Difference between revisions of "Peten"

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(Copied and adjusted / Added: Flight performance, Survivability and armour, Armaments, Defensive systems, Usage in battles, Pros and cons)
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{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
''The AH-64A Peten is one of the fastest helicopters in the game, only trumped by the british [[G-LYNX]] and the likes of the [[Mi-24 (Family)]]. It has two powerful engines, which gives the Peten a good climb rate. Manoeuvrability at high speed is excellent too, being able to even execute barrel rolls without losing too much altitude; a feat many helicopters can only dream of.'' Overall it offers great flight performance and feels right at home for both newcomers and experienced players.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->''The AH-64A Peten has only limited armour protection installed with bullet proof glass only being installed on the pilot windscreen. The helicopter uses Kevlar boron carbide, composite martial which is limited only to instrument, floor and side panels around the cockpit. It does not provide the same level of protection as seen on other helicopters such as the [[Mi-28N]].''
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.''
+
 
 +
* ''Bullet proof glass installed only for the pilot - 22 mm thick.''
 +
* ''Installation of Kevlar boron carbide, composite martial only on the: Seats, cockpit side panels, Gunner floor panels and pilot instrument panel - 20 mm thick.''
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 56: Line 58:
 
** 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures
 
** 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures
 
** 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures + IRCM
 
** 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures + IRCM
 +
 +
The Peten has the same 30 mm cannon as the other Apaches in the game currently, and only has one belt choice. The belt carries only HEDP rounds, and can penetrate up to 51 mm of armour. The gun is fast firing, but relatively inaccurate, so shooting in close range is the best way to hit your target. If you don't mind the inaccuracy of the gun, it is a very good weapon all around. It can be locked in gunner and 3rd person view and will automatically track the target.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
Line 70: Line 74:
 
* 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
 
* 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
 
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
 
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
 +
 +
The Peten can carry up to 16 Hellfire ATGMs with over 1,000 mm of pen, 76 Hydra rockets with over 200 mm of pen, or 4 Stinger AAMs. The weapons are carried on the stub wings and can be carried in several different variations. The Hellfires are excellent missiles, although since the player must keep "painting" a laser beam on the target, misses can occur if the target lock slips. The Hydra rockets are generally very effective, especially when used with the ballistic computer. 76 rockets is enough for 3-5 tanks if they are used by an experienced player. However, the Stinger AAMs are not the best in the game by any stretch, with relatively little explosive mass and only a 10G overload. They may take 2-3 hits to damage aircraft, and heavily armoured helicopters such as the Mi-28 may survive multiple hits.
  
 
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
==== Custom loadout options ====
Line 87: Line 93:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
=== Defensive systems ===
 +
The '''''Peten''''' has the following Defensive systems installed:
 +
 +
* '''Countermeasures''' - 60 built-in
 +
* '''AN/APR-39''' - Radar Warning Receiver (RWR); C-M detectable bands; track and launch detection
 +
* '''AN/AVR-2''' -  Laser Warning Receiver (LWR)
 +
* '''AN/AAR-47''' - Missile Approach Warning system (MAW)
 +
* '''AIM-92 Stinger''' - AIM 92 Stinger missiles
 +
 +
All 3 major defensive sensors (RWR, LWR and MAW) come standard with the helicopter and are essential to surviving enemy attacks. The Peten comes stock with 60 countermeasures in the form of just flares, however, in order to select a mix of flares and chaff, the adequate modification [Flares/Chaff (tier I)] will have to be researched. The AIM-92 Stinger module can be researched at tier III and adds an extra layer of defence against both enemy aircraft and other helicopters. The Stinger launchers are mounted in pairs on the wingtips and do not compromise any hardpoint space for other weaponry.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
'''Overview:'''
 +
 
 +
The AH-64A Peten is an excellent helicopter for attacking ground targets, and can also hold its own against many enemy aircraft. Through adequate use of cover, teamwork, and game sense, the Apache can easily dismantle enemy teams. An Apache pilot must understand all of the tools at their disposal. The only difference between the Peten and the tech tree [[AH-64A]] is that the Peten lacks access to the AIM-9L Sidewinders as an ordnance option.
 +
 
