Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow
Boeing · United States · first flew 1992 · helicopter
The AH-64D Apache Longbow is the radar-equipped production variant of the Apache attack helicopter, uniquely identifiable by the spherical AN/APG-78 fire-control radar dome mounted above the rotor mast.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 17.73 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Spherical AN/APG-78 Longbow millimetre-wave fire-control radar dome mounted above the rotor mast — entirely absent on the AH-64A and AH-64E
- Same tandem two-seat cockpit with sensor turret under the nose as all Apache variants, but radar dome above rotor is the decisive identifier
- Radar dome gives a mushroom-cap silhouette when viewed from the side or front
The spherical radar dome above the rotor mast is unmistakable and unique to the D-model; no other current attack helicopter carries a mast-mounted radar of this profile. An AH-64D without its dome is externally similar to the A-model.
Specifications
- The Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow has a length of 17.73 m (58 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.63 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 293 km/h (182 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (pilot aft, gunner forward in tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Boeing flew the prototype AH-64D in 1992 and the Longbow radar-equipped standard entered US Army service in 1997; the mast-mounted radar allows the aircraft to raise only its dome above terrain masking while remaining hull-down, engage multiple targets simultaneously, and classify armoured vehicles. The Westland WAH-64D is the UK Army Air Corps equivalent.
Variants
Not all AH-64Ds carry the Longbow radar — some D-models operate without the dome in the 'Apache' configuration. The AH-64E Guardian (successor) has uprated engines and composite blades but also often flies without the dome. Westland WAH-64D Apache AH.1 is the UK-built D-model.
Where you'll see it
The US Army fielded the AH-64D across its attack helicopter battalions from 1997; the UK AAC operates the WAH-64D as the Apache AH.1 from Wattisham Flying Station with 3 and 4 Regiments AAC, upgraded to AH.2 (effectively E-model) standard from 2020.
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