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.

4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry from Fort Hood, Tx. Seen lifting off at the end of the CAF Airsho. The small crowd (including me) that had gathered to watch it's departure were covered by dust and grass cuttings etc., but it was worth it!

On July 22, 1992 this Apache was lost when it crashed in the mountains at Fort Carson, CO outside of Colorado Springs.

Operated by the US Army's 6th Cavalry.

AH-64A Apache operated by the 6th Cavalry US Army. Displayed at the 1990 Edwards AFB Open Day.