 +
The Apache has an arsenal of weapons. The most effective anti-tank weapon in the Apache's arsenal is the AGM-114 Hellfire, which uses a top attack trajectory to destroy ground vehicles. There is functionally very little difference between the AGM-114B and K variants, used on early and late Apaches respectively.
 +
 
 +
'''Staying Alive:'''
 +
 
 +
Flying the Apache effectively can be more difficult than most players would imagine, even with all the sensors it offers. Trying to deal with threats from enemy air and ground vehicles while continuing to attack the enemy team can be difficult. If distracted, a pilot can quickly lose situational awareness. Being successful in the Apache requires situational awareness above all else. Due to the fragility of the helicopter, any blindspot can lead to a quick and sudden death as even with the MAW one might not always be in an adequate position to defend against the incoming threat. Additionally, the mobility of the Apache is adequate but not impressive, so evasive manoeuvres are not always effective; after all, it is still a helicopter.
 +
 
 +
Using cover is a very important part of staying alive in the Apache. Always stay behind a hill or building in ground battles. When exposing yourself in order to fire on the enemy, be mindful to not gain too much altitude. Most importantly, ''Always listen to your RWR.'' If you hear an alarm, take evasive action immediately.
 +
 
 +
Additionally, it is important to know when to use flares. Flares are extremely effective against heat-seeking missiles, but useless against any other missiles. It is the responsibility of the Apache pilot to recognize the threat and decide whether to use flares or not.
 +
 
 +
'''Air-to-Air (Stinger and Gun):'''
 +
 
 +
The Apache is surprisingly potent in air-to-air combat. Engagements should be conducted primarily through the use of the AIM-92 Stinger missiles. The Stinger is a simple but effective air-to-air missile. It has an excellent seeker head and can obtain all aspect lock on almost any air target within 3-5 km (even propeller aircraft with a low heat signature). However, the Stinger can be easily fooled by flares or outmanoeuvred by a fast enemy aircraft. The best way to use the Stinger against enemy aircraft is when they are heading directly towards you. If fired at the right second, most enemies will struggle to dodge a Stinger.
 +
 
 +
If the enemy gets close, the 30 mm autocannon can be extremely effective. The gun will automatically aim with optical lock, so Apache pilots can aim accurately while taking evasive manoeuvres.
 +
 
 +
'''Close Range Air-to-Ground (Gun and Rockets):'''
 +
 
 +
At close range, the Apache has excellent offensive capability. The 30 mm autocannon is incredibly accurate even at surprisingly far distances. This cannon uses a High Explosive Dual Purpose round that can engage lightly armoured targets. Rocket pods can also be used, with the CCIP computer helping maintain accuracy even at further distances. Be careful when trying to use the Hellfire missile at close range. It can do a direct attack at closer ranges (rather than its usual top attack) but if fired at an odd angle, it may not have time to manoeuvre onto the target if fired at closer ranges.
 +
 
 +
The problem with trying to engage at close range is that doing so will put the Apache in huge amounts of danger. Enemy tanks will be able to quickly destroy the Apache with their main guns or anti-aircraft machine guns.
 +
 
