Academy 1/144 AH-64D/DJ "Longbow" Plastic Model Kit *Aust Decals* [12625]

Academy brings us a 1/144-scale model kit of the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's attack helicopter, the AH-64D/DJ Apache! The characteristic form is expressed with a precise mold; decals for three versions are included as well (two from U.S. Army attack helicopter battalions, and one from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Aviation School at Akeno Air Field).

About the Aircraft

The McDonnell-Douglas (Boeing) AH-64 helicopter was selected as the winner of a competition with Bell's YAH-63 in December 1976. The Apache name was adopted in 1981. This highly capable aircraft has four-blade rotors powered by two 1,696-horsepower General Electric T700-701 turbine engines. The rudimentary wings are equipped with conventional trailing edge flaps, and a plate-type horizontal stabilizer improves longitudinal control. The two-person crew occupies back-to-back seats in an armored cockpit. The pilot is in the rear, and the weapons operator/gunner is in the front. Key to the helicopter's versatility are the TADS systems in the gunner's station and the PNVS used by the pilot. TADS is a set of laser marker and range finder allowing for target tracking and a forward-facing infrared sensor, which is duplicated by the normal optical system.

The PNVS system is an advanced FLIR system, allowing the helicopter to be piloted just above the ground to prevent or delay detection by enemy air defenses. Apache helicopters took part in the operation in Panama in 1989, during Desert Storm in 1991, and the recent conflict in Iraq (2003). In late 1990, work began on a new version of the helicopter, equipped with a Martin/Westinghouse Longbow millimeter radar mounted above the head for weapons control. It is used to control Rockwell AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles on the fire-and-forget principle. Technical data: Maximum speed: 300 km/h; rate of climb 12.7 m/s, maximum range (without external tanks): 689 km, armament: fixed - 1 Hughes M230A1 Chain Gun, caliber 30 mm, and under-wing armament - most often Hellfire missiles.