AH-64 vs AgustaWestland AW101 - Comparison

The Boeing AH-64 Apache () is an American twin-turboshaft assault helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a team of two. It comes with a sensor package for target acquisition and night vision systems. It's equipped with a 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 chain gun carried between the main landing gear, under the aircraft's forward fuselage, and four hardpoints mounted on stub-wing pylons for carrying armament and shops, typically a combination of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. The AH-64 has systems redundancy to enhance combat. As the Model 77 developed by Hughes Helicopters for the Advanced Attack Helicopter program of the United States Army to replace the AH-1 Cobra, the Apache started. The model YAH-64 was first flown on 30. The U.S. Army selected the YAH-64 within the Bell YAH-63 in 1976, and later approved full production in 1982.

After buying Hughes Helicopters in 1984, McDonnell Douglas continued AH-64 production and development. The helicopter was introduced to U.S. Army service in April 1986. The advanced AH-64D Apache Longbow was delivered in March 1997 to the Army. Production was continued Space by Boeing Defense & Security, with over 2,400. The U.S. Army is the primary operator of this AH-64. It has become the main attack helicopter including Greece, Japan, Israel, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. It has been built since the AgustaWestland Apache under license in the United Kingdom. Have served in conflicts in Kosovo, the Persian Gulf, Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Israel used the Apache in its conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Deployments have been observed by Dutch and british Apaches in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Source: Wikipedia

The AgustaWestland AW101 is a helicopter used in both military and civil applications. First flown in 1987, a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the United Kingdom and Agusta in Italy created it in response to requirements for a modern utility helicopter. Several operators, including the armed forces of Britain, Denmark, and Portugal, use the title Merlin for their aircraft that is AW101. It is manufactured at factories in Yeovil, England and Vergiate, Italy; accredited assembly work has also taken place in Japan and the United States. Prior to 2007, the aircraft was marketed under the designation EH101. This changed to EH101 -- although the designation was, in actuality, EHI 01, from the title given to the venture -- European Helicopter Industries and the designation stuck. In 2000, Westland Helicopters and Agusta united to form AgustaWestland, leading to the type's recent designation.

The AW101 entered into service in 1999 and has since replaced several older helicopter types, such as the Sikorsky Sea King, performing roles such as anti-submarine warfare transportation, and utility operations. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) operates a version of the AW101, designated CH-149 Cormorant, in the air-sea rescue function. Before the program was cancelled another version, designated VH-71 Kestrel, was being developed to serve in the US presidential transportation fleet. Civil operators use AW101s in roles such as passenger and VIP transportation. The type has been deployed to combat theaters, such as in support of coalition forces during the Iraq War and the War .

Source: Wikipedia