Hello pilot! Do you wish to learn more about the AH-64 Apache Family? Well you’re in luck! This guide will cover everything you need to know: Their history, capabilities, differences between models, and of course, their usage in battle.
History
The same year as the cancellation of the AH-56 Cheyenne in 1972, the US Army issued a Request for Proposals for the AAH (Advanced Attack Helicopter) program. Desperate for an aircraft that could surpass the AH-1 Cobra in firepower, range, and performance, yet bound by the Key West Agreement prohibiting the use of fixed-wing aircraft by the Army, AAH was designated as one of the Army’s most important projects.
Soon gaining the attention of multiple defense companies, the Army received proposals from Bell, Lockheed, Sikorsky, the Boeing Vertol and Grumman team, and Hughes. In July 1973, the American Department of Defense selected both Bell and Hughes, tasking them with the construction of a prototype.
Two years of development later, Hughes' Model 77/YAH-64A flew on 30 September 1975, with Bell’s Model 409/YAH-63A following shortly behind on 1 October. After a year of evaluations and testing, the Army selected Hughes' YAH-64A for multiple design reasons, including its damage-resistant four-blade rotor.
The (now renamed) AH-64A then entered Phase 2 of the AAH program. Three pre-production vehicles were built, with the two YAH-64A prototypes being upgraded to the same standard. Its weapons and sensor systems were integrated and tested, with a new missile, the Anti-tank AGM-114 Hellfire being part of its arsenal.
The Hellfire (a shortening of “Helicopter Launched, Fire and Forget Missile”, its original name) had started undergoing development in 1974, to give helicopters an effective anti-tank missile.
In 1981, the three pre-production AH-64s were given to the Army for Operational Test II. Testing was successful, but a decision was made to upgrade the helicopter’s engines to a more powerful T700-GE-701 variant. Following the traditional Army naming scheme, the AH-64A received the “Apache” name, after the Apache tribe.
In 1982, full-scale production was approved, with the first production helicopter rolling out a year later in Mesa, Arizona. In 1986, the flyaway cost for an AH-64A was $7M, with the average unit costing $13.9M. During this time period, in 1984, Hughes Helicopters was purchased by McDonnell Douglas for $470M (~$1.4B in 2025), with the unit later becoming part of The Boeing Company, after the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in 1997.
In 1985, a Department of Defense engineering analysis revealed significant design deficiencies present on the Apache, with the project manager publishing a list of 101 action items, forcing McDonnell Douglas to make multiple changes to the vehicle. In the coming years, the helicopter received multiple upgrades. With the AH-64B, an updated cockpit and FCS were integrated, however the AH-64B was later cancelled, leading to the inclusion of its upgrades in the AH-64D.
The AH-64D’s first prototype, development of which was approved in 1990, flew on 15 April 1992. Testing ended in 1995, with results showing an immense increase in survivability and lethality compared to the AH-64A. On 13 October 1995, full-scale production was approved, with a $1.9B contract being signed the next year to upgrade AH-64As into AH-64Ds. The first production vehicle flew on 17 March 1997.
The AH-64D has also received several upgrades since the start of its production, with the most notable being the AH-64E Guardian. Formerly known as the AH-64D Block III it features improved digital connectivity, more powerful engines, and the ability to control UAVs. New composite blades were also added, improving its flight characteristics even further. Full-scale production was approved on 24 October 2012.
As of today, more than 5,000 vehicles have been built, operated by a total of 19 countries worldwide. With the AH-64A variant soon being discontinued, many nations are now looking towards, or already taking part in upgrading their existing vehicles, and buying newer models, such as the AH-64D/AH-64E.
Design Overview (AH-64A Base Variant)
Starting off with its design, the aircraft features a four-blade main and tail rotor
powered by two General Electric T-700 Turboshaft engines, rated at 1696 hp. The crew, a pilot and a gunner sit in tandem, with the latter placed in the front. Equipped with more than a ton of armor, the crew is well protected, with the crew compartment and rotors being designed to sustain even a 23mm hit.
