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• War Thunder - Apache Packard
• War Thunder - Apache Packet

An early look at both the AH-64A Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow on the 1.97 Development Server. These form the new 'Apache' branch line on the US Helicopte.

1. War Thunder - Apache Pack. Overview System Requirements. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. There are 477616 reviews 477K. Free + Show more. War Thunder - Apache.
2. Includes 2 items: War Thunder - XM-1 General Motors Pack, War Thunder - Apache Pack. Bundle info-20%. To add this DLC to your account, launch the War Thunder client from Steam library and press the Steam Login button at the startup screen in the game. Your Gaijin account (if you have one) has to be linked with Steam.
3. The Israeli AH-64A Peten modification of the legendary Apache helicopter, combined with 15 days of Premium Account and 2000 Golden Eagles for crushing the enemy in the top ranks of War Thunder!
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• 2General info
• 3Armaments
• 4Usage in battles

Description

The AH-64D is a rank VII American attack helicopter with a battle rating of 10.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.97 'Viking Fury'.

General info

Flight performance

The AH-64D Longbow, provides great manoeuvrability, incredible acceleration and overall providing a great speed of up to 319 km/h in arcade and 295 km/h in realistic and simulator game modes. It is fast as the Japanese AH-64D but the fastest AH.64D belongs to the British Army variant called the AH Mk.1. The U.S. Army AH-64D Longbow is able to do manoeuvres other helicopters can only dream about, from barrel roles, flips to loops. Which allow it to evade enemy missiles with ease and surprise, poor enemy tankers who will be helpless to defeat it.

Survivability and armour

The AH-64D Apache longbow, has only limited armour protection installed with bullet proof glass only being installed on the pilot windscreen. The helicopter uses Kevlar boron carbide, composite martial which is limited only to instrument, floor and side panels around the cockpit. It does not provide the same level of protection as seen on other helicopters such as the Mi-28N.

• Bullet proof glass installed only for the pilot - 22 mm thick.
• Installation of Kevlar boron carbide, composite martial only on the: Seats, cockpit side panels, Gunner floor panels and pilot instrument panel - 20 mm thick.

Armaments

Offensive armament

The AH-64D is armed with:

• A choice between two presets:
  • 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon (1,200 rpg)
  • 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon (1,200 rpg) + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles

Suspended armament

The AH-64D can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

• 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
• 8 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
• 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles + 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
• 8 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles + 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
• 16 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles

Defensive systems

The AH-64D only has the following Defensive systems installed:

• F-Flares - Up to 150 flares can be installed.
• IRCM - Infrared Counter Measures.
• AMASE - Apache Modular Aircraft Survivability Equipment.
• AIM-9/ICM - AIM 92 stingers and Infrared Counter Measures.

When unlocked, flares are not installed - this requires IRCM module (tier I) to be researched and installed, this provides up to 30 F-Flares. The next module called AMASE (tier II) provides up to 150 F-Flares, the additional 110 F-Flares are installed on the wingtips of the helicopter. Then the last module called AIM-9/ICM (tier III) allows for the installation of a maximum of four AIM-92 stinger missiles, which two are mounted on each wing tip, 30 F-Flares & IRCM module.

Usage in battles

Overview:

The AH-64D is very similar to the AH-64A Apache. The differences are the lack of an option to carry AIM-9L missiles, the new Longbow radar, improved Hellfires, and an improved ECM package. The Apache is an excellent helicopter for attacking ground targets, and can also hold its own against many enemy aircraft. Through adequate use of cover, teamwork, and game sense, the Apache can easily dismantle enemy teams. An Apache pilot must understand all of the tools at their disposal.

The Apache has an arsenal of weapons. The most effective anti-tank weapon in the Apache's arsenal is the AGM-114 Hellfire, which uses a top attack trajectory to destroy ground vehicles. There is functionally very little difference between the AGM-114B and K variants, used on early and late Apaches respectively.

