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 theAH-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.[349] 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 1st Air Cavalry then deployed to Fort Hood, Texas, during 2018. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: July 2023

Historical Account: "Combined Arms" - The 1st Cavalry Division ("First Team") is a heavy armored division of the United States Army with base of operations in Fort Hood, Texas. It is the largest division of the U.S. Army with 16,700 soldiers. The division did not take part in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. However, it deployed to Iraq in early 2004, relieving the 1st Armored Division in Baghdad.

Effective July 15th, 2005, the 1st Cavalry Division transitioned to the Unit of Action modified table of organization and equipment (MTOE). No longer are brigade sized elements made up purely of armor and/or infantry battalions. Brigades are now composed of Combined Arms Teams (CAB), meaning that every maneuver battalion is identical in organization and makeup to any other maneuver battalion, excluding the brigade reconnaissance squadrons. Each maneuver battalion is now a mixture of infantry, armor, engineer, and miscellaneous support personnel. The U.S. Army maintains only one company-sized element of horse troops (the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment), although the U.S. Special Operations Command includes horseback riding soldiers in its operations.