Hobby Master 1/72 Boeing AH-64D Longbow "Tigershark" No. 290, 1st Battlion,, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Afghanistan 2011 Diecast Airplane

In the early 1970’s the US Army wanted a replacement for the AH-1 Cobra so companies submitted proposals. In July 1973 the list was shortened to Hughes and Bell with each building a prototype in 1975. The Army selected the Hughes helicopter because its landing gear was more stable and the main rotor was more damage tolerant. In 1981 3 pre-production AH-64As were given to the Army for testing and named Apache. The Apache went into production in 1982 and has evolved into one of the deadliest machines over the battle field.

In late 2010 the 1st Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade along with 4 other units deployed to Afghanistan in support of “Operation Enduring Freedom XI”. These units were dispersed to various locations throughout the country with the 1-10 Aviation going to Base Salerno, Khost Province, Afghanistan as Task Force “Tigershark”. The AH-64 Apaches were tasked with security and reconnaissance mission over eastern Afghanistan. The 10th CAB Apache helicopters also provide aerial surveillance and close combat attack capabilities in support ground forces.

Apache AH-64D Specifications and Characteristics
Manufacturer/s Hughes Helicopters - 1975/1984 McDonnell Douglas – 1984/1997
Boeing Defense, Space & Security – 1997/Present
Role – Attack Helicopter
Crew – 2 X (Pilot + Co-Pilot/Gunner)
Dimensions
Fuselage Length – 49 ft 5 in (15.06 m)
Length/Both Rotors Turning – 58.17 ft (17.73 m)
Width – 17 ft (5.23 m)
Height AH-64D NR (Non Radar) - 12.7 ft (3.87 m)
AH-64D Longbow - 16.2 ft (4.95 m)
Rotor Diameter – 48 ft (14.63 m)
Performance Power-Plants 2 X General Electric T700-GE-701C
Producing 1,890 shp Per Engine
Speed Maximum – 182 mph (158 kts / 293 km/h)
Cruise – 165 mph (143 kts / 265 km/h)
Range Ferry – 1,180 mi (1,024 nmi / 1,900 km)
Combat Radius – 300 mi (260 nmi / 480 km)
Minimum Load Service Ceiling – 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
Rate Of Climb – 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)
Armament
Guns – 1 X 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 Chain Gun W/1,200 Rounds (As Part Of Area Weapon Subsystem)
Hard Points – 4 X Pylons On Stub Wings Rockets Hydra 70 mm CRV7 70 mm APKWS 70 mm Air-To-Ground Missiles 8 X AGM-114 Hellfire 4 X AIM-92 Stinger Spike Missiles