Staying Alive:

Flying the Apache effectively can be more difficult than most players would imagine, processing information from optical sights, radar displays, and the radar warning receiver all at once can lead to information overload. If distracted by irrelevant information, a pilot can quickly lose situational awareness. Being successful in the Apache requires situational awareness above all else. Due to the fragility of the helicopter, any blindspot can lead to a quick and sudden death. Additionally, the mobility of the Apache is adequate but not impressive, so evasive manoeuvres are not always effective.

Using cover is a very important part of staying alive in the Apache. Always stay behind a hill or building in ground battles. When exposing yourself in order to fire on the enemy, be mindful to not gain too much altitude. Most importantly, Always listen to your RWR and MAW. If you hear an alarm, take evasive action immediately.

The biggest improvement of the later Apache variants is the ability to mount the Longbow radar system. This system, if used properly, will help maintain situational awareness.

Additionally, it is important to know when to use flares. Flares are extremely effective against heat-seeking missiles, but useless against any other missiles. It is the responsibility of the Apache pilot to recognize the threat and decide whether to use flares or not. For Apaches with MAW (missile alert warning), there is an option for flares to be dispensed automatically.

Using the Longbow Radar:

The radar of the Apache should be used as a secondary tool when engaging ground targets. As of update 1.99.1.45, the radar is not effective in obtaining target lock for ground vehicles. The AGM-114L radar guided Hellfire is not in the game, so guidance of Hellfires should be done by using the FLIR thermal imaging camera to lase targets. However, the radar is still useful in detecting enemy aircraft. By using the multi-function menu to switch radar mode, the radar will begin to search for air rather than ground targets. Keeping track of enemy aircraft is vital to survival in the Apache, as any plane can make quick work of the Apache if the helicopter is unprepared.

Air-to-Air (Stinger and Gun):

The Apache is surprisingly potent in air-to-air combat. Engagements should be conducted primarily through the use of the Stinger missile. The Stinger is a simple but effective air-to-air missile. It has an excellent seeker head and can obtain all aspect lock on almost any air target within 3-5 km (even propeller aircraft with a low heat signature). However, the Stinger can be easily fooled by flares or outmanoeuvred by a fast enemy aircraft. The best way to use the Stinger against enemy aircraft is when they are heading directly towards you. If fired at the right second, most enemies will struggle to dodge a Stinger.

If the enemy gets close, the 30 mm autocannon can be extremely effective. The gun will automatically aim with optical lock, so Apache pilots can aim accurately while taking evasive manoeuvres.

Close Range Air-to-Ground (Gun and Rockets):

At close range, the Apache has excellent offensive capability. The 30 mm autocannon is incredibly accurate even at surprisingly far distances. This cannon uses a High Explosive Dual Purpose round that can engage lightly armoured targets. Rocket pods can also be used, with the CCIP computer helping maintain accuracy even at further distances. Be careful when trying to use the Hellfire missile at close range. It can do a direct attack at closer ranges (rather than its usual top attack) but if fired at an odd angle, it may not have time to manoeuvre onto the target if fired at closer ranges.

The problem with trying to engage at close range is that doing so will put the Apache in huge amounts of danger. Enemy tanks will be able to quickly destroy the Apache with their main guns or anti-aircraft machine guns.

Long Range Air-to-Ground (Hellfire):

At longer ranges, the Hellfire missile can be used to full effect. The Hellfire will guide on its target as shown in the attached diagram. This is known as top attack. Being that it takes this path to the enemy target, the Hellfire can take upward of 30 seconds to reach its target at longer ranges. Do not fire at enemies that are about to move to cover, and make sure to fire multiple missiles at once in order to deal maximum damage. Because the Hellfire is laser guided, multiple missiles can be fired at once. They should be fired at intervals of 5-10 seconds, where between missiles the Apache can switch to a new ground target. This will allow for the quick destruction of multiple enemies. This tactic can be incredibly effective. Although the time to target for the most recently fired Hellfire is available on the HUD, pilots will have to keep track of all the missiles they have fired by memory and quick calculations.