 +
'''Long Range Air-to-Ground (Hellfire):'''
 +
[[File:HellfireTrajectory.png|thumb]]
 +
At longer ranges, the Hellfire missile can be used to full effect. The Hellfire will guide on its target as shown in the attached diagram. This is known as top attack. Being that it takes this path to the enemy target, the Hellfire can take upward of 30 seconds to reach its target at longer ranges. Do not fire at enemies that are about to move to cover, and make sure to fire multiple missiles at once in order to deal maximum damage. Because the Hellfire is laser guided, multiple missiles can be fired at once. They should be fired at intervals of 5-10 seconds, where between missiles the Apache can switch to a new ground target. This will allow for the quick destruction of multiple enemies. This tactic can be incredibly effective. Although the time to target for the most recently fired Hellfire is available on the HUD, pilots will have to keep track of all the missiles they have fired by memory and quick calculations.
 +
[[File:HellfireSequenceDemonstration.mp4|left|thumb]]
 +
Combatting enemy anti-aircraft vehicles can be a challenge. Always remain in cover and move unpredictably in combat. Use the radar warning receiver to obtain the general direction of enemy AA, and then attack with a Hellfire. An effective strategy is to fire a Hellfire, break optical lock to gain cover and avoid counterfire, and then pop back up and get lock again several seconds before the Hellfire hits. This strategy if applied correctly will result in a hit, as the Hellfire is smart enough to begin following the laser designator again once the Apache re-obtains its lock.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:'''
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
'''Pros:'''
+
* High top speed and manoeuvrability
*
+
* Good air-to-air capability with autotracking 30mm gun and Stinger missiles
 +
* Good 30mm gun with HEDP belts; great against anything, especially fragile vehicles
 +
* Excellent secondary armament; can carry up to 16 Hellfires on top of 4 AAMs
 +
* Advanced countermeasure system with radar warning receiver (RWR) and Missile Alert Warning
 +
* Well armoured for a helicopter; may survive hits from SAMs
 +
* Excellent thermals and zoom
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 +
* Stinger air-to-air missiles don't turn well, aren't reliable, and don't have enough explosive mass to guarantee a kill upon a hit
 +
* Hellfires are difficult to guide to air targets due to their trajectory
 +
* Easily destroyed by main adversary ([[Ka-50]] & [[Ka-52]]) and enemy aircraft
 +
* 30 mm cannon is relatively inaccurate at range
 +
 
*
 
*
  
Line 110: Line 167:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ah_64a_iaf Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ah_64a_iaf Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
Line 121: Line 179:
  
 
;[[AH-64 (Family)|Related development]]
 
;[[AH-64 (Family)|Related development]]
 +
 
* [[AH-64A Peten (USA)]]
 
* [[AH-64A Peten (USA)]]
 
* [[AH-64A Peten (Israel)]]
 
* [[AH-64A Peten (Israel)]]
Line 129: Line 188:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{Israel helicopters}}
 
{{Israel helicopters}}

Revision as of 21:50, 20 October 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the Israeli attack helicopter Peten. For other versions, see AH-64 (Family).
Peten
ah_64a_iaf.png
GarageImage Peten.jpg
Peten
AB RB SB
10.3 11.7 10.3
Research:390 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 010 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The AH-64A Peten is a rank VI Israeli attack helicopter with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/SB) and 11.7 (RB). It was introduced in Update "Danger Zone".

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m295 km/h
Max altitude5 400 m
Engine2 х General Electric T700-GE-701C
Take-off weight8 t

The AH-64A Peten is one of the fastest helicopters in the game, only trumped by the british G-LYNX and the likes of the Mi-24 (Family). It has two powerful engines, which gives the Peten a good climb rate. Manoeuvrability at high speed is excellent too, being able to even execute barrel rolls without losing too much altitude; a feat many helicopters can only dream of. Overall it offers great flight performance and feels right at home for both newcomers and experienced players.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 270 251 5400
Upgraded ___ ___

Survivability and armour

IRCM
Protects against IR-guided missiles
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural460 km/h
Gear420 km/h

The AH-64A Peten has only limited armour protection installed with bullet proof glass only being installed on the pilot windscreen. The helicopter uses Kevlar boron carbide, composite martial which is limited only to instrument, floor and side panels around the cockpit. It does not provide the same level of protection as seen on other helicopters such as the Mi-28N.

  • Bullet proof glass installed only for the pilot - 22 mm thick.
  • Installation of Kevlar boron carbide, composite martial only on the: Seats, cockpit side panels, Gunner floor panels and pilot instrument panel - 20 mm thick.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB8 483 → 13 623 Sl icon.png
RB4 043 → 6 493 Sl icon.png
SB5 074 → 8 148 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications302 000 Rp icon.png
444 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training290 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 010 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 600 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 230 / 360 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
49 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
72 000 Sl icon.png
980 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
IRCM
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-92 Stinger
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114 2
Research:
49 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
72 000 Sl icon.png
980 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Offensive armament

Main article: M230E-1 (30 mm)

The Peten is armed with:

  • A choice between three presets:
    • 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon (1,200 rpg)
    • 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures
    • 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures + IRCM

The Peten has the same 30 mm cannon as the other Apaches in the game currently, and only has one belt choice. The belt carries only HEDP rounds, and can penetrate up to 51 mm of armour. The gun is fast firing, but relatively inaccurate, so shooting in close range is the best way to hit your target. If you don't mind the inaccuracy of the gun, it is a very good weapon all around. It can be locked in gunner and 3rd person view and will automatically track the target.

