Apache electronics bay

Modeling Subjects Helicopters
1

Hi all!
I have an Academy AH64D Longbow and after a chat with Cobrahistorian, I was convinced that I could modify the kit’s parts to depict the correct shape of it.
So, I am looking for pictures of these areas of the helicopter (specially the back area, where is the difference between the real thing and the kit), normally I find pictures of the rotor, wings, cockpit, MG but nothing of this particular area… Any help will be very well accepted!

2

I found this out there for ya. I know it is pictures of an A, but I think the differances in the A&D are electronics only so the internal pics still may help.

http://www.b-domke.de/AviationImages/Apache.html

Hope it does.

Paul

3

Sorry, but the size and shape of the sponsons that run along either side of the fusalage is different in an A model and a D model. Ds have larger sponsons and they are more squareed off at the front and rear. Here is a D model.

Walkaround site (not great, but it might help): http://apma.org.au/reference/helicopter/apache_longbow/apache.html
A model sponsons (much smaller)

4

Thanks for the info Gino. Not being an Apache expert. I never really noticed. Now I have more info than I had when I start mine as well…

Thanks Again

Paul

5

Thank you both for the references!
The difference on the Academy kit is on the rear part of the sponson, and normally I can only find frontal shots of the Apache…I will keep searching.

6

Here is a link which may be of help. The builder did the avionics bay conversion on the Academy kit.
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/hlmp/64d.html

HTH,
Albert [:o)]

7

Here’s a pair of pics I shot at Ft. Hood. Gives a good view of the Aft end of the sponson.


8

The Apache in the above shot IS a D model, it just doesn’t have the radar. Only 1 in 3 AH-64Ds actually has the Longbow radar on it. Those without are a bit more maneuverable, as they don’t have an additional 600lbs of avionics equipment holding them back.

9

Thank you Albert and Jon for the great references! I will start to work on the modifications. Hope I can build a nice model after all this help!
One more doubt, the D model still uses the chaff and flare dispositive on the tail?

10

MHsuzuki,

The chaff/flare dispenser is still on the tailboom right hand side just ahead of the tail.