- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The AH-64, which was developed in the 1970s as part of the U.S. Army’s Advanced Armed Helicopter Program (AAH), served as a replacement for the AH-1 Cobra. Five manufacturers, including Boeing, Bell, Hughes, Lockheed, and Sikorsky, competed for the program before the U.S. Department of Defense ultimately chose the Hughes YAH-64 Helicopter. Following this selection, the YAH-64 proceeded to the second phase of bidding. In 1976, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Hughes Helicopter Company (later acquired by McDonnell Douglas) as the winner of the YAH-64 contract.
The AH-64E enhancements encompass various improvements such as an upgraded data link system and landing gear, as well as the integration of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). Additionally, it features a more robust T700-GE-701D engine, a reduction gear system tailored for high-power engines, and new composite rotor blades. Furthermore, it possesses the capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), among other advancements.
The United States received an order from the Taiwanese Army for 30 AH-64E armed helicopters. The initial shipment of six helicopters was transported to Kaohsiung Port by sea on November 4, 2013, with additional deliveries made in July 2014. These AH-64Es are currently being utilized by the Taiwanese Army Air Force (ROCAF). Unfortunately, on April 25, 2014, an ROCAF AH-64E crashed into the roof of a residential house in Longtan District, Taoyuan City, resulting in injuries to both pilots and rendering the helicopter irreparable.
The Remaining 29 Helicopters are still in service as of 2024, and are planned to be used past 2030.
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 2
Length - 14.68m
Height - 4.72 m
Rotor Diameter - 14.63 m
Empty Weight - 5,105 kg
Gross Weight - 6,838 kg
Max Takeoff Weight - 10,432 kg
Powerplant - 2 x T700-GE-701 Turboshaft Engines
Max Speed - ~293 km/h
Rate of Climb - 853+ m/s
Combat Radius - 480 km
Armament
1 x 30mm M320A1 Chain Gun, Nose Mounted (1,200 Rounds)
4 x AIM-92 (ATAS/L) AAM’s
4 x Hydra 70 Rocket Pods (76 Total) (Can be fitted with APKWS)
16 x AGM-114K/M Hellfire II ATGM’s
16 x AGM-114C Hellfire ATGM’s
16 x AGM-114L Longbow ATGM’s
2 x AGM-122 Sidearm ATGM’s (?)
16 x BGM-71 TOW ATGM’s (?)
2 x AIM-9M/S
(?) means that only one source claims they equip it, also no imagery (that I could find)
Avionics
AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radar
AN/APR-39A RWR
AN/ALQ-136 Radar Jammer
AN/AVR-2 LWR
AN/AAR-57 Missile Warning System
TADS/PNVS Thermal Targeting and Camera System
AN/AVS-6 HMD / NVD
Images
Sources
Spoiler
Suggestion made with aid from Miki_Hoshii Old Forum Post
Encyclopedia of Chinese Aircraft, Vol.4 (Page 477-479)
Taiwan’s AH-64s Are The World’s Most Sinister-Looking Apaches (twz.com)