Both crew members can also independently control the vehicle, and with a blast shield located between the pilot and gunner, even in the event of an incapacitation one of the crew members will likely survive allowing for the possibility of escape. For protection against missiles, the helicopter has 30 countermeasures, and an IRCM (Infrared Countermeasure) system, along with a LWS (Laser Warning System) and RWR (Radar Warning Receiver).
In terms of armament, the helicopter’s signature weapon is its 30mm M230 Chain Gun equipped with HEDP (High-Explosive Dual Purpose) shells, allowing it to take out both light and armored targets. This gun can be slaved to the crew’s HMDs (Helmet Mounted Displays), allowing for easier aiming. The Apache also possesses a great targeting kit, with excellent zoom and thermal vision cameras.
The vehicle has four total wing pylons, onto which it can equip a combination of:
- Short range Hydra 70 rockets, each having a 1.1 kg (TNT eq.) HEAT warhead penetrating up to 290 mm of armor. (Each pod carries 19)
- Long range AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank laser guided missiles, each having an 8 kg (TNT eq.) HEAT warhead penetrating up to 1100 mm of armor (B variant), and a launch range of 8 km. (Each pylon can carry up to 4)
Besides air-to-ground munitions, it can also carry 4 ATAS (Air-to-Air Stinger) missiles, developed from the FIM-92 MANPADS missile found on the LAV-AD or the Ozelot. These all-aspect air-to-air missiles are equipped with advanced IRCCM (Infrared Counter-Countermeasure), and have a 5 km launch range.
Models and variants featured in game
YAH-64
As discussed previously, the YAH-64A was the prototype and later pre-production designation of the AH-64A. The aircraft shown in game is one of the later models, with the only features lacking from the helicopter being its countermeasures, air-to-air missiles, and IRCM.
Although it is plagued by multiple clear weaknesses, the YAH-64 stands at a lower Battle Rating than the other Apaches, and can be unlocked without needing to research anything else in the US Helicopter tech tree, due to it being a squadron vehicle.
AH-64A
The AH-64A, found on the sixth rank of the US Helicopter tech tree, sits comfortably right below the highest Battle Rating currently attainable by helicopters.
Besides the now present countermeasures, IRCM, and ATAS air-to-air missiles, the helicopter also mounts newer weapons not present on its first production variant: its armament is expanded with the AGR-20 guided rockets and AIM-9L Sidewinder missile.
The AGR-20A/B (HE/SAPHE) APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) is a design conversion of the Hydra rockets, giving them the ability to be laser-guided by the launcher aircraft. These rockets bridge the gap between the Hydras and Hellfires, allowing the Apache to destroy lighter vehicles at range (with a launch range of 5 km). (Each pylon can carry 7)
The AIM-9L Sidewinder on the other hand is an air-to-air missile, present on many American jet fighters. Being a later variant of the AIM-9 Sidewinder, it features good flare resistance, a 30G max overload, and great range, perfect for defending the helicopter from incoming threats.
AH-64D
The AH-64D Longbow, found at Rank VII, is the most advanced Apache currently part of the American Helicopter tech tree. A later variant of the Apache, this vehicle has been upgraded on multiple fronts.
First of all, the biggest difference by far is the inclusion the AN/APG-78 Longbow Radar, a K band search radar that can be used in A-A (Air-Air), A-G (Air-Ground), and MTI (Motion Tracking Indicator) modes, to rapidly find and engage both stationary and moving air and ground targets.
The helicopter also gains access to the AMASE (Apache Modular Aircraft Survivability Equipment) pods mounted on its wingtips, letting it carry an extra 120 countermeasures, and giving it a MAWS
(Missile Approach Warning System). Its engines are also upgraded to the T700-GE-701C variant, making it more agile. Combined, these changes make it far more prepared to evade incoming missiles.
In terms of weapons, the AGR-20 guided rockets are kept from its predecessor, but it also gains a newer variant of the Hellfire, the AGM-114K Hellfire II, giving the missile a larger and more powerful warhead.
