Save The Apache, Lose The Gold Plating (AH-64D Performance During Gulf War II)

Soldiers For The Truth ^ | April 29, 2003 | David Hackworth

[JudgeAmint]

Ah-64A Specifications

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Length: Height: Wing Span:	58.17 ft (17.73 m) 15.24 ft (4.64 m) 17.15 ft (5.23 m)
Primary Mission Gross Weight   15,075 lb (6838 kg)	Standard Day	Hot Day ISA + 15C
Hover In-Ground Effect (MRP)	15,895 ft (4845 m)	14,845 ft (4525 m)
Hover Out-of-Ground Effect (MRP)	12,685 ft (3866 m)	11,215 ft (3418 m)
	Sea Level Standard Day	Hot Day 2000 ft 70 F (21 C)
Vertical Rate of Climb (MRP)	2,175 fpm (663 mpm)	2,050 fpm (625 mpm)
Maximum Rate of Climb (IRP)	2,915 fpm (889 mpm)	2,890 fpm (881 mpm)
Maximum Level Flight Speed	150 kt (279 kph)	153 kt (284 kph)
Cruise Speed (MCP)	150 kt (279 kph)	153 kt (284 kph)

[JudgeAmint]

[ChiefKujo]

Your picture is of an AH-64D Longbow, not an Alpha model. People get confused because only 1/3rd of Longbows have the distinctive radome over the main rotor blades.

Chief

[JudgeAmint]

 

[JudgeAmint]

Noted...just a few quick shots, to get the juices flowing..

[ChiefKujo]

Comments only on the first picture, the next ones are right.

[ChiefKujo]

Hey Judge, the 2nd and 3rd pics look like Germany. Where'd you get them?

[JudgeAmint]

WELCOME, TO

THE DUTCH APACHE SQUADRONS

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

 

http://www.ah64d.com/eng/index_eng.html

 

[_Jim]

Nota Bene: I would view ANYTHING Hack says with a GREAT deal of suspician when it comes to his evaluating modern day equipment, systems OR tactics ...

[JudgeAmint]

[1rudeboy]

Great. Send your best into the ---t, only to have somebody write about how it got shot-up.

[grapeape]

You know I would really like to see us put a well Russian Hind squadron up with the Apache in combat and see what happens.

I am just so sick of seeing our high tech equipment ground to a halt because of unreliability. I really hate the idea of my friends having to carry their M-16 bolts in plastic baggies in their Shirt pockets until a fire fight. Also I was really embarrased to see our soldiers on live TV in a combat situation with their M-16's wrapped in plastic and tape. That really sucks.

[MississippiMan]

If there are any chopper pilots around, what do the 'hover in ground effect' and 'hover out of ground effect' specs mean? I hold a private pilot's ticket, but strictly fixed wing and that spec intrigued me.

MM

[Psycho_Bunny]

I was horribly disappointed in Coronal Hackworth the last time I heard him live; he was virtually freaking-out on Hugh Hewitt's show.  This article seems like the Hackworth I used to really like reading.

Is this a accurate portrayal of the Apache? 

Ping to Army FReeper Peepers.

[JudgeAmint]

Hack's point is valid...the Longbow was made to creep around European battle fields. The desert sands are very tough on low altitude flyers...but the Warthog seems well suited for it all.

[ChiefKujo]

I'm the guy you get your overnight hanger space from when you want to go shopping at the PX in Hanau.

Chief

[MEG33]

Hack as an expert has lost his luster.His arrogance gets in the way.I salute his service.

[JudgeAmint]

Thanks Chief..for keeping the story facts straight...!!

[1rudeboy]

Ok, suppose Hack's questionable point is valid. Are we fighting in deserts from now on?

[ChiefKujo]

Actually, after getting a one-on-one debrief yesterday from a returning A-model pilot, attached to 11th REG during the last two months, and from other methods and sources, I would assure you that Hack is actually a bit more optimistic than I am on what the fallout will be.

Chief