Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HH1215
AH-64E Apache Guardian 73117, 1st Air Cavalry, US Army, 2018 
 
General Background
The AH-64E Apache Guardian was originally designated AH-64D Block III in 2012 but because of its advanced capabilities compared to previous variants it was renamed. Everything about the AH- 64E is bigger and better or improved when compared to earlier variants. A large number of improvements are meant to protect the crew from guns up to 27 mm rounds as well as crash resistant seats. Equipped with new sensors, avionics and night operation capabilities the AH-64E also has the ability to control UAVs.
 
The Aircraft
The 1st Air Cavalry Division “First Team” is one of the US Army’s most decorated combat divisions. The unit was formed in 1921 and served in all major conflicts beginning with WWII. In 2017 the 1st Air Cavalry was subordinated with the III Armored Corps based at Fort Hood, Texas. Over the years the 1st AC has been a horseback cavalry division, an infantry division, an air assault division and an armored division making it one of the most unique U.S. military units.