The US Army wanted an attack helicopter that was better than its AH-1 Cobra in leathality, firepower, performance and range with high maneuverability for nap-of-the-earth flying. This resulted in the Advanced Attack Helicopter contest on 15 Nov 1972. Proposals were submitted by Bell, Boeing Vertol/Grumman team, Hughes, Lockheed, and Sikorsky. In Jul 1973, Bell and Hughes were finalist and could develop their proposals. In 1976 the Apache was selected. In 1983 the 2nd AH-64 prototype (this AV2) visited Le Bourget. Hughes was purchased in 1984 by McDonnell Douglas that merged with Boeing in 1997.

At Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9487

Built for the USAAF as AT-7C 43-50222 but delivered to the US Navy as SNB-2C 29646 in 1944. Converted to an SNB-3P in 1946 then to an SNB-5 with new c/n N-1082 in 1953. Redesignated as a UC-45J in 1962. To the US Army in 1970. Stored at Davis-Monthan AFB in 1975 then to the Museum in 1977. Painted in fake markings as N6000V from 1985 to 2011, when it was repainted back to 29646.

Built for the USAAF as AT-7C 43-50222 but delivered to the US Navy as SNB-2C 29646 in 1944. Converted to an SNB-3P in 1946 then to an SNB-5 with new c/n N-1082 in 1953. Redesignated as a UC-45J in 1962. To the US Army in 1970. Stored at Davis-Monthan AFB in 1975 then to the Museum in 1977. Painted in fake markings as N6000V from 1985 to 2007 then it was repainted back to 29646.

Name 'Normandy' is on the nose. Widely reported as 05-1944, but this is not correct. Ex N8VQ, 97-0049, N466GA.

The pink markings have been applied for the fire fighting duties of this Blackhawk of the CA Air National Guard.

'ARMAGEDDON APPETITE' just returned from Gulf War in the rarely seen desert colourscheme.

Ex Brymon/British Airways Express G-BRYP

Located at the Navy Seal museum near Fort Pierce, this bird has quite some history under its belt. Commisioned in 1991, it amassed 5090 flight hours and saw action in Afghanistan, Colombia, Horn of Africa, Iraq, Poland, Okinawa and Somalia. It was shot down 3 times. But perhaps the most noteworthy of them all was when a SEAL team rescued Jessica Buchanan and Poul Hagen Thisted from Somali pirates in 2012, using this helicopter. After its active life it was donated to the museum.