Experience the FIREPOWER of the AH-64 Apache!

Experience the FIREPOWER of the AH-64 Apache!
Quizzed ESL Activities

Introduction to the AH64 Apache Helicopter

The AH64 Apache is the US Army’s most powerful attack helicopter, and at Fort Rucker, the home of Army Aviation, aviators are trained to fly this lethal machine. The newest variant is the AH64 Echo Apache Guardian, which provides attack, reconnaissance, and security missions in support of the Ground Force Commander. The Apache is widely considered the best attack helicopter in history, known for being fierce, lethal, and deadly.

Key Features of the Apache Helicopter

The Apache’s iconic features include the M230 E1 30 mm chain gun, which can fire up to 625 rounds per minute at targets over 3,000 meters away. The gun is highly maneuverable, able to aim based on the pilot’s head movements and sights, with a range of motion of up to 86° left and right, 60° down, and 11° up. The helicopter is equipped with various weapons, including:

  • 2.75-inch Hydra 70 rockets
  • AGM 114 Hellfire missiles, which can be loaded with different types of warheads depending on the mission

The Hellfire missiles are the Apache’s primary weapon system, used for tank busting, and can be carried in quantities of up to 16. Missiles can be guided by different seekers, including laser or radar, depending on the mission.

Targeting System and Cockpit Setup

The Apache helicopter’s targeting system, known as TADS, allows it to engage targets even when not directly facing them. TADS, located on the nose of the aircraft, contains a forward-looking infrared camera that relays information to the pilot and gunner. The cockpit setup features a dual cockpit for a pilot and gunner, with the Gunner having the best view of the terrain, making it easier to identify enemy targets. The pilot’s station, slightly elevated in the back, gives a clear forward view optimized for flying.

Flight Controls and Systems

The Apache helicopter is controlled by a cyclic system, and some Apaches are equipped with a Fire Control Radar (FCR) that allows for tracking multiple targets at greater distances. The FCR enables the Apache to hide behind obstacles while targeting enemies, and can transmit target data to other Apaches. The helicopter’s rotor system is fully articulated, with a main rotor and tail rotor that counteracts torque. Helicopter altitude is controlled by changing the collective pitch of the blades, not the rotor speed, which remains constant at its optimal RPM.

Live Fire Demonstration

A live fire demonstration with an Apache helicopter was conducted, loading 30mm rounds and Hydra rockets. The demo started with the 30mm and Hydra rockets in a hovering position, and the crew then reconfigured for another round of firing, engaging targets using either the 30mm chain gun or rockets. The crew completed their target engagement with success, then transitioned to a live fire exercise involving diving gun runs with the Apache helicopter.

Low-Level Maneuvers and Conclusion

After the live fire exercise, the Apache helicopter performed low-level maneuvers, flying just a few feet off the tree line, showcasing its ridiculous maneuverability. The experience concluded with the Apache rejoining alongside a Blackhawk, and the crew announcing a final surprise, which involved the narrator exiting in an empty field and viewing the Apache flying overhead. The speaker had an incredible experience with aircraft, particularly with the AH64 Apache, and learned something new about its capabilities and features.

War Thunder Game

The video is sponsored by War Thunder, a free-to-play multiplayer military game that simulates battles with aviation, armored vehicles, and naval craft from the early 20th century to today. War Thunder features realistic graphics and sound, with detailed vehicle damage models and advanced targeting systems. The game is constantly updated with new content, including aircraft and tanks like the Abrams, Bradley, F-16, and F-14 Tom Cat. Players can download the game for free and access bonuses, with the game offering a range of playable vehicles, including the Apache helicopter.

