AH-64E airborne in the UK

[tommc]

There are NUMEROUS external differences between Apache AH1 and AH-64E to allow you to recognise them, the most OBVIOUS of which are detailed here.

zj227-flickr by Tom McGhee, on Flickr

zm705-flickr by Tom McGhee, on Flickr

1. The AH-64E sounds slightly more refined, a bit less "agricultural" than the Apache AH1.
2. Open panels. The AH-64E has a primer/undercoat that has more of a blue-ish hue compared to the yellowish colour of Apache AH1.
3. Navigation lights. The AH-64E lights are brighter, and the green starboard light is more blue-green compared to the green of Apache AH1.
4. Super-sized serial number on the fin of AH-64E.
5. Super-sized "ARMY" titles on the side of AH-64E.
6. Distinctive "egg-whisk" SatCom antennae on the boom of AH-64E, aft of the engines.
7. Additional large V/UHF aerial fitted above the right hand engine of AH-64E.
8. 2 distinct vertical black fan blade warning lines on the engines of AH-64E.

There are numerous other smaller differences too, but the ones listed here are the most obvious.

[Stratocruiser]

Very informative with useful information together with lovely pics.
Thanks for taking the time to selflessly share with everyone

[POL]

I'm glad you listed them because I couldn't find them

[slogen51]

Yes thanks

It looks like if you can read it off then it must be an AH-64E and the black warning lines show up.

Looking forward to see some in STANTA by 2025!

[XR713]

Thanks for the info.

[tommc]

Very informative with useful information together with lovely pics.
Thanks for taking the time to selflessly share with everyone

No problem.

I always thought that sharing was what this hobby was all about

[steamy]

Very informative with useful information together with lovely pics.
Thanks for taking the time to selflessly share with everyone

No problem.

I always thought that sharing was what this hobby was all about

definitely not the impression you get from some on here.... thanks for the informative post !

[david chapman]

Thanks Tom for all you info from Wattisham. Gary,s dad
Dave

[tommc]

Yes thanks

It looks like if you can read it off then it must be an AH-64E and the black warning lines show up.

Looking forward to see some in STANTA by 2025!

The large upper V/UHF aerial is my "go-to" recognition feature.

[slogen51]

Yes that does look noticeable as does the egg whisk

Very useful photos

Tempted to get over there next week as I really need to properly see ZJ226 before it goes

[paulk]

Hi Slogen.
Wouldn’t bother looking for ZJ226 next week as it flew into Brize this week. As it is currently airworthy shouldn’t be going for spares breakdown.

John

[roger4]

Is the AH-64E a slightly lighter shade of dark green? The serials certainly appear to show up with better contrast than on the original WAH-64.

[tommc]

Is the AH-64E a slightly lighter shade of dark green? The serials certainly appear to show up with better contrast than on the original WAH-64.

No. They are exactly the same colour.

Obviously they are cleaner and less weather-worn and oil-stained, so the paintwork is fresher. Also, the serial numbers are much larger.

[roger4]

Ok, thanks.

[tommc]

FYI, the current breakdown of the AAC fleet is: -
22 x Apache AH1
14 x Apache AH-64E

[tommc]

A quick comparison shot of the difference between navigation lights on Apache AH1 (left) and AH-64E.

[Vulture 01]

Looking at the two pictures above, there are two small fairings (ECM?) on the fuselage spine,aft of the engines on the AH 1 that are not there on the '64E

[tommc]

Looking at the two pictures above, there are two small fairings (ECM?) on the fuselage spine,aft of the engines on the AH 1 that are not there on the '64E

Yes, the AH-64Es have not yet necessarily been fitted with all the recovered Apache AH1 equipment, so it may be that these antennaes are still to be fitted, although they may be in a different location.

[Agent K]

A quick comparison shot of the difference between navigation lights on Apache AH1 (left) and AH-64E.

Thank you for taking the time to share this useful information, and I take my hat off to you for shooting that last one is less than clement weather!

[tommc]

Thanks for the comments, yes it was bitterly cold, and a bit rainy and snowy too.