Introduction:

Long time ago, the perfect scenario for Apache attack crews were Russian tank columns moving forward on the Fulda gap or Hellfire target practice on unsuspecting Iraqi armor as the tip of the armored spear in the Gulf. However, as times change as well as enemy tactics, the AH-64 Apache proved again and again to be a perfect hunter-killer, ground force multiplier, CAS platform, aerial deterrent, eyes-in-the-sky, whatever you needed it to be and the latest version proves that a solid concept such as the Apache can successfully evolve to deal with every new challenge it faces.

To keep up with the ongoing changes to the Apache, or to take your model to a different level of detailing, look no further for a stunning visual reference book on the AH-64 D/E and IDF Saraf variants by WWP

Review:

Title: Apache in Detail part 2; AH-64 D/E and IDF Saraf Variants in 30 Years’ Service

Publisher: Wings & Wheels Publications (WWP)

Code: B021

Authors: Ioannis Lekkas, Jakub Fojtik et al.

Format: softcover (22x24 cm)

Pages: 192

Photos: 530 (color)

Color: full color

Language: English

ISBN: 978-80-87509-72-2

Retail Price: $54 (€43)

Like all other WWP publications, this one is excellent as a handy reference book on your desk or a treasured addition in your ever-growing library. The book is printed on high-quality paper and comprises of 192 pages filled almost exclusively with large high-res photographs of the subject showing all the possible detail inside and out,accompanied by short image captions. Folding the book in landscape layout is possible and will not break the spine if you’re using it as a reference while modelling.

This particular title delivers 530 color photographs covering the latest version of the Apache in great depth. The chapters are color coded on the page edges and allow for easy navigation:

History:

·        early US Army AH-64D

·        early WAH-64D

·        early RNLAF AH-64D

·        US Army AH-64D/E ISAF, Fort Rucker,

Walkaround:

·        LateAH-64D/E (12th US Army CAB)

·        AH-64D/E Exercise Ample Strike

·        AH-64D with FCR

·        AH-64E at Fort Rucker

·        Late RNLAF AH-64D ISAF

·        LateWAH-64D ISAF

·        GreekAH-64DHA

·        HIDAS (Helicopter Integrated Defence Aid System)

·        IDF AH-64D-I Saraf

·        JGSDF AH-64DJP

·        Singaporean AH-64D

·        UAE AH-64D

·        Taiwanese AH-64E

Close-up walkaround:

·        PNVS/TADS, FAB

·        M-TADS

·        FAB

·        Exterior:canopy

·        Copilot/Gunner cockpit

·        Pilot’s cockpit

·        Rear wall

·        M230chain gun

·        Ammo bay

·        Landing gear

·        Engine bays

·        Exhausts

·        Late exhausts

·        Transmission

·        Rotorhead

·        AN/APG-78FCR

·        Dorsal bay

·        APU

·        Wings

·        Ordnance:M-261

·        Ordnance:M-114

·        Fuel tanks

·        Fuselage details

·        Antenna suite and ECM

·        Chaff& flare

·        Driveshaft

·        Tail wing

·        Tailrotor

·        Tail wheel

·        Ground covers

Operational history of the Apache is well known and documented, but it is nice to see authors decided to let the reader know about the development blocks and slight differences they share as well as the latest E mods. Also worth mentioning are current world-users and the future of the Apache program. History chapters follows HQ images of the first users: US,UK, Netherlands and show great detail of the overall look and weathering of these machines in use.

 Walkaround section is where this book shines.Lovely images of late block machines show the overall look of a combat aircraft from Afghanistan as well as new aircraft involved in various training missions.The captions provided give many details on usage and various modifications.

Every world user of the Apache is described along with the differences in model versions, configurations. Pictures give the modeler a great view of color fading and specific weathering for each variant operator depending on the area of operations.

Various sensors, ECM, antennae, self-defense equipment from the HIDAS suite of the WAH-64 and AH-64DHA are provided in detail.

IDF’s Saraf is a particularly well depicted version since many domestically made modifications to the Apache are indigenous to the Israeli version and give the model a totally different look compared to the standard models. Far-east variants from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan visually stand out from the rest due to their very specific camouflage and colorful markings and should definitely satisfy modeler’s needs to do something different.

 You can tell by the sheer amount of systems chapters that this book hits probably every detail you would need for your model and probably a 1:1 replica of the thing itself. Starting with the M-PNVS/TADS and forward avionics bays (FAB) – literally every angle is covered. Avionics,wiring, stenciling – it’s all there. Everything you need to superdetail this area is shown to great detail and this prominent feature could be used to display your model while being serviced or re-armed.

One of the great Apache features is cockpit visibility. The canopy is a massive glasshouse and is depicted in extent with everything described: doors, glass, wire cutters, locks etc. for both crew members.

Gunner’s cockpit is very detailed with high-res images showing the complexity of the weapon systems officer’s and pilots habitat.Everything is covered from several angles to ensure no details are skipped:from cyclic/collective controls to MFD’s as well as the “green-eyed-monster” –IHADS – Integrated helmet and display sight subsystem. Even the rear wall is covered showing the circuit breaker panel that is often not shown to great extent but is very visible to the modeler’s eye.

M230 30mm chain gun is very clearly explained in detail with visual emphasis on the muzzle device, feed rails, wire and bird strike protection and is continued to the ammo bay walkaround. It’s probably something you won’t see opened up often, so this is a great addition if you want to open up your model.

The engine bays section provide more than enough details from various angles and show off everything from mechanical parts, inlets, wiring, step/service platforms, piping etc. Following is the exhaust section and here are well documented the differences between early and late models.

If you believe this alone was enough to superdetail your model, clearly you didn’t think through about the quality of WWP publications; the transmission, rotor head, dorsal bay, APU, fuselage and tail rotor detail give an enormous amount of details on the structural parts,mechanics, wiring, plumbing, from every conceivable angle so all you need to apply this to your model is build and paint everything. Good luck with that,but now you cannot say you do not have reference.

Ordnance – the bread and butter of the Apache is presented in the walkaround form for M261 Hydra 70mm unguided rockets andAGM-114 Hellfire missiles as well some fuel tanks details if you opt for that kind of loadout. Also included are various pictures of M130 chaff/flare dispensers and FCR and ECM details.

A nice touch for modelers is on the last page showing ground covers for the entire airframe and tie-downs that can be used for your model display offering something different and a bit more colorful on a drab fuselage.

 Conclusion:

 These WWP books are a wealth of knowledge and a visually stunning photo reference for modelers and aviation enthusiasts. The print and the images are high quality with useful captions and are worth going over after you have read the book once. The part 2 of the Apache books delivers everything started in part 1, and gives even more to give you a heads up on the newest and the best version of everyone’s favorite rotary tank buster. Highly useful resource for modelling purposes. Stunning reference images that you won't find outside of a service interval in a hangar.

Highs: High quality images, multiple angle photos.

Lows: None noted.

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