I’ve often suggested that readers of this blog look up, you never know what’s going to fly by. Last week an Apache helicopter passed over our airspace. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen a military helo pass over us. It wasn’t even the first time I’d seen an Apache. It was, though, the first time I was able to get a photo or two.

Apaches were designed in 1972 and went into service in the mid 80s as a replacement for the AH1 Cobra (Huey) of the Vietnam War era. It is used by the Army as an attack helo.

The Apache has two GE turboshaft engines, four blade main and tail rotors and can seat two crew members, one in front of the other. It can be variously configured with weaponry according to the task intended.

Note: According to the Key West Agreement of 1948, the US Army was not permitted to use fixed winged combat aircraft. Wanting to be able to control and support their own troops, and to not have to rely upon the Navy or Air Force to do so, the Army commissioned the development of certain helicopters to fulfill those needs.