The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. Originally, the Apache started life as the Model 77 developed by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army’s Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the AH-1 Cobra, and was first flown on 30 September 1975. The AH-64 was introduced to U.S. Army service in April 1986.
The AH-64 Apache features a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. It is armed with a 30-millimeter (1.2 in) M230 Chain Gun carried between the main landing gear, under the aircraft’s forward fuselage. It has four hardpoints mounted on stub-wing pylons, typically carrying a mixture of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. The AH-64 has a large amount of systems redundancy to improve combat survivability.
- Detailed 1/72nd scale for static display only.
- Markings included for one aircraft. 98 parts in olive green and clear with delicate recessed panel lines.
- Accurately reproduced rotor head and 4-blade rotor system.
- Detailed tail rotor, landing gear, chain gun, and realistic PVC tires.
- Cockpit detail: one piece tub with side consoles, seats, instrument panels with raised detail.
- A full complement of Hellfire missiles. Service History: U.S. Army; from 1983 to the present. Description: Two seats, attack helicopter.
MARKING OPTIONS:
- A single sheet of decals which contains national insignia, unit markings, and stencils.
- Aircraft is from an unidentified unit of the Israeli armed forces. Overall: Olive Drab.
The 1:72 Apache AH-64A from Academy is a very nice subject for a weekend build. It also makes a nice gift to the beginner modeler. The parts count is not really high, the level of detail is great and at $10.99 (USD), you can’t complaint.
For the more advanced modeler with the super detail and aftermarket syndrome, I have seen gems made with this kit as a base. The parts a very clean free of flash and notable mold lines to clean off. Enjoy the pictures!
