The Apache is a twin-engined attack helicopter developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). It entered service with the US Army in 1984, and has been exported to Egypt, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. The US Army has more than 800 Apaches in service with a further 1,000 exported to other nations. The Apache was first used in combat in 1989 by the US military in Panama. It was also employed in the Gulf War and has supported low intensity and peacekeeping operations worldwide including Turkey, Bosnia and Kosovo.

Formerly known as the AH-64D Block III, in 2012, it was re-designated as the AH-64E Guardian. The Guardian has improved digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with upgraded face gear transmission to handle more power, capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), full IFR capability, and improved landing gear. New composite rotor blades, which completed testing in 2004, increase cruise speed, climb rate, and payload capacity. Deliveries began in November 2011. Full-rate production was approved on October 24th, 2012. The total Army Acquisition Objective for both new build and re-manufactured AH-64Es is 812.

Changes in production lots 4 through 6 include a cognitive decision aiding system and new self-diagnostic abilities. The updated Longbow radar has an oversea capacity, potentially enabling naval strikes; an AESA radar is under consideration. It will have a L-3 Communications MUMT-X datalink in place of two older counterparts, communicating on C, D, L, and Ku frequency bands to transmit and receive data and video with all Army UAVs. Lots 5 and 6 will have Link 16 data links. The AH-64E is to be fit for maritime use. The U.S. Army expressed interest in extended-range fuel tanks for greater endurance. As of April 2020, 500 AH-64Es have been delivered.

Work on a further upgraded AH-64E, version 6.5, was initiated by the U.S. Army in 2021, and first flew in 2023. The AH-64E is reported to have had problems with its electrical generation systems causing increased scrutiny.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of an US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter that was attached to the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade "Raptor Brigade - Born in Battle", 7th Infantry Division, I Corps, then deployed to Gray Army Airfield, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 8-3/4-inches
Rotor Span: 7-1/4-inches

Release Date: December 2025

Historical Account: "Born in Battle" - In October 2005, Task Force 49 was formed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. It oversaw 1st Battalion, 52d Aviation Regiment; 4th Battalion, 123rd Aviation Regiment; 68th Medical Company (Air Ambulance); and Company C (Maintenance), 123rd Aviation Regiment. In February 2006, Task Force 49 was formally established and the 4th Battalion, 123rd Aviation Regiment was inactivated, while the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment was reorganized into a general support aviation battalion. In June 2006, the 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment was re-flagged from 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, flying OH-58D Kiowa Warrior light reconnaissance helicopters and relocated from Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii to Fort Wainwright.

On October 16th, 2009, Aviation Task Force 49 was disbanded, and "re-flagged" as 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, and thus activated at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

On March 31st, 2011, it was announced that the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade would be based at Joint Base Lewis McChord but still keep a substantial presence (1-52nd Aviation) at Fort Wainwright. It was also announced that the 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment would join the brigade and that 1st Battalion, 229th Aviation would move from Fort Hood to JBLM. Joint Base Lewis-McChord held a flag ceremony on August 1st, 2011, to signify the movement of the headquarters of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade from Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This process would end around September 2014.