AH-64A (GR)
The American Helicopter tree also receives a pack premium vehicle, in the form of the AH-64A (GR) at Rank VI. Greece first acquired the Apache in 1991, with the Hellenic Army Aviation then purchasing later variants. As it is simply an exported AH-64A, it is practically identical to that found in the tech tree.
AH Mk.1 Apache
As we move on from the American Helicopter tree, the first Apache we encounter sits at the peak of British helicopters, at Rank VII. The AgustaWestland Apache is a license-built version of the AH-64D found in the US Tech Tree.
The AH Mk.1 Apache keeps its MAWS, AMASE pods, Longbow radar, and upgraded Hellfire missiles from the AH-64D, however also includes multiple changes made to it by the British Army Air Corps. Its IRCM has been removed, with its engines being further upgraded to the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca engines, making it the fastest Apache in game.
It also includes a quite significant change in terms of anti-air capabilities: Its ATAS air-to-air missiles have been swapped out with the British-made Starstreaks: Beam-riding missiles with a 7 km launch range and very fast top speed, allowing it to hit enemy helicopters and lightly armored targets.
Overall, the AH Mk.1 keeps everything good about the AH-64D, and gives it better mobility and a new kit of air-to-air missiles. Its only weakness is the loss of its ATAS IR missiles, though the Starstreaks can be used just as well to defend yourself.
AH-64DJP
Next up, at the top of the Japanese Helicopter Tech Tree, at Rank VII, we find the AH-64DJP. Just like the AH Mk.1, the AH-64DJP is a license-built variant of the AH-64D, built by Fuji Heavy Industries.
The vehicle keeps the AH-64D’s Longbow radar, upgraded Hellfire missiles, and upgraded engines, but also makes several sacrifices: It loses its AMASE pods, MAWS, IRCM, and AGR-20 guided rockets.
Due to it giving up so many of the AH-64D’s features, it has a lower BR, equal to that of the AH-64A. This makes it very powerful, with the Longbow radar coming in very handy when trying to find and destroy enemies.
AH-64D (Netherlands)
First purchased by the Netherlands in 1995, the Dutch AH-64D can be found in game as a pack premium at Rank VI of the French Helicopter tree. Although it appears similar to the AH-64A due to the lack of its distinctive Longbow radar, it has kept all features present on the AH-64D, sacrificing only its radar for a lower battle rating. This means it is far better at evading missiles, due to the inclusion of its MAWS.
AHS (Attack Helicopter System)
At the end of the Swedish Helicopter tech tree, at Rank VII, we can find another variant of the Apache, simply referred to as the AHS. This model was one of two vehicles that took part in a Swedish helicopter trial in the 1990s (with the other being the premium Mi-28A), and thus is identical to the AH-64A, except for the loss of its AGR-20 guided rockets.
AH-64A Peten
Finally, the Israeli Helicopter tech tree features multiple Apache models, the first of which is the AH-64A Peten, found at Rank VI. First reaching Israel in the 1990s, this variant is a based off of the AH-64A, with only a few changes existing between the two: It loses the AH-64A’s AGR-20 and AIM-9 missiles, but in return, gets double the amount of countermeasures as its American counterpart.
AH-64D-I Saraph
Besides the AH-64A Peten, the Israeli Helicopter tech tree also has another AH-64 variant, the AH-64D-I Saraph. First purchased in 2005, the AH-64D-I Saraph displays many differences to the American AH-64D. Although it keeps its upgraded engines, improved Hellfires, and Longbow radar, it loses its AGR-20 guided rockets.
However, that’s not all: The helicopter’s defensive abilities are also compromised by the loss of its MAWS and AMASE pods, a fact that is slightly counteracted by its built-in 180 countermeasures. As much as it might hurt to lose the AMASE pods, take note that it can now carry both an increased amount of countermeasures, and the ATAS missiles, allowing it to take out aircraft more easily without lowering its countermeasure count.
AH-64A Peten (Premium)
The Israeli Helicopter tree also features a premium helicopter in the form of a direct export AH-64A Peten. This vehicle is functionally identical to the AH-64A, with the only notable difference being the loss of its AGR-20 and AIM-9 missiles.
