Hobby Master HH1210 | AH-64E Apache Guardian ZV-4808, 125 Helicopter Squadron "Gladiators", Indian Air Force, 2020

The AH-64E Apache Guardian was originally designated AH-64D Block III in 2012 but because of its advanced capabilities compared to previous variants it was renamed. Everything about the AH- 64E is bigger and better or improved when compared to earlier variants. A large number of improvements are meant to protect the crew from guns up to 27 mm rounds as well as crash resistant seats. Equipped with new sensors, avionics and night operation capabilities the AH-64E also has the ability to control UAVs.

The first Indian Air Force Attack Helicopter Squadron was commissioned on November1, 1983 and named the 125th Helicopter Squadron “Gladiators”. The 125th HS is stationed at Pathankot AFS and equipped with the Apache AH-64E replacing their Mi-35. India had ordered 22 Apaches with the last one arriving in June 2020. In February 2020 they ordered 6 AH-64Es for the Army to be delivered by 2023. There are 2 squadrons of AH-64Es, one at Pathankot and the other at Jorhat AB with both locations receiving 10 AH-64Es and 2 helicopters in reserve.

General Specifications For AH-64E Apache Guardian

Crew – 2 X Pilot On Raised Rear Seat, Co-Pilot/Gunner In Front Seat
Dimensions
Length – 58 ft (17.7 m) Main Rotor Diameter – 48 ft (14.6 m) Height – 16.2 ft (4.95 m) Weight Empty – 10,340 lb (5.17 t) Maximum Takeoff Weight - 20,860 lb (10.43 t) Performance
Powerplant – 2 X General Electric T700-GE-701D Turboshafts Horse Power – 1,994 shp Each
Speed
Maximum – 186 mph (300 km/h) Cruise – 171 mph (275 km/h) Service Ceiling – 21,000 ft (6,400 m) Range – 295 mi (476 km)
Armament
1 X 30 mm Cannon W/1,200 Rounds Missiles 4 X Hardpoints Mounted On Stub-Wing Pylons 16 X AGM-114L Hellfire-2 Anti-Tank 4 X AIM-92 Stinger OR 4 X Mistral OR 2 X AIM-9 Sidewinder Air-To-Air 2 X AGM-122 Sidearm Anti-Radiation Rockets 19-Shot Pods With Hydra 70 Unguided Rockets