Although the AH-64 Apache is not intended to be a counter-drone platform, it is important to have counter-drone capabilities because of the prevalence of drones on the modern battlefield.
The AH-64 Apache is one of the most powerful attack helicopters in the world. The helicopter has been the main attack rotary-wing aircraft of the US Army for decades. Army aviators have flown AH-64s into combat against enemy troops, tanks, artillery guns, infantry fighting vehicles, and other weapon systems.
But as warfare continues to evolve, so does the Army want its Apache fleet to be able to do more on the battlefield. And the latest skill set is shooting down enemy drones.
Can Apache Helicopters Really Fight Drones?
The Army has successfully used AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to detect, track, and defeat unmanned aircraft systems. Although AH-64s have turned their weapons on drones before, this is the first time the Army has specifically tested the attack helicopter as a counter-drone platform.
During the testing, AH-64s used several different weapon systems against target drones, including AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM), AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra-70 Guided rockets with an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance section, and 30mm cannon rounds. All weapons destroyed their target drones, though the Hydra 70 rockets had a kill ratio of three out of four drones.
“These results confirmed that Apache can deliver persistent, flexible, and cost-effective options to defeat UAS threats. Each demonstrated munition offers tradeoffs in range, collateral risk, and engagement tempo to provide commanders [with] scalable solutions dynamic to mission requirements,” the Army said in a statement following the successful testing.
Although the AH-64 Apache is not primarily intended to be a counter-drone platform, it is important to have proven counter-drone capabilities because of the prevalence of drones on the modern battlefield.
“This was about validating our capabilities and ensuring the Apache remains a vital asset in modern combat scenarios,” Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel York said in a press statement. “We demonstrated that the Apache continues to be relevant and effective in the face of evolving UAS threats.”
About the Apache Attack Helicopter
- Year Introduced: 1984
- Number Built: 5,000+
- Length: 58 ft 2 in (17.73 m)
- Height: 12 ft 8 in (3.87 m)
- Rotor Diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
- Weight:
- 11,387 lb (5,165 kg) empty
- 23,000 lb (10,433 kg) MTOW
- Engines: Two General Electric T700-GE-701 turboshaft engines, 1,690 shp (1,260 kW) each (upgraded to 1,890 shp (1,409 kW) T700-GE-701C for AH-64A/D from 1990)
- Top Speed: 158 kn (182 mph, 293 km/h)
- Range: 1,024 nmi (1,178 mi, 1,896 km)
- Service Ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
- Loadout: 30 mm M230 chain gun; 70mm air-to-ground rockets; 4 hardpoints for missiles
- Aircrew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot / gunner)
The AH-64 Apache is an all-weather attack helicopter. It specializes in deep precision strikes, close air support, and armed reconnaissance.
“PM Apache’s demonstration further confirms what Army Aviators have known for years: an Apache Attack Helicopter with trained and equipped Aircrews is the most adaptable weapon system on modern battlefields,” said Army Lt. Col. Steven Cusack, product manager for HELLFIRE and JAGM.
Boeing, which manufactures the AH-64 Apache, has delivered more than 5,000 helicopters to the US Army and to 18 international partners and allies. The US Army AH-64 Apache fleet has racked up more than 1.3 million total flight hours in combat and peace-keeping operations in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, and other operations. The attack chopper makes up the bulk of the Army’s attack rotary-wing capability with over 820 AH-64D/Es.
“The limiting factor remains how much the Army can invest into aircrew training and munition integration to reduce crew workload. Apache Aircrews will find a way to provide decision space and early warning for ground commanders and defeat the threats that attempt to disrupt US Military operations,” Cusack added.
With drones being everywhere on the modern battlefield, finding new and creative ways to shoot them down is prudent for any military.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
