United States (US) based aerospace company Boeing has started the production of Apache helicopters for the Indian Army at its Mesa facility in Arizona.
Previously, in 2020 the Indian Army has placed an order of six AH64E Apache attack helicopters for more than Rs 4,100 crore.
The delivery of Apache Helicopters to the Indian Army is scheduled for 2024.
Worth mentioning that the helicopter is armed with fire-and-forget Hellfire missiles, and can track up to 128 targets a minute and prioritise threats.
The missiles equip the gunships with heavy anti-armour capabilities.
Earlier this year, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited delivered the army’s first AH-64 Apache fuselage from its advanced facility in Hyderabad.
Also, to be noted that India placed orders worth $ 3.1 billion for 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2015.
As of now the IAF has inducted all the Boeing-manufactured helicopters, and both platforms have operated extensively in Ladakh during the ongoing military standoff with China.
About AH-64E Apache Helicopters
The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
Further, it is used by the U.S. Army and a growing number of international defence forces, including India.
Rather India is the 16th nation to select the Apache.
The AH-64E is an advanced multi-mission helicopter with the latest technology insertions, maintaining its standing as the world’s best attack helicopter.
Also, it is the only available combat helicopter with a spectrum of capabilities for virtually any mission requirement, including greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.
Notably, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL), was established in 2016 to manufacture fuselages for the AH-64 Apache.
TBAL’s 14,000 sq.m. Hyderabad facility has been delivering AH-64 Apache fuselages since 2018.
The advanced manufacturing facility will eventually become the sole producer of AH-64 fuselages in the world, with 90% of parts sourced from Indian suppliers.
AH-64E Apache Technical Specifications
| Standard Crew | 2 |
| Length | 48.16 ft. (14.68 m) |
| Height | 15.49 ft. (4.72 m) |
| Rotor Diameter | 48 ft. (14.63 m) |
| Primary Mission Gross Weight | 15,075 lb. (6,838 kg) |
| Maximum Operating Weight | 23,000 lb. (10,432 kg) |
| Maximum Rate of Climb | 2,800+ ft. (853+ m) per minute |
| Maximum Level Flight Speed | 150+ knots (279+ kph) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft. (6,096 m) |
| Ordnance | 16 HELLFIRE missiles; 76 2.75-inch rockets and 1,200 30 mm chain gun rounds |
| Rate of Fire | 600-650 rounds per minute |
News Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/
