IAF's Apache Helicopters || The Air Scorpions!

Apache helicopters are one of the most deadly fighting helos of the world. Often called as the "Air Tanks" they are a formidable force on any grounds they are deployed. These are the new generation attack helicopters developed by the US McDonnell Douglas (originally Hughes Helicopters) and manufactured by the US Boeing Defence, space & security. In this article, we are going to discuss about them.

Overview

The Apache or the AH-64 helicopters were developed under the United States Army’s Advanced Attack Helicopter (USAAH) program to replace the ageing AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters. It is a twin turbo shaft attack helicopter with a tail wheel-type landing gear arrangement and a cockpit for 2 pilots to operate. The first prototype YAH-64 was first flown on 30th September 1975 which was in a competition with Bell YAH-63. The YAH-64 was chosen over the YAH-63 in the 1976 and was approved for full production in 1982 with the first of these helicopters being introduced in service in April 1986. The new variant of the apache helicopters the AH-64E is being produced with new advanced tech and guided systems.

 An AH-64 Apache from the U.S. Army's 101st Aviation Regiment in Iraq, By "Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army" - by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway - www.army.mil (via internet archive)

Apache in the Indian Air Force

 The new advanced variant has also been purchased by the Indian air force with the purchase of 22 of the helicopters that is being modified to suit the Indian requirements. These helos will be armed with an automatic 30 mm M230 chain gun and a combination of the deadly Hellfire missiles (AGM-114) “air to surface” and Stinger missiles (AIM-92). It has a range of 257 nautical miles or 476 km and a maximum speed of 293 km/h. This will replace the Russian origin MI 35 helicopters operated for years by the IAF. This will definitely be a game changer for the Indian air force as with the induction of these helos they will gain the ability for a precision and deadly strikes on enemy bases. The first batch of the 22 helicopters have been handed over to the Indian air force personals currently undergoing training in the United States. They are set to be inducted in the air force by the end of 2019 after several trials.

Beware, Pakistan!

These deadly machines will sure be a cause of deterrent among the enemy’s plotting against the peace of our nation. It surely is termed as the “Air Scorpions”…. What are your opinions about the Apache helicopters let us know in the comments below.

Intern@Thradical 
Shantanu Singh