Combatting enemy anti-aircraft vehicles can be a challenge. Always remain in cover and move unpredictably in combat. Use the radar warning receiver to obtain the general direction of enemy AA, and then attack with a Hellfire. An effective strategy is to fire a Hellfire, break optical lock to gain cover and avoid counterfire, and then pop back up and get lock again several seconds before the Hellfire hits. This strategy if applied correctly will result in a hit, as the Hellfire is smart enough to begin following the laser designator again once the Apache re-obtains its lock.

Modules

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Excellent ground attack armaments like the unique Hellfire missile and accurate 30 mm cannon
• Adequate air-to-air capability with the Stinger missile and radar
• Adequate speed and manoeuvrability
• Advanced countermeasure system with Radar Warning Receiver and Missile Alert Warning
• Longbow radar

Cons:

• Hellfire missiles have a long time to target
• Easily destroyed by Ka-50 & Ka-52 and enemy airplanes
• Does not have 'Fire and Forget' Hellfire missiles

History

The AH-64D Apache Longbow is an improved version of the AH-64A Apache. The AH-64B was not a production designation but instead was a proposed designation, and the AH-64C was later redesignated to the AH-64D because of their similarity. As such, the AH-64D was the second US Army production Apache variant.

The US Army began to draft plans to upgrade the existing AH-64A Apache fleet in the late 1980's. The upgrade centered around the Northrop Grumman APG-78 Longbow milimetric-wavelength fire-control radar. McDonnell Douglas converted four AH-64As in 1992 as a proof of concept. After this, production of the AH-64D, the designation for the upgraded AH-64As, began. The Longbow radar is mast-mounted, and it allows the usage of AGM-114L Hellfire 2 anti-tank guided missiles. Previous Hellfire variants required a continuous line-of-sight for the laser designator, while the Hellfire 2 has fire-and-forget capability. The APG-78 Longbow radar can also detect, classify, and prioritize twelve targets at once. It can 'see' through fog and smoke, which can prevent the operation of infra-red or TV systems.

Additionally, the AH-64D features improved electronics and avionics. The landing gear fairings are extended forward in order to accommodate more equipment, and the forward avionics bay has been expanded to incorporate more equipment as well. In 1999, the US Army ordered 530 AH-64A Apaches to be upgraded to the AH-64D variant. The AH-64D entered service in 1995. The AH-64D is in service with the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, and the Netherlands.

Media

See also

• AH-64A Apache - An earlier version of the Apache, found in the American tech tree.
• AH Mk.1 - A British version of the Apache at the same rank.
• EC-665 Tiger UHT - A German attack helicopter at the same rank.
• EC-665 Tiger HAD - A French attack helicopter at the same rank.
• Mi-28N and Ka-52 - Russian attack helicopters at the same rank.

External links

• https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/aviation_apache-ah-64e/ - AH-64 on the US Army website.
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_AH-64_Apache#AH-64D - AH-64D on Wikipedia.
• http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/boeing_ah64d_longbow.htm - AH-64D on Military Today.
• https://www.army-technology.com/projects/apache/ - AH-64 on Army Technology.

• 2General info
• 3Armaments
• 4Usage in battles

Description

The AH-64A Peten is a premium gift rank VI American attack helicopter with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.97 'Viking Fury'.

General info

Flight performance

The AH-64A Peten is one of the fastest helicopters in the game as it has a very powerful engine, which also gives the Peten a good climb rate. Manoeuvrability at high speed is excellent.

Survivability and armour

The Peten is a very tough helicopter, and can usually take a couple of hits from air-to-air missiles and small-calibre cannon rounds and still fly. The crew is very well protected, so getting pilot-sniped is a rare occurrence. The engines can also usually take a hit or two without exploding like other engines.

Armaments

Offensive armament

The AH-64A Peten (USA) is armed with:

• 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon, chin turret (1,200 rpg)

The Peten has the same 30 mm cannon as the other Apaches in the game currently, and only has one belt choice. The belt carries only HEDP rounds, and can penetrate up to 51 mm of armour. The gun is fast firing, but relatively inaccurate, so shooting in close range is the best way to hit your target. If you don't mind the inaccuracy of the gun, it is a very good weapon all around. It can be locked in gunner and 3rd person view and will automatically track the target.

