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AH-64E v6: The New Apache Helicopter That Could Be a Game Changer

AH-64E v6.
AH-64E v6. Image Credit: Industry Handout.

AH-64E v6: The New Apache Attack Helicopter Is Second to None – You can’t find a better attack helicopter than the Apache AH-64E Guardian. Combining firepower and versatility, the Apache rarely disappoints. Known for plinking tanks in Operation Desert Storm or conducting close air support and reconnaissance during the Second Gulf War, the Apache has a sterling combat record. It also has an unmatched psychological component for friendly troops on the ground. When you hear it coming and see it overhead, you know that the enemy is going to feel the pain soon. Chock full of weapons and the latest technology, the AH-64E Guardian will be a boon to the U.S. military during conflicts in the future.

AH-64E v6: 6 Is Right Up Your Alley

That’s why Boeing is pushing the latest variant – the AH-64E Version 6 – to up the ante and arguably provide the best version of the Apache in history. The behemoth defense contractor claims the AH-64E Version 6 will offer “enhanced lethality, survivability and connectivity to the battlefield.”

Unmanned Teaming Is Noteworthy

The coolest part of the Apache Version 6 in my mind is the ability to conduct manned and unmanned teaming with some of the best tethering capabilities and networking from the U.S. military. Version 6 will be able to lead a team of drones to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions or attack the enemy with the latest munitions.

Upgrades Are Affordable and Efficient

The next advantage is the overall affordability of the Apache program. Instead of developing a totally new attack helicopter, the Pentagon can upgrade the existing Apache platform for a fraction of the cost. Granted, the Apache program is old and has endured a long development history. Originally conceived by Hughes Helicopter as the Model 77 to replace the AH-1 Cobra, the original prototype flew in 1975. The idea was to make an attack platform that could take out as many Soviet tanks as possible. That goes to show you the strength of the aircraft and how it has successfully evolved over the last several decades.

This means that pilots and maintenance crews are well-acquainted with the Apache and the cost of keeping the helicopter in the air is relatively cheap. U.S. Army Aviation has also made battlefield adjustments based on lessons learned from prior conflicts in counter-insurgency fights, plus how the attack helicopter use has evolved during the war in Ukraine. Crews can easily transition to operating the AH-64E v6.

Faster Upgrades on the Apache Guardian

Boeing has also taken a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) approach to its computer and sensor system upgrades. This is again an efficient and cost-effective way to improve the Apache fleet. Modifying Version 6 now takes months instead of years.

Strong Engines Enable Speed and Maneuverability

This version of the Apache is fast, traveling at 152 knots. The T700-GE-701D engines put out nearly 2,000 horsepower. Version 6 can almost perform like an airplane, conducting barrel rolls and loop formations to better avoid enemy fire.

All Apaches have a pilot and co-pilot/gunner who wear the Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System. The weapon systems are attached to the helmet and a display that allows the crew to point their heads toward targets in the air or on the ground and blast away.

Survivable Airframe Protects Crew

The defensive system is top-notch. The Debrief.org describes it well:

“The entire AH-64 is made of boron plated structural steel armor. The Apache’s heavy covering allows the helicopter to be capable of withstanding 12.7mm caliber rounds commonly used by anti-aircraft guns mounted on tanks and armored vehicles. The main rotor and engine are further reinforced with Kevlar lining, allowing these critical components to withstand incoming fire of up to 23mm armor-piercing rounds.”

Weapons Bring the Noise and Increase Kill Shots

The Longbow Fire Control Radar has fantastic sensors, which allows the AH-64E v6 to have a multi-mission set. It can obviously serve in air and ground attack mode, but it can also provide overwatch and security missions. An infrared jammer can spoof enemy air defense missiles.

The AH-64E is equipped with 16 AGM-114L “Longbow Hellfire” anti-tank missiles that can destroy targets up to five miles away. Plus, the Version 6 includes 76 Hydra 70mm rockets.

AH-64E v6 Looks Like a Powerhouse

The Army should be excited about AH-64E v6 variant will strike fear into China should there ever be a conflict with President Xi Jinping’s forces. The AH-64E Version 6 is a testament to the American defense industry that can take a proven model and make it better with technology and armaments resulting in an attack helicopter that is second to none. Pilots and crews will look forward to when their Apaches receive the Version 6 upgrades.

About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood

Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare, plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.

Brent M. Eastwood
Written By

Dr. Brent M. Eastwood is the author of Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare. He is an Emerging Threats expert and former U.S. Army Infantry officer. You can follow him on Twitter @BMEastwood. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Foreign Policy/ International Relations.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Dan

    September 4, 2024 at 11:37 am

    Reads like a press release written by Sgt. Rock.

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