How Apache Helicopters Work

The Apache helicopter is a revolutionary development in the history of war. It is essentially a flying tank -- a helicopter designed to survive heavy attack and inflict massive damage. It can zero in on specific targets, day or night, even in terrible weather. As you might expect, it is a terrifying machine to ground forces.

In this edition of HowStuffWorks, we'll look at the Apache's amazing flight systems, weapons systems, sensor systems and armor systems. Individually, these components are remarkable pieces of technology. Combined together, they make up an unbelievable fight ing machine -- the most lethal helicopter ever created.

Take a hit from what? The Black Hawk has ballistic tolerant blades, driveshafts, and the gearboxes will run with loss of all oil for 30 minutes, self-sealing fuel tanks from small arms fire, etc.. I'm sure the Apache has similar characteristics... In a crash sequence both acft are far more survivable than earlier models.

These machines, no matter their supposed sophistication, are extreemly vulnerable to small arms fire.

Simply not true. Modern Army aircraft such as the AH-64A/D and UH-60A/L have ballistic shielding and redundant systems to take some major hits and, at least get to the ground safely, if not fly out of harms way. The AH-64A aircraft engaged during Operation Anaconda took some heavy hits yet continued to support troops on the ground. One had it's TADS bucket (front sight) blown off yet remained on station to provide fire support. Another one took an RPG round to the # 2 Engine and transmission. The crew was able to fly the aircraft a safe distance, filled the transmission with extra fluid, then flew it 38 minutes back to Bagram Air Base. They landed safely with a completely dry transmission.

Yes, the HIND aircraft are heavily armored, but are not nearly as manueverable. They were designed to support Soviet style mass attacks against NATO forces. A-10's are great at what they do, but are even more effective when working as part of a Joint Air Attack Team (JAAT) with attack helicopters and other fire support assets.

For all of it's faults (and bad, undeserved press) the AH-64 is a great aircraft and quite lethal.

Some pilot said on the net something like: "A helicopter is a loose assemblage of parts, flying roughly in formation for an undetermined amount of time."

I think if intelligent ET's ever arrive on Earth, the one human invention which will genuinely astonish them is the helicopter.

I've a degree in Aerospace Engineering, and I still can't believe they work--or that they simply don't tear themselves apart in minutes.

--Boris

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.