In less than 30 seconds the crew scans the target area, classifies any targets, prioritises them, displays and transmits all target information to command elements and launches the first salvo of Hellfire missiles. A single aircraft engagement is completed in substantially less time!

A wide range of sensors, including the Martin Marietta pilot night vision sensor and target acquisition and designation sight, provide the AH-64D with a night and all-weather capability.

McDonnell Douglas Longbow Apache

The six Engineering Manufacturing Development prototypes (two AH-64Cs and four AH-64Ds) maintained around 86% availability during testing. The red pitot static probe was fitted for flight trials.

Cameras mounted on the undercarriage leg, stub wing and tail record the AGM-114 Hellfire missile launch for subsequent trials analysis.

Two proof-of-concept aircraft demonstrated the mast-mounted radar and RF Hellfire in 1990. The aircraft had 'brassboard' electronics in their ammunition hays but could still fire rounds from 30mm flat-pack magazines.

The AH-64D will operate with a mix of semi-active laser and active radar Hellfire missiles. The second AH-64D prototype is seen carrying its maximum complement of 16 Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles.

The Martin Marietta/Westinghouse joint venture delivered the first pre-production fire control radar in June 1993. It was installed on the second AH-64D prototype.

Rotor hub detail, illustrating the blade root attachment, dual friction lead-lag dampers and swash plate mechanism.

Designed for ease of maintenance, ail repairs to the AH-64D can be completed with one roll of ten tools and 90% of all fault finding is achieved through built-in test equipment at first line.

Co-pilot's (front cockpit [bottom]) and pilot's (rear cockpit [top]) stations. Front and rear cockpit displays are almost identical, a notable exception being the eyepiece for the target acquisition and designation sight in the front cockpit. Primary flight symbology and/or sensor is typically displayed on the left-hand CRT and the tactical situation display on the right.

An Apache pilot wearing a Honeywell integrated helmet and display sighting subsystem. Night vision imagery is displayed on the monocle in front of one of the pilot's eyes and flight information, such as airspeed, altitude and heading, superimposed on it to simplify the piloting task.

McDonnell Douglas AH-64D Longbow Apache

Three-view drawing of AH-64D Longbow Apache.