The Apache attack helicopter, manufactured by Boeing, is a four-blade, twin-engine aircraft with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a two-men crew.
The helicopter has a maximum cruise speed of 284 kilometers per hour and is equipped with laser, infrared, and other systems to locate, track and attack targets. It typically carries a mixture of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds.
The Apache helicopter first entered service with the US Army in 1984. It has been exported to countries including Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Apache was first used in combat in 1989 during a US military action in Panama. It was also used in Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War.
Taiwan ordered a total of 30 Apache helicopters, which will be delivered in several batches. The first batch arrived in early November. The model Taiwan ordered is AH-64E, the latest in Apache attack helicopter series. It is equipped with AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar and good for both land and sea-based operations.
Taiwan will be the first country other than the United States to deploy this type of attack helicopter. The defense ministry has said that the Apache helicopters will greatly improve the military’s mobility and firepower.