IAF gets a new bird of prey: All you need to know about Apache AH-64E

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Updated: Sep 4, 2019, 9:06 IST

Highlights

The Indian Air Force on Tuesday inducted the first batch of eight Apache AH-64E attack helicopters at the Pathankot airbase. The new fleet of Apache helicopters will be part of 125-Helicopter squadron, popularly called “Gladiators” of the IAF. Here is a look at some of the salient features of this mean fighting machine-

* Apache is considered the most fiercest, lethal survivable, deployable and maintainable multi-mission helicopter in the world.
* It can fly up to a speed of around 290 km/hour.
* It can effect an attack in30 seconds.
* It can climb at a rate of 889 metres in a minute.
* Its endurance is 3 hours 9 minutes.

* It can allow missile to perform in full 'fire and forget' mode. Firing range is 8 to 12km.
* It can fire 625 rounds in a minute. Also carries one 30 mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds as part of area weapon subsystem.
* The new fleet of Apache helicopters will be part of 125-Helicopter squadron, popularly called “Gladiators” of the IAF.
* It has the capability to shoot, fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets and ammunition.

* Apache has modern electronic warfare capabilities to provide versatility in a network-centric aerial warfare.
* The ability of these helicopters to transmit and receive battlefield pictures to and from the weapon systems through data networking adds to its lethality.

* The helicopter would have significant capability in mountainous terrains. It has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground.
* The induction of the Apaches will enhance the capability of IAF in providing integrated combat aviation cover to Army strike corps.