Hobby Master HH1215 | AH-64E Apache Guardian 73117, 1st Air Cavalry, US Army, 2018

General Background:

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 Helicopter:

The 1st Air Cavalry Division “First Team” is one of the US Army’s most decorated combat divisions. The unit was formed in 1921 and served in all major conflicts beginning with WWII. In 2017 the 1st Air Cavalry was subordinated with the III Armored Corps based at Fort Hood, Texas. Over the years the 1st AC has been a horseback cavalry division, an infantry division, an air assault division and an armored division making it one of the most unique U.S. military units.

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 Turboshaft 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