Suspended armament

The Peten can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
  • 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
  • 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
  • 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
  • 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles

The Peten can carry up to 16 Hellfire ATGMs with over 1,000 mm of pen, 76 Hydra rockets with over 200 mm of pen, or 4 Stinger AAMs. The weapons are carried on the stub wings and can be carried in several different variations. The Hellfires are excellent missiles, although since the player must keep "painting" a laser beam on the target, misses can occur if the target lock slips. The Hydra rockets are generally very effective, especially when used with the ballistic computer. 76 rockets is enough for 3-5 tanks if they are used by an experienced player. However, the Stinger AAMs are not the best in the game by any stretch, with relatively little explosive mass and only a 10G overload. They may take 2-3 hits to damage aircraft, and heavily armoured helicopters such as the Mi-28 may survive multiple hits.

Custom loadout options

1 2 3 4 5 6
Hardpoints Peten.png
Hydra-70 M247 rockets 19 19 19 19
AGM-114B Hellfire missiles 2, 4 2, 4 2, 4 2, 4
ATAS (AIM-92) missiles 2 2

Defensive systems

The Peten has the following Defensive systems installed:

  • Countermeasures - 60 built-in
  • AN/APR-39 - Radar Warning Receiver (RWR); C-M detectable bands; track and launch detection
  • AN/AVR-2 - Laser Warning Receiver (LWR)
  • AN/AAR-47 - Missile Approach Warning system (MAW)
  • AIM-92 Stinger - AIM 92 Stinger missiles

All 3 major defensive sensors (RWR, LWR and MAW) come standard with the helicopter and are essential to surviving enemy attacks. The Peten comes stock with 60 countermeasures in the form of just flares, however, in order to select a mix of flares and chaff, the adequate modification [Flares/Chaff (tier I)] will have to be researched. The AIM-92 Stinger module can be researched at tier III and adds an extra layer of defence against both enemy aircraft and other helicopters. The Stinger launchers are mounted in pairs on the wingtips and do not compromise any hardpoint space for other weaponry.

Usage in battles

Overview:

The AH-64A Peten is an excellent helicopter for attacking ground targets, and can also hold its own against many enemy aircraft. Through adequate use of cover, teamwork, and game sense, the Apache can easily dismantle enemy teams. An Apache pilot must understand all of the tools at their disposal. The only difference between the Peten and the tech tree AH-64A is that the Peten lacks access to the AIM-9L Sidewinders as an ordnance option.

The Apache has an arsenal of weapons. The most effective anti-tank weapon in the Apache's arsenal is the AGM-114 Hellfire, which uses a top attack trajectory to destroy ground vehicles. There is functionally very little difference between the AGM-114B and K variants, used on early and late Apaches respectively.

Staying Alive:

Flying the Apache effectively can be more difficult than most players would imagine, even with all the sensors it offers. Trying to deal with threats from enemy air and ground vehicles while continuing to attack the enemy team can be difficult. If distracted, a pilot can quickly lose situational awareness. Being successful in the Apache requires situational awareness above all else. Due to the fragility of the helicopter, any blindspot can lead to a quick and sudden death as even with the MAW one might not always be in an adequate position to defend against the incoming threat. Additionally, the mobility of the Apache is adequate but not impressive, so evasive manoeuvres are not always effective; after all, it is still a helicopter.

Using cover is a very important part of staying alive in the Apache. Always stay behind a hill or building in ground battles. When exposing yourself in order to fire on the enemy, be mindful to not gain too much altitude. Most importantly, Always listen to your RWR. If you hear an alarm, take evasive action immediately.

