AH-64A Apache (USA)
United States Army

AH-64A Apache
Operator: 4th Aviation
Location: Butts Army Airfield, Fort Carson, Colorado (USA)
Timeframe: 1991-1993
Loadout: Close air support
- Outboard: 2x M261 rocket launchers (19x Hydra-70 each)
- Inboard: 8x AGM-114 Hellfire

Personal Interest:
This model represents the AH-64A Apache that was just being introduced into 4th Aviation during my tour of duty at Fort Carson. Because the AH-1F Cobra gunships used by 4th Aviation were among the most modern in the US Army, the AH-64 supplemented them rather than replacing them. During exercises, AH-64A Apaches operated with OH-58D Kiowa scout helicopters in a hunter/killer configuration. In large scale exercises at the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, I frequently saw AH-64A Apaches operating in conjunction with USAF A-10A Thunderbolt II close air support aircraft.

The AH-64A was first used in combat during Operation Just Cause in 1989. The Apache was used to strafe various Panamanian Defense Forces targets, mostly at night. I was serving as an Air Force ROTC cadet in the Air Force Reserve during this operation, which impressed upon me the importance of joint Air Force and Army operations.