Hughes AH-64 Apache: Books - History and Deployment

Howard's Whirlybirds : Howard Hughes' Amazing Pioneering Helicopter Exploits

Howard Hughes, the movie mogul, aviation pioneer and political hound dog, has always fascinated the public with his mixture of secrecy, dashing lifestyle and reclusiveness. Companies responsible for major technological leaps often become household names.
An exception is Howard Hughes's pioneering helicopter company, Hughes Helicopters, a name that has fallen into oblivion. Yet most schoolboys in the world have heard of the company's prize-winning product: the Apache helicopter.

Hughes popularised the light helicopter trainer, mass-produced the first turbinepowered light observation helicopter, led the way in hot cycle rotorcraft propulsion research and, finally, developed the world's most advanced attack helicopter that was purchased and saw service with the UK.
Here's how some of the world's most innovative helicopters were developed. Covering the period from the Second World War until the mid- 1980s, you will learn why Hughes military aircraft contracts came under close scrutiny by the US government.

The story is rich with tales of technological breakthrough and test-flying bravado made possible by a small crew of engineers and daring pilots.

Written by a technical expert and insider to the industry, "Howard's Whirlybirds: Howard Hughes' Amazing Pioneering Helicopter Exploits" is a fascinating and alternative view on the phenomenal pioneer with unpublished photographs and material that will fascinate the aviation and military historian as well as the casual reader and cinema buff.

Donald J. Porter is an established aviation writer previously writing for Tab Books and McGraw Hill. He was previously a technical manager at Hughes Helicopters on the OH-6A and Apache programs during the firm's heyday.

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AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter (Pilot's Flight Operation Instructions)

Developed and deployed in a short time due to the pressure of the Vietnam War, Bell's AH-1 Cobra performed well; but Army planners believed a better attack helicopter would be needed in the next war. In 1976, Hughes Helicopter's YAH-64A prototype bested the Cobra in firepower, performance and range, and won the competition to replace it.
It would be 1982 before production commenced, but eventually over 1100 would be produced including the advanced AH-64D Apache Longbow. Dubbed the Apache, the AH-64 is a four- blade, twin-engine, tandem-cockpit design with tailwheel landing gear.
The AH-64 features double and triple-rendundant systems that ensure maximum survivability in combat, and an awesome array of weapons that can include Hellfire missiles and a 30mm M230 Chain Gun that can be slaved to the pilot's head movements via a helmet mounted display (IHADSS).

The Apache first saw combat during the invasion of Panama in 1989, and conducted the first attack of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying into Iraq to destroy enemy radar systems. AH-64s are credited with destroying over 500 tanks during that conflict.
They continued their service in Bosnia and Kosovo, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The AH-64 is now also deployed by the United Kingdom, Israel, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Japan and other air forces worldwide.

Created by the Army for the AH-64A version of the Apache, this unclassified pilot's flight manual runs over 600 pages, and contains chapters about aircraft systems and procedures. It is reprinted here in its entirety.

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AH-64 Apache Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) 1975-2005 (Osprey)

The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas, formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache is the US Army's primary attack helicopter, and the most advanced helicopter gunship flying today. The most expensive rotary-winged aircraft ever built when it was introduced in the early 1980s, it has since proved its worth on battlefields all over the world, seeing action in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and the recent conflict in Iraq.

This book examines the design, development and deployment of a quick-reacting, airborne weapons system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces.

Contents: Introduction - Design and development of the AH-64 - Variants and users - Weapons and tactics - Operational history - Bibliography - Color plate commentary - Index.

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The Apache in European Service

The Apache helicopter is a revolutionary development in the history of war, designed to hunt, take out and destroy up to 256 targets in less than five minutes. Highly manoeuvrable and heavily armed, the combat-proven Apache is the primary attack helicopter for many countries worldwide and is feared by many armed forces as well as terror groups in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

With its armour, sensors and heavy-duty weaponry, the Apache is a formidable opponent on the battlefield. It is a deadly combination of strength, agility and firepower. In The Apache in European Service, Darren Willmin explores the immense flying capabilities and the weaponry systems of the Apache that serves with the British, Greek and Royal Netherlands forces.

Willmin's superb photographs capture the fundamentals of the Apache both from the ground and in the air. This unique collection will appeal to everyone with an interest in this truly amazing helicopter.

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AH-64 Apache Units of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (Osprey)

After the attacks on 11 September 2001, Apache units made significant contributions to the Coalition campaign against Taliban and al-Qaeda forces in Afghanistan. Functioning as the 'killer' part of US Army Hunter-killer teams, Apaches sought out and brought overwhelming firepower to bear on Taliban and al-Qaeda forces, as well as providing direct support to Coalition troops on the ground.
Apaches spearheaded the advance of the 3rd Infantry and the 101st airborne divisions into Iraq, engaging in some of the heaviest fighting along the western axis of advance. Weather and enemy fire took a heavy toll on Apaches operating in Western Iraq, but the resilience and flexibility of the Apache was central to the success of this campaign.

Contents: Introduction - Deployment - Operation 'Anaconda' - Continuing Afghan operations - Iraq: deadlines and decapitation strikes - The drive northward - 3rd Infantry Division - Left Hook - the 101st Airborne Division - Baghdad - The ongoing mission - Bibliography - Appendices - Index.

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AH-64 Apache

The martial AH-64 Apache is a heavy attack helicopter that set new standards in this segment and is still one of the most powerful models today. Since its introduction in 1986, it has been used in every significant conflict involving the US and has always proven itself to be outstanding. Its crews value the high combat power, strong armor and good survivability of the machine under fire.

Christian Rastätter has excellent connections in US military circles and, with his insider knowledge, delivers the ultimate book on this impressive helicopter.

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