Apache 64D

[TxLerman]

Few shots from Wings Over Houston 2009

1) In formation:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/4083428507_02a5e4671f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/4083428579_a238252f17_b.jpg

2) Solo
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4084189430_f98bb502fc_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/4084189492_74621c6e93_b.jpg

[JWright]

Nice! I am officially jealous! I haven't been able to get in-flight shots of the Apache and I built the things...

BTW, I don't think those are D models. They don't have the radome on the top of the rotor mast (although that can be moved from aircraft to aircraft) and the avionics bays on the sides aren't big enough.

[FlyingPhotog]

Can it still be a D but not be a Longbow Jon?

[TheBigDog]

Can it still be a D but not be a Longbow Jon?

It can be a "d" without the longbow radar, they would go into a mission with 1 or 2 helos with the longbow radar and use its fire control to link to the others to share the targeting info.

[4g63]

those apache's are awesome!

[FlyingPhotog]

It can be a "d" without the longbow radar, they would go into a mission with 1 or 2 helos with the longbow radar and use its fire control to link to the others to share the targeting info.

Thanks Chris...

Kind of what I figured. :D

[JWright]

It can be a "d" without the longbow radar, they would go into a mission with 1 or 2 helos with the longbow radar and use its fire control to link to the others to share the targeting info.

If you look at the avionics bays (the bulges on the sides) these are the way we built them back in the 80's and 90's. Because of the added capabilities, the D Model Apache has much larger bays that extend further back under the wings.

I don't have any pictures myself but here's one I found on the web...

http://www.defensereview.com/stories/ausawintersymposium2007/AH-64D%20Apache%20Helicopter%20Gunship%20Right/DSC02900.JPG

[DeadMeatXM2]

Its an A model, aside from the already mentioned chin pods, the D does not get the environmental sesnors mounted above the rotor baldes (the little spike in the middle) since they were moved to the rear of the engine nacelles to make way for the Longbow radar.

There are a few other minor details to tell them apart, but those two are the most common/easiest to see.

So: this is an A model Apache. :)

[rahal]

Great set of shots for a great heli, but I think they lack a little bit of prop blur

[P51Mstg]

Probably no prop blur since they don't have props........... Now rotor blur is a different story.... (yes Virginia, rotor and propellors are VERY different items, just pay for one.)

Mark H

[TxLerman]

I appreciate the comments. I was told it was a "D" model and I took it a face value. I thought that at my shutter speed, I would have more "rotor blur", but I was not chimping my pictures during the show. However, I may go back in PS and see what blur I can add.

Thanks again for looking and sharing your comments.

[jimz66]

My cousin flew the A model. I am pretty sure that ALL D's have the dome on top. But if I see him for Christmas next month and I remember too I'll ask him. But I am almost sure all D's have that dome on top that's what I understand sets a D from the A but I am not 1000% sure.

[FlyingPhotog]

Definate D Model for comparison:
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p279291157-4.jpg

[TheBigDog]

for what it's worth, some info I found online:
All next-generation Apaches have the designation AH-64D. Without the radar, the aircraft is the AH-64D Apache. Equipped with radar, the aircraft is the AH-64D Apache Longbow.

The new Apache helicopters will be fielded in two versions: those equipped with the fire control radar and those without. The helicopters without fire control radar will not receive the improved engines or Radar Frequency Interferometer, but will retain the other AH-64D modifications.

[jimz66]

So are they considered A's or D's?

[TheBigDog]

the apache's in the pics up top look like A's to me, I was just trying to show that not all "D" models have the longbow radars

[Ramrod]

They are A models, but as already said not all D's in the U.S. army have the radars fitted.

Nice shots though.