AH-64 Apache (Wallpaper 2) aircraft photo gallery | AirSkyBuster

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AH-64 Apache (wallpaper 2). AH-64 Apache aircraft images wallpaper gallery 2. AH-64 Apache aircraft pictures collection 2. In 1981, three pre-production AH-64As were handed over to the US Army for Operational Test II. The Army testing was successful, but afterward it was decided to upgrade to the more powerful T700-GE-701 version of engine, rated at 1,690 shp (1,259 kW). The AH-64 was named the Apache in late 1981, keeping with the Army's traditional use of American Indian tribal names for its helicopters and it was approved for full scale production in 1982. In 1983, the first production helicopter was rolled out at Hughes Helicopter's facility at Mesa, Arizona. Hughes Helicopters was purchased by McDonnell Douglas for $470 million in 1984. The helicopter unit later became part of The Boeing Company with the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in August 1997. In 1986, the incremental or flyaway cost for the AH-64A was US$7.03 million and the average unit cost was approximately US$13.9 million based on total costs. AH-64 Apache (wallpaper 2). AH-64 Apache aircraft images wallpaper gallery 2. AH-64 Apache aircraft pictures collection 2. In the mid-1980s, McDonnell Douglas studied an improved "AH-64B" design with an updated cockpit, new fire control system and other upgrades. In 1988 funding was approved for a multi-stage upgrade program to improve sensor and weapon avionic systems and incorporate some digital systems. However, improved technology was becoming available. It was decided to cancel the upgrade program for more ambitious changes. This would lead to the more advanced AH-64D Apache Longbow. Development of the AH-64D was approved by the Defense Acquisition Board in August 1990. The first AH-64D Apache Longbow prototype was flown on 15 April 1992, and testing of the prototypes ended in April 1995 after they had significantly outperformed the AH-64A model. On 13 October 1995 full-scale production of the Apache Longbow was approved and a $1.9 billion five year contract was signed in August 1996 to upgrade and rebuild 232 existing AH-64 Apaches. The first production AH-64D flew on 17 March 1997 and was delivered on 31 March 1997. The cost of the AH-64D program totaled US$11 billion through 2007. AH-64 Apache (wallpaper 2). AH-64 Apache aircraft images wallpaper gallery 2. AH-64 Apache aircraft pictures collection 2.