Author Topic: AH-64 Apache (Read 35672 times)

taiidantomcat · « **Reply #50 on:** May 25, 2019, 03:14:10 AM »

Quote from: kerick on May 19, 2019, 10:37:19 PM

A high speed Apache makes me think the US Army is changing its thoughts on attack helicopter tactics. The past tactics involved pop up attacks from behind cover with high speed not required. Is this a switch to more of an old Soviet style with diving attacks more like an aircraft?

Might just be needed to keep up...

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #51 on:** June 29, 2019, 04:30:05 AM »

We have seen the classic photos of Cobras with AIM-9s:

Now the AH-64 can theoretically be similarly armed:

As a subtle whiff though, what about a British WAH-64 with AIM-132 ASRAAMs in similar position.

Jeffry Fontaine · « **Reply #52 on:** June 29, 2019, 04:53:40 AM »

Or a pair of AIM-92/FIM-92 Stingers on one wing stub and an AIM-XXX on the other wing stub. A shame that the Hellfire is unable to be used in serious A2A.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #53 on:** June 29, 2019, 05:21:02 AM »

Do any of the AH-64 kits come with Stingers?

kitnut617 · « **Reply #54 on:** June 29, 2019, 06:54:46 AM »

I've got a Mirage 1/72 WAH-64 which has something in tubes at the wing tips (top pic) and Academy's 1/48 seems to have Stingers (bot pic)

ChernayaAkula · « **Reply #55 on:** June 29, 2019, 09:19:35 AM »

Quote from: GTX_Admin on June 29, 2019, 04:30:05 AM

<...>
Now the AH-64 can theoretically be similarly armed:

Now? I vaguely remember building Revell's 1/32 Apache with AIM-9s on the stub wings. That was twenty years ago, I think.

Quote from: GTX_Admin on June 29, 2019, 05:21:02 AM

Do any of the AH-64 kits come with Stingers?

I'm certain that Hasegawa's beautiful 1/48 Apache comes with Stingers in some boxing. At least one of the JGSDF boxings has them.
In 1/72, many kits also have them. The Hobby Boss kits do, the Academy AH-64A does. The Italeri AH-64D has a funky-looking two-round boxy launcher that may or may not contain Stingers.

Jeffry Fontaine · « **Reply #56 on:** June 30, 2019, 02:47:51 AM »

@Greg/GTX - Yes. With the exception of the 1/48th scale Monogram AH-64 kit, there are AIM-92/FIM-92 Stinger AAM for the Revell Germany, Italeri, and Academy AH-64 kits in 1:48th scale. I do not know if the Hasegawa AH-64 kit has this option as I have never researched that kit. In 1:32nd scale the Revell AH-64 kit has Sidewinders. There is also an AH-64 produced by a Chinese company that had some A2A missile option but I do not recall if it was Sidewinder or Stinger.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #57 on:** November 18, 2019, 04:50:58 AM »

Moroccan AH-64Es:

I believe these photoshopped though.

Jeffry Fontaine · « **Reply #58 on:** November 18, 2019, 12:30:20 PM »

Not PhotoShop Greg, more like screen captures from one of the First Person Flyer/Shooter games like Combat Ace or DCS.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #59 on:** January 02, 2021, 02:16:37 AM »

Expected to be announced in the near future:

Volkodav · « **Reply #60 on:** January 03, 2021, 08:10:42 PM »

Quote from: GTX_Admin on January 02, 2021, 02:16:37 AM

Expected to be announced in the near future:

And I'm really unsure as per the value for money of such a decision, Tiger is now sorted and according to US Army Aviation The AH-64E is having considerable teething issues and the D is a maintenance hog. Also by the time they are in service with Australia the next generation of attack helos should be achieving IOC, meaning Australia will be swapping the more capable higher performing tiger for Apache, then retaining Apache for years after its replacement enters service elsewhere, just imaging the uproar if those pushing for an F/A-18E buy instead of F-35A had been successful.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #61 on:** January 16, 2021, 01:11:23 AM »

As predicted:

Quote

Future ready - strengthening Army's armed reconnaissance capability
15 January 2021
The Australian Army’s armed reconnaissance capability will be strengthened following the selection of Boeing Apache Guardian to replace Army’s Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) from 2025.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the AH-64E Apache Guardian is equipped with improved sensors, communications suites, attack capabilities and improved survivability.

“This new ARH capability will strengthen Australia’s armed reconnaissance force to better shape our strategic environment and deter actions against our national interest,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Defence considered a number of helicopters against key criteria of proven ability, maturity and an off-the-shelf operating system.

“The Apache Guardian is the most lethal, most survivable and lowest risk option, meeting all of Defence’s capability, through-life support, security, and certification requirements.

“By pursuing a proven and low-risk system offered by the Apache, Defence will avoid the ongoing cost and schedule risk typically associated with developmental platforms.”

Lessons learnt from issues with the ARH Tiger and other rotary wing projects had informed the strategy to seek a proven, mature ARH replacement capability.

“The project will deliver on the Government’s vision to maximise Australian industry involvement in defence capability,” Minister Reynolds said.

“There are potential opportunities for Australian industry in logistic support, warehousing services, training development, engineering services, and maintenance, repair and overhaul.

“Maximising these opportunities for Australian businesses will enable the future growth of our local rotary wing industry and will present opportunities for Australian industry involvement in the aircraft’s global supply chain.”

Detailed transition planning will be conducted to ensure effective management of the skilled workforce, across Defence and industry, as Defence transitions the Tiger to the Apache.