What's a better attack helicopter the USMC AH-1Z Super Cobra or the ARMY AH-64D Apache?

Answer 1

It depends on what you consider better.

The AH-1 models are famous for their spin rate (turning 180 deg) and that is why the USMC uses them and they have been more successful adapting to a sand environment. The AH-64 (especially the D model) is the hottest thing going but they are more on the expensive side and more complicated to maintain.

The designers actually made one mistake with the AH-1Z, it originally was designed to have a tri-cycle gear like the Apache, but for some unknown reason skids were again used. The main thing that limits the load capacity of the Cobra is the skids that bend when too much is carried.

Personal opinion: The Apache for all-around performance especially tank busting but the AH-1Z for ease of maintenance, reliability and going air to air.

Answer 2

The Army's AH-64D (Delta) Apache Longbow is the most superior Attack Chopper in the world. Bar-none.

The AH-1 Cobra is a great aircraft, but it's *way* older, and the Marines wanted to goto the Apache but just can't afford it at this time, so they are upgrading the Apache. I'm getting a Commission via ROTC to try and become an Apache Aviator.

But hands down, like everyone else has said. The Apache, it's fitted for the digital battlefield, has a better High Explosive Cannon, and flys much smoother. It's all around more modern, and advanced. The Apache will be a front line combat chopper for another 20 years. The AH-1 Cobra will be phased out soon enough, and the Marines will get Apache's refurbished from the Army.

The Apache AH-64D

Answer 3

The AH-64D Apache Longbow is far superior to the Super Cobra. The Super Cobra is an upgraded Vietnam era Helo, the AH-64 was designed baised upon what was learned flying the Super Cobra. It is a full generation ahead.

I asked some Marines why they didn't fly the AH-64, and aside from a few issues of adapting the Apache to fly on and off of ships, the simple answer is money. The USMC is a department of the Navy (they like to call it "the Men's Department") and as such it doesn't have the budget the Army does, so they tend to make do with what toys they have. IF the USMC had the cash, they would buy the AH-64.

Answer 4

Today, the attack helicopter has been further refined, and the AH-64D Apache Longbow demonstrates many of the advanced technologies being considered for deployment on future gunships. The Russians are currently deploying the Ka-50, and Mi-28, though these attack aircraft are not linked into a command and control system at a level comparable to current U.S. equipment. Many students of ground attack helicopter warfare feel that this is a requirement of today's modern armies, since attack helicopters are being increasingly incorporated as part of a linked support element system by most of the armies of the world.

Modern examples include:

AH-1 Cobra
Mil Mi-24
AH-64 Apache
Agusta A129 Mangusta
Eurocopter Tiger
Mil Mi-28 Havoc
Kamov Ka-50
Kamov Ka-52 Alligator
Denel AH-2 Rooivalk
HAL Light Combat Helicopter (Under Development)
WZ-10 (Under Trial with the People's Liberation Army)

Answer 5

The Cobra was carrying air to air long before the apache. (1986 while the AH-64A was being built) while in Afghanistan the poor apache could not fill the missions due to altitude. the cobra had no problems with this. Same power plant (GE701's). as far as guns go the apache chain gun is garbage, it jams constantly under sustained fire, the cobra cannon keeps on giving. as far as optics go, Martin Marietta builds the systems for both. And yes they could build an apache for ship board use, Huges built one during the prototype phase of the apache, T tail and skids, sealed airframe etc. it crashed

Answer 6

What makes the Apache -D stand out is the longbow missles, but if they have nothing to lock onto the Apache is just an expensive Super Cobra.

Answer 7

Black Hawks!!! jk I'm biased.
64's no contest. First of all SKIDS ARE FOR KIDS!! And the new block III apaches will be even better, they'll have the same flear system as the f-22, and the ability to controll a uav from the cockpit. If the cobra was better than the army wouldn't have bone yards full of hundreds of cobras.

Answer 8

The Apache.

Answer 9

Definitely the Angel of Death....the Apache.

Answer 10

Apache, Hands down. But they are both excellent helicopters and I would hate to be in either of their gun sights.