Key Vocabulary

Term Definition Example Usage
AH64 Apache The US Army’s most powerful attack helicopter. The AH64 Apache is used for attack, reconnaissance, and security missions.
M230 E1 30 mm chain gun A highly maneuverable gun that can fire up to 625 rounds per minute. The M230 E1 30 mm chain gun is used for targeting enemies at distances over 3,000 meters.
Hydra 70 rockets 2.75-inch rockets used as a weapon system on the Apache helicopter. The Apache helicopter can carry Hydra 70 rockets for targeting enemies.
AGM 114 Hellfire missiles Missiles used for tank busting and other missions, guided by laser or radar seekers. The Apache helicopter can carry up to 16 AGM 114 Hellfire missiles for targeting tanks and other enemies.
TADS (Targeting System) A targeting system that allows the Apache to engage targets even when not directly facing them. The TADS system on the Apache helicopter enables it to target enemies from various angles.
Fire Control Radar (FCR) A system that enables the Apache to track multiple targets at greater distances and hide behind obstacles. The FCR system on the Apache helicopter allows it to track targets while remaining concealed.
Cyclic system A system used to control the Apache helicopter’s flight. The cyclic system is used by the pilot to control the Apache helicopter’s movements.
Collective pitch The angle of the rotor blades, used to control the helicopter’s altitude. The collective pitch of the Apache helicopter’s blades is adjusted to control its altitude.
War Thunder A free-to-play multiplayer military game that simulates battles with aviation, armored vehicles, and naval craft. War Thunder is a game that features realistic graphics and sound, and includes playable vehicles like the Apache helicopter.

Watch The Video

Experience the FIREPOWER of the AH-64 Apache!

Vocabulary Quiz

1. Which word means ‘able to be moved or directed in various ways’ in the context of the Apache helicopter’s gun?

A) Lethal
B) Maneuverable
C) Deadly
D) Fierce

2. What does the acronym ‘TADS’ stand for in relation to the Apache helicopter’s targeting system?

A) Target Acquisition and Destruction System
B) Terrain Awareness and Detection System
C) Targeting And Delivery System
D) Target Acquisition and Designation System

3. What type of camera is used in the Apache helicopter’s TADS system?

A) Forward-looking infrared camera
B) Rear-looking optical camera
C) Side-looking radar camera
D) Downward-looking thermal camera

4. What is the primary purpose of the Fire Control Radar (FCR) in the Apache helicopter?

A) To track multiple targets at greater distances
B) To control the helicopter’s altitude
C) To navigate through obstacles
D) To communicate with other aircraft

5. What is the name of the free-to-play multiplayer military game that simulates battles with aviation, armored vehicles, and naval craft?

A) War Zone
B) Battle Thunder
C) War Thunder
D) Military Simulator

Answer Key:

1. B
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. C

Grammar Focus

Grammar Focus: Using the Present Simple and Present Continuous Tenses to Describe General Facts and Ongoing Actions

The present simple tense is used to describe general facts, habits, and routines, as seen in the text: “The Apache is widely considered the best attack helicopter in history.” This sentence describes a general fact about the Apache helicopter. On the other hand, the present continuous tense is used to describe ongoing actions, as seen in the text: “The crew is reconfiguring for another round of firing.” However, in the provided text, the present continuous tense is not explicitly used to describe an action happening at the moment of speaking. Instead, it is used in sentences like “The video is sponsored by War Thunder,” which describes an ongoing state rather than a temporary action. To illustrate the difference, consider the sentence: “The Apache helicopter is flying overhead,” which would be used to describe an action happening now, whereas “The Apache helicopter flies at low levels” describes a general ability or characteristic.

Grammar Quiz:

Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses to complete each sentence.

  1. The AH64 Apache (be) ____________________ the US Army’s most powerful attack helicopter.
    1. is
    2. are
    3. am
    4. be
  2. The Apache helicopter (fly) ____________________ at low levels during maneuvers.
    1. flies
    2. flying
    3. fly
    4. to fly
  3. The crew (reconfigure) ____________________ the helicopter for another round of firing.
    1. is reconfiguring
    2. reconfigures
    3. reconfigure
    4. were reconfiguring
  4. The video (sponsor) ____________________ by War Thunder.
    1. is sponsored
    2. sponsors
    3. is sponsoring
    4. sponsored
  5. The Apache’s targeting system (allow) ____________________ it to engage targets even when not directly facing them.
    1. allows
    2. allowing
    3. is allowing
    4. to allow

Answer Key:

  1. is
  2. flies
  3. reconfigures
  4. is sponsored
  5. allows