Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HH1211
Boeing AH-64D Longbow "Tigershark" No. 290, 1st Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Afghanistan 2011 
 
General Background
In the early 1970’s the US Army wanted a replacement for the AH-1 Cobra so companies submitted proposals. In July 1973 the list was shortened to Hughes and Bell with each building a prototype in 1975. The Army selected the Hughes helicopter because its landing gear was more stable and the main rotor was more damage tolerant. In 1981 3 pre-production AH-64As were given to the Army for testing and named Apache. The Apache went into production in 1982 and has evolved into one of the deadliest machines over the battle field.
 
The Aircraft
In late 2010 the 1st Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade along with 4 other units deployed to Afghanistan in support of “Operation Enduring Freedom XI”. These units were dispersed to various locations throughout the country with the 1-10 Aviation going to Base Salerno, Khost Province, Afghanistan as Task Force “Tigershark”. The AH-64 Apaches were tasked with security and reconnaissance mission over eastern Afghanistan. The 10th CAB Apache helicopters also provide aerial surveillance and close combat attack capabilities in support ground forces.