Suspended armament

The AH-64A Peten (USA) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

• 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
• 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
• 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
• 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
• 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
• 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles

The Peten can carry up to 16 Hellfire ATGMs with over 1,000 mm of pen, 76 Hydra rockets with over 200 mm of pen, or 4 Stinger AAMs. The weapons are carried on the stub wings and can be carried in several different variations. The Hellfires are excellent missiles, although since the player must keep 'painting' a laser beam on the target, misses can occur if the target lock slips. The Hydra rockets are generally very effective, especially when used with the ballistic computer. 76 rockets is enough for 3-5 tanks if they are used by an experienced player. However, the Stinger AAMs are not the best in the game by any stretch, with relatively little explosive mass and only a 10G overload. They may take 2-3 hits to damage aircraft, and heavily armoured helicopters such as the Mi-28 may survive multiple hits.

War Thunder - Apache Packard

Usage in battles

Overview:

The AH-64A Peten is an excellent helicopter for attacking ground targets, and can also hold its own against many enemy aircraft. Through adequate use of cover, teamwork, and game sense, the Apache can easily dismantle enemy teams. An Apache pilot must understand all of the tools at their disposal. The only difference between the Peten and the tech tree AH-64A is that the Peten lacks access to the AIM-9L Sidewinders as an ordnance option.

The Apache has an arsenal of weapons. The most effective anti-tank weapon in the Apache's arsenal is the AGM-114 Hellfire, which uses a top attack trajectory to destroy ground vehicles. There is functionally very little difference between the AGM-114B and K variants, used on early and late Apaches respectively.

Staying Alive:

Flying the Apache effectively can be more difficult than most players would imagine. Trying to deal with threats from enemy air and ground vehicles while continuing to attack the enemy team can be difficult. If distracted, a pilot can quickly lose situational awareness. Being successful in the Apache requires situational awareness above all else. Due to the fragility of the helicopter, any blindspot can lead to a quick and sudden death. Additionally, the mobility of the Apache is adequate but not impressive, so evasive manoeuvres are not always effective.

Using cover is a very important part of staying alive in the Apache. Always stay behind a hill or building in ground battles. When exposing yourself in order to fire on the enemy, be mindful to not gain too much altitude. Most importantly, Always listen to your RWR. If you hear an alarm, take evasive action immediately.

War Thunder - Apache Packet

Additionally, it is important to know when to use flares. Flares are extremely effective against heat-seeking missiles, but useless against any other missiles. It is the responsibility of the Apache pilot to recognize the threat and decide whether to use flares or not.

Air-to-Air (Stinger and Gun):

The Apache is surprisingly potent in air-to-air combat. Engagements should be conducted primarily through the use of the AIM-92 Stinger missiles. The Stinger is a simple but effective air-to-air missile. It has an excellent seeker head and can obtain all aspect lock on almost any air target within 3-5 km (even propeller aircraft with a low heat signature). However, the Stinger can be easily fooled by flares or outmanoeuvred by a fast enemy aircraft. The best way to use the Stinger against enemy aircraft is when they are heading directly towards you. If fired at the right second, most enemies will struggle to dodge a Stinger.

If the enemy gets close, the 30 mm autocannon can be extremely effective. The gun will automatically aim with optical lock, so Apache pilots can aim accurately while taking evasive manoeuvres.

Close Range Air-to-Ground (Gun and Rockets):

At close range, the Apache has excellent offensive capability. The 30 mm autocannon is incredibly accurate even at surprisingly far distances. This cannon uses a High Explosive Dual Purpose round that can engage lightly armoured targets. Rocket pods can also be used, with the CCIP computer helping maintain accuracy even at further distances. Be careful when trying to use the Hellfire missile at close range. It can do a direct attack at closer ranges (rather than its usual top attack) but if fired at an odd angle, it may not have time to manoeuvre onto the target if fired at closer ranges.

The problem with trying to engage at close range is that doing so will put the Apache in huge amounts of danger. Enemy tanks will be able to quickly destroy the Apache with their main guns or anti-aircraft machine guns.

