When considering military assault helicopters, the AH-64 Apache and AH-1Z Viper of the United States are arguably the most recognizable two aircraft. Both helicopters are exceptional examples of technological and mechanical innovation and have been indispensable to the United States’ air superiority. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) employs Bell’s AH-1Z Viper, whereas the U.S. Army continues to utilize Boeing’s AH-64 Apache as its primary attack helicopter.

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When comparing the two legendary helicopters, it is difficult to determine which one functions as the preeminent attack platform. Presently, both aircraft are in service with militaries worldwide. Each aircraft is equipped with cutting-edge onboard technology and a formidable arsenal of weaponry. Every helicopter has been deployed in a multitude of conflicts and has achieved considerable success in combat. While both the AH-64 Apache and AH-1Z Viper are highly proficient military helicopters, they are dissimilar in a number of respects, including hardware configurations and personal histories.

Comparisons of the AH-64 Apache and AH-1Z Viper’s ordinance and engines

With a length of over 58 feet and a height of 14 feet, the AH-1Z Viper is equipped with two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines and has a top speed of 200 knots, which is equivalent to approximately 230 miles per hour. In a similar fashion, the AH-64E Apache is a twin-engine, two-person aircraft powered by General Electric T700 engines of the 701D variety.

The primary distinction is that the Viper is the quicker helicopter, with a maximum speed of 150 knots (approximately 173 miles per hour) compared to the Apache’s 173 miles per hour. Additionally, the Apache is one foot taller and approximately 10 feet shorter than the Viper.

One primary M197 20mm three-barreled Gatling cannon, Hydra 70 or APKWS II rockets, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air, and AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles are mounted on the Viper. It is capable of discharging 1,500 rounds per minute. The 30mm M230 chain gun utilized by the Apache’s primary machine gun is larger and more lethal to ground units; however, it fires at a sluggish rate of 600–650 rounds per minute. The Apache is outfitted with Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and smaller 2.75-inch Hydra-70 missiles, both of which carry a comparable ordnance.

The primary distinction between the two attack helicopters is that the Viper is also capable of air-to-air combat, which arguably makes it the superior option for missions involving hostile air resistance despite its primary purpose of air-to-ground operations. Wheels distinguish the Apache from the Viper, which is propelled by skids; this distinction enables the Apache to transport.

AH-64 Apache cost comparison and technological contrast with AH-1Z Viper

Contemporary and resilient onboard systems of both attack helicopters provide pilots with up-to-the-minute combat information while in flight. The Lockheed Martin Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision System is standard equipment on the Apache AH-64E. This advancement, in comparison to previous iterations of the Apache, significantly improves nighttime visibility and performance in inclement weather. Since 2005, MTADS/PNVS has been utilized by the United States Army.

In contrast, the Viper is equipped with the head-mounted display of the Thales “TopOwl” helmet-mounted sight and display system, which provides the pilot with an enhanced 180-degree field of view and transmits critical combat data. In addition, the Viper is outfitted with HD FLIR technology through the Lockheed Martin sight system (TSS), which aids pilots in the interpretation of their surroundings. The initial TopOwl experiments were conducted in 2012.

As per documents disclosed by the Comptroller of the U.S. Department of Defense in 2023, the cost of maintaining a single flight hour for the AH-64E Apache is approximately $6,440. In contrast, the AH-64D, which is older, incurs a higher maintenance expense of $9,476 per flight hour. On the contrary, the AH-1Z Viper occupies the midpoint between the two Apache variants in terms of cost per flight hour, at $7,465. Although minor distinctions accumulate gradually, both organizations have achieved cost reductions throughout the lifespans of their respective crafts.