Is the Apache Attack Helicopter Really Obsolete?

Summary

The video explores the evolution of the attack helicopter concept, focusing on the AH-64 Apache. It highlights the helicopter's significance in military operations since the 1980s, its vulnerabilities in modern warfare, and new doctrines and technologies designed to keep it relevant. The Apache's origins, from early experiments in the Korean and Vietnam wars, are traced, leading to its current advanced capabilities. Despite concerns about its obsolescence, the video argues that the Apache remains a critical asset, especially in unpredictable environments like the Middle East and South China Sea.

Takeaways

• 🚁 The AH-64 Apache is the pinnacle of attack helicopter design, perfected over four decades with 2,700 built since the 1980s.
• ⚔️ Despite claims of obsolescence due to modern air defense systems, new tactics and technology keep attack helicopters relevant.
• 🇯🇵 Japan is phasing out attack helicopters in favor of drones, citing vulnerability in high-tech battle environments.
• 💥 The concept of attack helicopters started during the Korean War and evolved during the Vietnam War with the introduction of the UH-1 and AH-1 Cobra.
• 📚 Military doctrine, like the 1963 Howze Board study, shaped the role of attack helicopters by focusing on mobility and fire support in jungle warfare.
• 🌍 Attack helicopters are versatile, able to loiter over targets and perform agile maneuvers, making them effective in diverse environments like the Middle East and South China Sea.
• 🔫 The Apache is heavily armed, carrying a 30mm cannon and Hellfire missiles, making it highly effective against tanks and light-armored targets.
• 🌑 The Apache excels in night operations, with advanced sensors and thermal imaging that allow it to strike with precision even in poor visibility.
• 🛡️ Despite their firepower, attack helicopters remain vulnerable; 88 Russian helicopters were lost in Ukraine, but advancements in technology improve their survivability.
• 🎯 The AH-64E Apache, nicknamed 'The Guardian,' features upgrades like enhanced armor, drone control capabilities, and reduced infrared signatures, ensuring its continued relevance in modern warfare.

Q & A

What makes the AH-64 Apache considered the pinnacle of the attack helicopter concept?

The AH-64 Apache is regarded as the pinnacle of the attack helicopter concept due to its advanced avionics, powerful engines, precision-guided weaponry, and unmatched night-fighting capabilities. It has been perfected over four decades of use, and its combination of armor, firepower, and agility makes it a dominant force on the battlefield.

Why is there a growing argument that attack helicopters may be becoming obsolete?

Some argue that attack helicopters are becoming obsolete due to the development of advanced air defense systems with ranges exceeding 300 km. Additionally, the destruction of many Russian attack helicopters in Ukraine and the shift by countries like Japan towards unmanned drones instead of traditional helicopters has fueled this belief.

What were some of the first uses of helicopters in offensive actions?

The first documented use of helicopters in offensive actions occurred during the Korean War, where Marines fired their rifles from the back of an AH-19 transport helicopter. The French further advanced this concept by equipping helicopters with unguided rockets in 1956, laying the groundwork for modern attack helicopter development.

How did the Vietnam War influence the development of attack helicopter doctrine?

The Vietnam War was pivotal in shaping attack helicopter doctrine, especially through the creation of the Air Assault Division, which later became the First Cavalry Airmobile Division. The introduction of helicopters like the UH-1 for troop transport and close air support highlighted the need for a dedicated attack helicopter, leading to the development of the AH-1 Cobra.

What were some of the early vulnerabilities of attack helicopters?

During the Vietnam War, helicopters were vulnerable due to their relatively slow speeds and susceptibility to both mechanical failures and enemy fire. Roughly 300 AH-1 Cobras were destroyed in combat, and 4,800 helicopter pilots and crew members were killed in action. This highlighted the inherent risk associated with helicopter operations in hostile environments.

What is the primary advantage of attack helicopters over fixed-wing aircraft?

The main advantage of attack helicopters over fixed-wing aircraft is their ability to take off vertically, hover over targets, and perform more agile maneuvers. They do not require runways and can loiter in areas for prolonged periods, making them highly adaptable to close air support and reconnaissance missions.

Why was there controversy between the US Army and Air Force regarding attack helicopters?

The controversy stemmed from the Key West Agreement of 1948, which assigned specific roles to each military branch. The Air Force argued that weaponizing Army helicopters was redundant and that air support should be provided solely by them. The Army, on the other hand, believed that attack helicopters offered discriminatory firepower in close proximity to ground combat elements, which the Air Force couldn't provide as effectively.

How did the AH-64 Apache prove its effectiveness during Operation Desert Storm?

During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, AH-64 Apaches fired some of the first shots of the war by targeting and destroying Iraqi radar and air defense systems, allowing US Special Forces to infiltrate enemy lines. The Apaches demonstrated their durability, agility, and firepower by destroying over 500 enemy tanks and vehicles with minimal losses.

What modern technologies have been introduced to enhance the survivability of the AH-64E Apache?

The AH-64E Guardian variant includes several technological advancements such as more powerful engines, composite rotor blades capable of withstanding hits from 23mm autocannons, a thermal suppression manifold to reduce infrared signature, improved target acquisition systems, and the ability to control UAVs. These upgrades enhance the Apache's survivability against modern threats.

What impact did the Wikileaks 'Collateral Murder' video have on the Apache’s reputation?

The Wikileaks 'Collateral Murder' video, which showed Apache helicopters attacking Iraqi civilians, damaged the public perception of the Apache and the Iraq War. While the pilots involved were cleared of wrongdoing after an investigation, the leaked footage intensified criticism of the US military’s use of attack helicopters and further fueled debates about civilian casualties.