Hawkins, Duke: Boeing AH-64 Apache

Flying with Armed Forces around the world

The Apache is a really impressive machine and a highly appreciated asset for ground forces pinned down. In modern warfare, close air Support is extremely important and the Apache can deliver a big punch, Just like the A-10 Thunderbolt II can. The Apache is equipped with a powerful gun under its nose and wings that can carry guided and unguided rockets that have no problem knocking out tanks, big guns or a quickly advancing army. And with the installation of a radar on top of the main rotor, the crew can keep an eye on the battle field without being detected. This importance for close air support was recognised not only by the American forces, but also by many other arms. The Apache was selected by numerous Air Forces, such as those of UK, Greece, The Netherlands, Japan, Indonesia, India, Israel, Egypt, South Korea and others. And it continues to be ordered; Poland has 96 of the type on order, Morocco 36 and Australia 29.



This book started when Andy Robinson had the opportunity to photograph an Apache that was being loaded into a C-17 Globemaster III. He took the time to do a walk-around of which you can find many photographs in this book. Philip Stevens, Gert Trachez and Kris Christiaens were able to help out with some impressive action photographs, while Peter Anthoni and Marcus Fulber allowed us to use some additional details to the book. The maintenance chapter of this book is quite extensive, thanks to the visits Ioannis Lekkas made to the maintenance hangars of the Hellenic Army.