Glad to see they’re finally upgrading the standards that should be a necessity in this part of the 21st-century. Bringing it more into line now with the requirements that are currently present in the F-35 fighter jet. Why exactly though have they gone with the American engines rather than the Rolls-Royce engines? I feel like that is a bit unnecessary and a betrayal to UK industry really.

[@krashd]

Because using the same package used by the Americans is cheaper than running our own. With only 50 in existence the AH-1, or "mark one" as we call our apaches are extremely expensive to maintain and operate, so when it came time to upgrade it was decided that the American upgrade AH-64E would be cheaper than creating our own AH-1B.

[@Relayer6a]

They said it was because the GE engine had a superior transmission that was capable of using all of the engines power where the Rolls Royce 's transmission wasn't.

[@OmmerSyssel]

British tech always seems to be delivered included incorporated weaknesses ...

[@curranhouse]

Beast!! 👍🏻

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

Very cool helicopter.

[@renatobrito3455]

🇺🇸🇺🇦🇧🇷🇬🇧❤️❤️ muito bom feliz Militar AH -64

[@bigbaza30]

Give them to Ukraine

[@pandarama4351]

Not as simple as that

[@Karlm01]

No they are for the UK to protect our country

[@pandarama4351]

@@Karlm01 well sort of, for the UK yes but to protect the UK not as such

[@bigbaza30]

@@Karlm01 That goes without saying

[@dnmurphy48]

@@Karlm01 Its unlikely they would ever be used in our own defence but rather used for force protection, eg the units in the baltic states and Poland would have access to such weapons. We need 2-3 times as many. A d we need to deploy them with crews to Ukraine and support the Ukrainians in killing the Russians.

[@Umuliuz]

This bad-boy with upgraded tech... And I thought it was the GOAT before.

[@diljondevries1518]

I love to see these heli's

[@stophate2023]

Glory to NATO and Ukraine!❤️❤️ 🇺🇦🇺🇲

[@a7xbandy]

The new gunner in the chopper is going to be playing a video game lol

[@javelina100]

So, what are the dangling bits having from the top edge of the engine cowling that seems to wobble all over the place. I can't find info on those anywhere?

[@ronaldwhite1730]

Thank - you . ( 2022 / July / 17 )

[@pandarama4351]

Very nice.

[@jeffperteet2327]

Fans of Blue Thunder, have always been astounded by this aircraft

[@victoriawest7261]

What a beauty

[@christopherhurley223]

Bout time, we're been talking about this technology for 20 years

[@rickyd2222]

When I was deployed. We would have like 6 Cobras on station. Them fools would shoot at em and do all sorts of stuff... ONE APACHE came on station... The entire battlefield went quiet. It's chilling.

[@pickeljarsforhillary102]

Apache E. Me: Did you just studder?

[@bigpants6121]

Saw a flypast at MW last year. Dont mess with Apache's.

[@Ainappa]

Noice! Thanks for sharing this news

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Wouldn’t mind one for the commute to work

[@dennycraig8483]

I've already seen it flying over HMS Warrior. Radar pod was what I noticed..

[@keithpennock]

The Apache you showed was equipped with the Longbow radar system (or something that looks like it), how many of the squadron have Longbow radar systems? I’ve been told that they make a big tactical difference as they can recon the battlefield while remaining covered. We also have high-flying drones for this role now but if a fight were to kick-off with an opponent who uses Anti-Access Area denial weapons that may not be an option.

[@orlock20]

Not every Apache has a radar, but every Apache can electronically link to the radar. The radar weighs a few hundred pounds which hurts mileage and speed. Some E models fly with a little cone hat which is the antenna to communicate with drones.

[@grzegorzstyrna26]

Brimstone for Apache!

[@c08ra]

Glad it still holds enough external shelving to hold some bootnecks

[@joenichols3901]

Nice. Beautiful bird

[@estellemelodimitchell8259]

Is the engine on E model having the same hp as the Rolls Royce engine used by WAH-64D?

[@SuperGeronimo999]

No. Only 1466 kW while RR has 1611 kW.

[@dougf94912]

I'm curious what the dangly things, mounted alongside the navigation (?) lights are for. Although they seem to remain largely vertical as the helicopter attitude changes they also appear to be affected by wash from the blades.

[@PhantomMark]

I don't know the technical name for them sorry, but they give telemetry and live data straight to the flight control computer system and navigation system basically. It combines a Pitot and a Gyro type sensor I believe, wouldn't be surprised if that data is also shared with the TADS and other weapons related calculations as well ?? sure someone will correct any inaccuracies I made here, be glad to read it myself :)

[@rustycannon712]

Those are in fact part of the pitot system to give air data and other even wind speeds even while the aircraft is flying.

[@KamionKing]

Your’re welcome.

[@tennots]

Does it come with the Royal marine weapons pod?

[@lingth]

how fares it against the Stinger missiles or Starstreak MANPADS or Javelin?

[@kiss4luna]

would love to buy one