Long Range Air-to-Ground (Hellfire):

At longer ranges, the Hellfire missile can be used to full effect. The Hellfire will guide on its target as shown in the attached diagram. This is known as top attack. Being that it takes this path to the enemy target, the Hellfire can take upward of 30 seconds to reach its target at longer ranges. Do not fire at enemies that are about to move to cover, and make sure to fire multiple missiles at once in order to deal maximum damage. Because the Hellfire is laser guided, multiple missiles can be fired at once. They should be fired at intervals of 5-10 seconds, where between missiles the Apache can switch to a new ground target. This will allow for the quick destruction of multiple enemies. This tactic can be incredibly effective. Although the time to target for the most recently fired Hellfire is available on the HUD, pilots will have to keep track of all the missiles they have fired by memory and quick calculations.

Combatting enemy anti-aircraft vehicles can be a challenge. Always remain in cover and move unpredictably in combat. Use the radar warning receiver to obtain the general direction of enemy AA, and then attack with a Hellfire. An effective strategy is to fire a Hellfire, break optical lock to gain cover and avoid counterfire, and then pop back up and get lock again several seconds before the Hellfire hits. This strategy if applied correctly will result in a hit, as the Hellfire is smart enough to begin following the laser designator again once the Apache re-obtains its lock.

Modules

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Activation of 3rd person lock by changing MFD on the pilot's view
• Very high top speed, if you stay low or high you are always the most manoeuvrable
• Amazing 30 mm cannon, can easily take out most tanks, and when locked can take out jets and helicopters too
• Excellent secondary armament
• Can carry up to 16 Hellfires and still carry AAMs
• Can use ballistic computer to dramatically increase the effectiveness of Hydra rockets
• Can lock targets for 30 mm cannon to automatically track
• Excellent thermals
• Well armoured for a helicopter, can take 2-3 critical hits to take it down, may survive hits from SAM's.

Cons:

• Stinger air to air missiles don't have a reliable lock, and not enough explosive mass to do any real damage
• Hellfires rarely hit other helicopters, and are difficult to guide to air targets anyway
• Does not have as many armament options as non-premium AH-64s
• 30 mm cannon only can access default belt
• 30 mm cannon is relatively inaccurate
• AAMs cannot reliably take down armoured helicopters

History

Israeli involvement in the Apache programs goes back to June 1983, when a prototype for the AH-64A Apache was sent to Israel for flight testing (by Israeli pilots) and testing of the aircraft in desert conditions. The testing directly resulted in a recommendation by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) for purchase of the Apache in order to increase the IAF’s anti-tank capabilities.

Israel became the first nation to have received the AH-64A Apache - other than the US - on 11 September 1990, when the first helicopter arrived. The first nation on the list for export had been Kuwait, but when Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990 the order was delayed. The first two helicopters were assembled in eleven hours - half the time that McDonnell Douglas recommended - and they arrived a day before the planned welcoming ceremony. By 2000, the IAF was operating 42 AH-64As. The AH-64A in Israeli service is known as the AH-64A Peten, which translates to ‘Cobra’.

The AH-64A was put into service, and its first combat action occurred on 24 October 1990, with an attack on suspected terrorist positions. AH-64A Petens were used heavily during the 1993 Operation Accountability in Lebanon. They also participated in the 1996 Operation Grapes of Wrath against Hezbollah in Lebanon. On 13 April 1996, AH-64s killed six civilians when they fired two Hellfire missiles at an ambulance. Israeli AH-64s were used to kill senior figures in Hamas during the al-Aqsa Intifada in the 2000’s. During the 2006 Lebanon War, IAF Apaches were used again to launch strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Apache saw heavy combat during the 2008 Operation Cast Lead, fighting against Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Apaches have been used to patrol the skies of Gaza, and often carried out strikes there against insurgents.

The IAF AH-64A began to be upgraded to the AH-64Ai standard in 2013, comparable to the AH-64D - which has also been used by the IAF since 2005. The IAF currently operates over 40 AH-64 helicopters in two squadrons.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the helicopter;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• topic on the official game forum;
• encyclopedia page on the helicopter;
• other literature.