Apache AH1 vs AH-64E, 3rd June 2021.

[tommc]

Compare and contrast the old and the new.....

Apache AH1 ZJ182 AAC319 taking off on Runway 23 at Wattisham this afternoon
ahd by Tom McGhee, on Flickr

Apache AH-64E ZM700 being delivered to its new base this evening
ahe by Tom McGhee, on Flickr

[WinchesterMGF]

Great catch with the new one. This a great game of Spot The Difference and I refuse to Google but I'm struggling (other than the obvious rotors / pylons). I guess it's mostly internal systems, computer stuff etc.

[pg1610]

There are a few less lumps and bumps towards the rear just below ARMY

[toom317]

The two painted black bands on the engine, and the shape of the fairing at the intake near the top of the tail, the panel below the engine and behind the "wing".I see they've stuck with the reg on the tail, so I guess it will the same as with the AH1 and getting an ID by the weathering of the paint job, once they've been in service for a while.

[HighFlyer21]

Are they completely new builds?

[tommc]

Are they completely new builds?

Pretty much.

The dust caps from the tyres are re-used, the Longbow RADAR is re-used, as are a few other components. But the whole fuselage is brand new.

[f106dart]

2 less bumps behind the engine either side on the tail on the new one

[Unknown74]

Be looking forward to seeing pictures of completed AH-64Es to see what they will actually look like.

[TeeJay]

Nice catch Tom. How many arrived yesterday?

[Canberra TT.18]

A lot of small differences with shape, number and location of lumps and bumps.

When will the new ones start flying? I believe none have flown so far and as 10 are now delivered I think it is time to start flying.
And other question. How do you know it is ZM700, the serial is taped over?

[tommc]

Nice catch Tom. How many arrived yesterday?

Two. ZM701 was the other one.

[TeeJay]

Thanks Tom. Appreciate it

[shuck]

I wonder why our new AH-64E don't have the ASPI Upturned Exhausts.

[tommc]

When will the new ones start flying? I believe none have flown so far and as 10 are now delivered I think it is time to start flying.

They have been flying in the USA since last year. They are not scheduled to start flying in the UK until next month.

[tommc]

And other question. How do you know it is ZM700, the serial is taped over?

Slight differences in the stencilling. Differences in the taped up parts.

[Canberra TT.18]

When will the new ones start flying? I believe none have flown so far and as 10 are now delivered I think it is time to start flying.

They have been flying in the USA since last year. They are not scheduled to start flying in the UK until next month.

And other question. How do you know it is ZM700, the serial is taped over?

Slight differences in the stencilling. Differences in the taped up parts.

[TonyO]

Nice one Tom, really helpful to see them "side-by-side" like that, surprised I managed to spot quite a few differences, but you really have to look.

[tommc]

Nice one Tom, really helpful to see them "side-by-side" like that, surprised I managed to spot quite a few differences, but you really have to look.

No problem Tony. From any sort of distance there are only 2 really distinct differences.

1. The very large VHF antennae immediately behind the 2 black turbine area lines.

2. The egg-whisk style SATCOM aerial which is peeking up just aft of the exhaust.

All other differences are minor, and will be well nigh impossible to pick out unless you are very close.

[tommc]

See the circled additions to AH-64E here.
64e3 by Tom McGhee, on Flickr

[tommc]

I wonder why our new AH-64E don't have the ASPI Upturned Exhausts.

No idea, that would be an easy recognition feature!