The US Army's fleet of AH-64 Apache attack helicopters has reached the milestone of 5 million flight hours. The model, manufactured by Boeing, has been in operation since 1986 and has been successful in a series of military operations around the world.
According to Boeing, the mark is equivalent to flying nonstop for more than 208.333 days or 570 years and nine months. Additionally, 1,3 million of those five million flight hours were flown during combat.
“With more than five million flight hours, the Apache remains reliable, versatile and lethal”, said Katie Yursky, interim vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and senior executive at the Mesa facility, where the helicopter is manufactured. “Congratulations to the US Army and its Apache airmen for achieving this incredible milestone. Every hour counts and we look forward to ing our Soldiers on their next milestone and beyond.”
Since 1984, when the first AH-64 took flight, the US Army operated Model A, D, and E Apaches. The US Army currently operates Model D Apaches, in addition to the AH-64E Apache Guardian.
“It is a great privilege and honor to be part of the Apache program”, said Colonel John (Jay) Maher, manager of the US Army's Apache project. “The five million flight hour milestone is a testament to the Apache's reliability and availability in some of the world's most demanding conditions. ing the soldiers who fly and maintain the Apache is a priority.”
Boeing is upgrading the Model E to version 6.5, which will include updated software and integrating the Army's new improved turbine engine. In addition, the company announced the Apache Modernized in October 2022, a Boeing concept in line with future U.S. Army modernization efforts, keeping the AH-64 a relevant, multi-domain lethal combat multiplier for U.S. warfighters and international customers.
Built by Boeing in Mesa, Arizona, the AH-64 is the attack aircraft of choice for 19 defense forces worldwide, with additional international interest. In September 2022, the Poland announced the selection of the AH-64E Apache from Boeing for the new fleet of attack helicopters of the Polish Armed Forces.
