How the AH-64E Apache Became the Frontline Defense Against Modern Drone Threats

The United States Army, in collaboration with the Apache Program Manager, the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions Program Manager, and the Joint Program Executive Office, successfully conducted a live-fire exercise involving the AH-64E Apache helicopter against unmanned aerial systems in South Carolina. This exercise marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the Apache platform, showcasing its adaptability in modern warfare scenarios. The AH-64E Apache demonstrated its ability to detect, track, and neutralize drone threats with precision and efficiency.

AH-64E Apache. Photo: odin.tradoc.army.mil

Originally designed as a tank killer during the Cold War era, the Apache has undergone extensive upgrades to meet the demands of contemporary battlefields. The AH-64E variant represents the latest iteration of this iconic attack helicopter, incorporating advanced avionics, weapons systems, and sensor technologies. Its transformation into a counter-drone platform reflects the shifting priorities of military strategy, where asymmetric threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles have become increasingly prevalent.

The Apache is operated by a crew of two: a pilot and a co-pilot/gunner. This configuration allows for seamless coordination between flight operations and weapons deployment, enhancing the helicopter's combat effectiveness. The cockpit is equipped with integrated digital systems that provide real-time situational awareness and targeting data.

Physically, the AH-64E Apache measures 58 feet 2 inches in length, with a fuselage length of 49 feet 5 inches and a height of 12 feet 8 inches. Its empty weight stands at 11,387 pounds, while its gross weight reaches 17,650 pounds. The maximum takeoff weight is an impressive 23,000 pounds, enabling the helicopter to carry a substantial payload of weapons and equipment.

Powering the Apache are two General Electric T700-GE-701 turboshaft engines, each delivering 1,690 shaft horsepower. These engines have been upgraded in later variants to the T700-GE-701C, offering 1,890 shaft horsepower for enhanced performance. The robust powerplant ensures the helicopter can operate effectively in diverse environments, from deserts to mountainous terrain.

The main rotor of the Apache spans 48 feet in diameter, covering a rotor area of 1,908.5 square feet. It features a four-bladed main rotor and a four-bladed tail rotor with a 55-degree non-orthogonal blade offset, contributing to stability and maneuverability. The blade sections are designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, utilizing HH-02 at the root and NACA 64A006 at the tip.

In terms of performance, the AH-64E Apache boasts a maximum speed of 158 knots, a cruise speed of 143 knots, and a never-exceed speed of 197 knots. Its operational range with the Longbow radar mast is 257 nautical miles, while its combat range extends to 260 nautical miles. For ferry missions, the helicopter can travel up to 1,024 nautical miles, demonstrating its long-range capabilities.

The service ceiling of the Apache reaches 20,000 feet, allowing it to operate above many threats and obstacles. Its disk loading is calculated at 9.8 pounds per square foot, and its power-to-mass ratio stands at 0.18 horsepower per pound. These metrics contribute to the helicopter's agility and responsiveness in combat situations.

Armament is a defining feature of the AH-64E Apache, starting with its 30mm M230 Chain Gun, which holds 1,200 rounds and forms part of the Area Weapon Subsystem. This cannon provides devastating firepower against ground targets and can be used for precision strikes. The helicopter also features four pylon stations on its stub wings, allowing for a versatile array of weapons configurations.

Among the rocket options available to the Apache are the Hydra 70, CRV7, and APKWS 70mm air-to-ground rockets. These munitions offer scalable lethality depending on the mission requirements, from soft targets to fortified positions. The integration of the APKWS system enables laser-guided precision, reducing collateral damage and increasing effectiveness.

Missile systems on the Apache typically include variants of the AGM-114 Hellfire, which are renowned for their accuracy and destructive power. The helicopter can also be equipped with Air-to-Air Stinger missiles (ATAS), AGM-65 Maverick, and Spike missiles, expanding its engagement envelope to include aerial threats and armored vehicles. This diverse arsenal ensures the Apache remains a formidable force across multiple domains.

Avionics play a crucial role in the Apache's operational capabilities, with the Lockheed Martin/Northrop Grumman AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar being a key component. This radar system, available only on the AH-64D and AH-64E variants, enables target acquisition and tracking in all weather conditions and through battlefield obscurants. It provides the helicopter with a 360-degree detection capability, essential for counter-drone operations.

The successful demonstration in South Carolina highlighted the Apache's ability to engage drones using a combination of its onboard sensors and weapon systems. The helicopter utilized its radar and electro-optical systems to identify and lock onto drone targets, followed by precision strikes using Hellfire missiles, APKWS rockets, and the 30mm chain gun. This multi-layered approach ensures redundancy and effectiveness in neutralizing aerial threats.

The integration of counter-drone capabilities into the Apache platform reflects a broader trend in military aviation, where traditional roles are being expanded to address emerging challenges. Drones, often used for reconnaissance or as loitering munitions, pose a significant risk to ground forces and infrastructure. By equipping the Apache with tools to counter these threats, the Army enhances its defensive and offensive posture.

Moreover, the Apache's ability to share targeting data through datalinks such as Link 16 allows it to operate as part of a networked force. This connectivity enables real-time coordination with other aircraft, ground units, and command centers, facilitating rapid decision-making and joint operations. The helicopter becomes not just a weapon system, but a node in a larger combat ecosystem.

The evolution of the Apache into a counter-drone platform also underscores the importance of adaptability in military technology. As adversaries develop new tactics and tools, legacy systems must be upgraded to remain relevant. The AH-64E Apache exemplifies this principle, blending proven design with cutting-edge innovation.