AH-64E Apache Guardian
Attack helicopterFielded 2012Pending verification
Air ForcesUSA
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeAttack helicopter
Date of introduction2012
ProliferationAt least 16 countries
Dimensions and weight
Flight performance
Protection
Armament and payload
Armament1 x McDonnell Douglas Helicopter's M230 30-mm chain gun; Rockwell AGM-114 Hellfire laser-guided anti-tank missiles; Hydra 70 2.75-in (70-mm) rocket podsMed[1]
Fire control
Direct Fire ControlM-Turret - Azimuth and elevation motor housing that interfaces with the aircraft and houses the M-TADS/PNVS sensorsMed[1]
Laser Designator1 x Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) with Laser Spot Tracker and Laser Range Finder / DesignatorMed[1]
Target Acquisition SystemModernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight / Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS)Med[1]
Sensors noteIt performs wide area search, precise detection, location and classification of up to 256 simultaneous moving and stationary targets.Med[1]
Variants
AH-64AThe AH-64A is the original production attack helicopter. The crew sits in tandem in an armored compartment. It is powered by two GE T700 turboshaft engines.[1]
AH-64BIn 1991, after Operation Desert Storm, the AH-64B was a proposed upgrade to 254 AH-64As. The upgrade would have included new rotor blades, a Global Positioning System (GPS), improved navigation systems and new radios. U.S.[1]
AH-64CAdditional funding from Congress in late 1991 resulted in a program to upgrade AH-64As to an AH-64B+ version. More funding changed the plan to upgrade to AH-64C.[1]
AH-64DThe AH-64D Apache Longbow is equipped with a glass cockpit and advanced sensors, the most noticeable of which being the AN/APG-78 Longbow millimeter-wave fire-control radar (FCR) target acquisition system and the Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), housed…[1]
AH-64EFormerly known as AH-64D Block III, in 2012, it was re-designated as AH-64E Guardian to represent its increased capabilities. The AH-64E features improved digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D…[1]
AH-64FIn 2014, Boeing conceptualized an Apache upgrade prior to the introduction of the U.S. Army's anticipated attack version of the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft, forecast to replace the Apache by 2040.[1]
Compound ApacheIn October 2018, Boeing began testing the AH-64E Block 2 Compound, a compound helicopter design which added a larger fixed wing and a pusher propeller to the Apache airframe to provide additional lift and thrust, respectively.[1]
Sea ApacheDuring the 1980s naval versions of the AH-64A for the United States Marine Corps and Navy were examined. Multiple concepts were studied with altered landing gear arrangements, improved avionics and weapons.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
1 x McDonnell Douglas Helicopter's M230 30-mm chain gunChain Gun
Med[1]- Range
- 4 km2 mi · 2 nmi
- Type
- Chain Gun
- Caliber
- 30 mm
- Rate of fire
- 625 +/- 25 rpm
Rockwell AGM-114 Hellfire laser-guided anti-tank missilesAir-to-surface and surface-to-surface missile
Med[1]- Type
- Air-to-surface and surface-to-surface missile
- Length
- 1.6 m
Hydra 70 2.75-in (70-mm) rocket podsair-to-ground
Med[1]- Range
- 10.5 km7 mi · 6 nmi
- Type
- air-to-ground
- Guidance
- Unguided
- Speed
- 739 m/s
The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the AH-64, used by the US Army. It is also known as Apache Guardian.
Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
- AH-64E Apache Guardian American Attack Helicopter, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
- 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
- 2026-10-10 Added photo (Public domain)