[Removed] AH-64A Peten (US)
And last of all, hidden in the backrooms of the American Helicopter tree is a now removed pack premium at Rank VI. This AH-64A Peten premium is identical to the one found in the Israeli tree, with it only being removed after the start of the Israeli ground forces CBT.
Usage in Battle
So now that we have a decent understanding of the helicopter and its variants, let’s take a look at how to use it in game!
Early Game — Heli Rushing
The most straightforward way to use a helicopter is Heli Rushing: An early game tactic where the player spawns in with only unguided rockets, using the advantage of being early to quickly pick off unaware targets.
The Apache, with its 4 Hydra pods and 30mm Chain Gun, is perfect for this role. When the game starts, quickly spawn in the vehicle, and sneak around to the enemy’s side of the ground map. There, you can approach enemy ground forces and prepare for an attack run.
When you get into line of sight of the enemy, get a target lock, and start shooting. While firing the Chain Gun, use your ballistic computer to unload a deadly salvo of rockets. After exhausting the Hydras, you can either keep using the 30mm or fly away and try to make it back to the helipad.
Regardless of your skill level or tactics with Heli Rushing, you will almost always get shot down after getting 1-2 frags. By looking out for lighter targets, or those that are close and bunched up, you can ensure that you won’t ever go home empty handed.
Mid-Late Game
General Tactics
After the start of the match, helicopters need to be played far more carefully to be efficient. The speed of the early game is replaced by methodical planning, especially at or close to top tier, that requires better understanding of enemy threats.
Your #1 goal with late-spawn helicopters is survival. If you earned enough SP to spawn in a helicopter with ATGMs, it is imperative that you don’t let them go to waste. On the Apache, these ATGMs are the laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, of which it can carry 16 in total.
Unlike some other top tier helicopters though, the Apache has one big weakness: It lacks any fire-and-forget ATGMs. This makes it incredibly vulnerable to attack from anti-air vehicles, due to having to stay in direct line-of-sight with the target to keep guiding the Hellfire.
Fortunately though, there are multiple tactics you can use to circumvent this weakness, of which I will mention two.
Obstructing the enemy AA
The easiest solution to enemy SPAA patrolling the area is to obstruct their view to your helicopter, while keeping the rest of the map in view, allowing you to destroy targets carefree.
This tactic requires you to find some type of cover — large enough to completely hide your silhouette — that allows you to block line of sight with any enemy SPAA you’ve spotted (by way of RWR pings, scouting, team info, or seeing SAMs flying). After moving into place, you should manoeuvre into a position where the cover makes it impossible to shoot you down, but allows you to maintain sight of other enemy forces.
An example of such cover is the many skyscrapers located on Sun City, which allow you to quickly and easily hide behind them, letting you freely scout out the map for ground targets.
Destroying enemy AA by overshooting
Another way to deal with enemy anti-air vehicles is to use your ability to change the course of a Hellfire mid-air, firing one out before you can see the SPAA, and only flying out of cover seconds before impact, bringing the missile down with almost no warning.
This strategy relies on the Apache’s targeting system. Firing an ATGM from cover, while simply aiming at the ground means the slower missile can close the gap to its target before the enemy could fire back.
Once it is close to impacting (which you can see from the Hellfire’s timer next to the selector), pop out of cover and quickly target the SPAA you want to take out. The missile, now very close, will almost instantly hit its target, allowing you to dip back into cover from any SAMs flying your way.
Using this tactic practically guarantees that the enemy gets destroyed. Be aware though, that flying out of cover too early can let the enemy SAM close the gap before your missile can hit it.
Paying attention to enemy aircraft
Not all your problems come from the ground though. Enemy aircraft, especially other helicopters like the Ka-50 or Z-10 can catch you off guard, destroying you while you’re focused on the ground map. Stay vigilant for any air forces around the battlefield, and if need be take extensive evasive action to protect yourself.
In conclusion
The AH-64 Apache is a cornerstone of many modern armies. Its advanced weaponry and carefully crafted design make it one of the best helicopters ever made. No matter what variant you choose, you can trust it will serve you well.