Additionally, it is important to know when to use flares. Flares are extremely effective against heat-seeking missiles, but useless against any other missiles. It is the responsibility of the Apache pilot to recognize the threat and decide whether to use flares or not.

Air-to-Air (Stinger and Gun):

The Apache is surprisingly potent in air-to-air combat. Engagements should be conducted primarily through the use of the AIM-92 Stinger missiles. The Stinger is a simple but effective air-to-air missile. It has an excellent seeker head and can obtain all aspect lock on almost any air target within 3-5 km (even propeller aircraft with a low heat signature). However, the Stinger can be easily fooled by flares or outmanoeuvred by a fast enemy aircraft. The best way to use the Stinger against enemy aircraft is when they are heading directly towards you. If fired at the right second, most enemies will struggle to dodge a Stinger.

If the enemy gets close, the 30 mm autocannon can be extremely effective. The gun will automatically aim with optical lock, so Apache pilots can aim accurately while taking evasive manoeuvres.

Close Range Air-to-Ground (Gun and Rockets):

At close range, the Apache has excellent offensive capability. The 30 mm autocannon is incredibly accurate even at surprisingly far distances. This cannon uses a High Explosive Dual Purpose round that can engage lightly armoured targets. Rocket pods can also be used, with the CCIP computer helping maintain accuracy even at further distances. Be careful when trying to use the Hellfire missile at close range. It can do a direct attack at closer ranges (rather than its usual top attack) but if fired at an odd angle, it may not have time to manoeuvre onto the target if fired at closer ranges.

The problem with trying to engage at close range is that doing so will put the Apache in huge amounts of danger. Enemy tanks will be able to quickly destroy the Apache with their main guns or anti-aircraft machine guns.

Long Range Air-to-Ground (Hellfire):

HellfireTrajectory.png

At longer ranges, the Hellfire missile can be used to full effect. The Hellfire will guide on its target as shown in the attached diagram. This is known as top attack. Being that it takes this path to the enemy target, the Hellfire can take upward of 30 seconds to reach its target at longer ranges. Do not fire at enemies that are about to move to cover, and make sure to fire multiple missiles at once in order to deal maximum damage. Because the Hellfire is laser guided, multiple missiles can be fired at once. They should be fired at intervals of 5-10 seconds, where between missiles the Apache can switch to a new ground target. This will allow for the quick destruction of multiple enemies. This tactic can be incredibly effective. Although the time to target for the most recently fired Hellfire is available on the HUD, pilots will have to keep track of all the missiles they have fired by memory and quick calculations.

Combatting enemy anti-aircraft vehicles can be a challenge. Always remain in cover and move unpredictably in combat. Use the radar warning receiver to obtain the general direction of enemy AA, and then attack with a Hellfire. An effective strategy is to fire a Hellfire, break optical lock to gain cover and avoid counterfire, and then pop back up and get lock again several seconds before the Hellfire hits. This strategy if applied correctly will result in a hit, as the Hellfire is smart enough to begin following the laser designator again once the Apache re-obtains its lock.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High top speed and manoeuvrability
  • Good air-to-air capability with autotracking 30mm gun and Stinger missiles
  • Good 30mm gun with HEDP belts; great against anything, especially fragile vehicles
  • Excellent secondary armament; can carry up to 16 Hellfires on top of 4 AAMs
  • Advanced countermeasure system with radar warning receiver (RWR) and Missile Alert Warning
  • Well armoured for a helicopter; may survive hits from SAMs
  • Excellent thermals and zoom

Cons:

  • Stinger air-to-air missiles don't turn well, aren't reliable, and don't have enough explosive mass to guarantee a kill upon a hit
  • Hellfires are difficult to guide to air targets due to their trajectory
  • Easily destroyed by main adversary (Ka-50 & Ka-52) and enemy aircraft
  • 30 mm cannon is relatively inaccurate at range

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Israel helicopters
Attack 
MD 500  Lahatut
Battle Hawk  AH-60
Cobra  Tzefa D/E · Tzefa A · Tzefa B
Apache  Saraph · Peten · AH-64A Peten