Academy 12514 1/72 US Army Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Block II Early Version

This is a plastic model kit, which comes unassembled and unpainted. So glue, model paints and other basic modelling tools are additionally required.

The US Army initiated the Advanced Attack Helicopter program in 1972 after cancellation of the previous replacement for AH-1 Cobra, the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne. The Hughes YAH-64 was selected for production out of that competition and the Apache has served since 1986. In order to increase the Apache's lethality and survivability, an upgrade program was developed to integrate the APG-78 Longbow millimetre-wave radar on the aircraft to allow the Apache to engage multiple targets with the radar-guided Hellfire missile without breaking cover.

Despite its advanced capabilities, the Longbow Apache was not able to employ its lethality until it could be equipped with the combat identification system that would prevent it from inadvertently engaging friendly forces. With the introduction of the Block II upgrades, the AH-64D was equipped with the needed tools for integrated battlefield operations. AH-64D Block III (redesignated as AH-64E) added more powerful engines, new rotor blades, the JTIDS datalink, and other upgrades to keep this aircraft highly effective into the future.

Model Features:
- Nice cockpits
- Multi-Function Displays (MFD) in front and rear cockpits
- Asymmetrical extended forward avionics bays (EFAB)
- Choice of rear bay access doors for early/late production airframes
- Choice of early/late production TADS/PNVS sensors on nose
- One-piece main rotor w/blades
- 8 x AGM-114 Hellfires on two quad-rail launchers
- 2 x Hydra 70 rocket pods

Markings for aircraft:
- AH-64D, 07-7029, A-4-2 Attack Helicopter Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, 2010
- AH-64D, 07-7031, C-4-2 Attack Helicopter Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, 2010
- AH-64D, 99-5118, C-1-3 Attack Helicopter Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Iraq, 2003
- AH-64D, 99-5102, B-1-3 Attack Helicopter Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Iraq, 2003
- AH-64D, 02-5289, A-1-227 Attack Helicopter Battalion, Iraq, 2003
- AH-64D, 01-5241, C-1-4 Attack Helicopter Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Iraq, 2003