Finally, a full reveal - Takom's Apaches are coming together in more images of the kits...

We finally see the full picture of Takom's twin Apache's in 35th scale in CAD form. Photos of the choppers plus their photo-etch & 3D printed parts to add to the previous kit photos in our preview..

Finally, a full reveal - Takom's Apaches are coming together in more images of the kits...

We have even more detail of the new twin paring of AH-64D Longbow and E Guardian helicopters on the way from Takom in 1/35th scale. CAD renderings of the cockpit now are added to the rest of the details exposed in comparison shots we have seen earlier...

For those who came in late, here is a quick run-down of the Apache Longbow & Guardian in real life...

The Subject: The AH-64D /E Apaches

Surely one of the most lethal helicopters ever devised, the Apache AH-64D/E is capable of destroying armor, personnel, and materiel targets in obscured battlefield conditions. The Apache is a twin-engine, four-blade tandem-seat attack helicopter equipped with an M230 30-mm cannon, Hydra-70 2.75-inch rockets, and HELLFIRE missiles (both laser-guided and radio frequency). 

The current Army Aviation fleet contains both AH-64D Longbow Apaches and AH-64E models. The Apache is fielded to both Active Army and Army National Guard armed reconnaissance battalions and cavalry units. The aircraft is designed to support Brigade Combat Teams across the full spectrum of warfare.   

Probably the ultimate "hero" shot of the Apache we think...

AH-64D "Longbow" Apache

Longbow is readily identifiable by the mast-mounted antenna for its radar. It allows the AGM-114L to be fired in an autonomous fire-and-forget mode, whereas the laser-guided Hellfire requires external designation or use in conjunction with the TADS, and as such is a line-of-sight and non fire-and-forget  weapon. The APG-78 radar can detect, classify and prioritise 12 targets simultaneously, and can see through the fog and smoke that currently foils infra-red or TV sensors.

The British-built AgustaWestland Apache (assembled from kits purchased from Boeing) is based on the AH-64D Block I with several systems, including more powerful engines, folding rotor blades, and other modifications for operation from Royal Navy vessels.

UK Army Air Corps Westland WAH-64D Apache Longbow displays at a UK airshow

An AH-64D Apache flies over a residential area in the Multi-National Division-Baghdad area conducting a reconnaissance mission to keep an eye out for enemy mortar and anti-aircraft systems.

The AH-64E Apache Guardian.

The AH-64E program is the most current evolution of the Apache. It is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture to incorporate the latest communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems. The E-model has multiple upgrades from its predecessors, such as the improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision System (MTADS/PNVS). This system includes a new integrated infrared laser that allows for easier target designation and enhanced infrared imagery that blends infrared and night vision capabilities. The E-model also has an updated Small Tactical Terminal radio that includes the LINK 16 capability required to communicate in a joint environment. The updated Fire Control Radar can operate in a maritime mode, enabling the Apache to be an integral asset in most environments. The E-model fleet’s Manned-Unmanned Teaming ability provides Level of Interoperability 4 to Apache crews, providing the ability to receive Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) video in the Apache cockpit, control UAS sensors, and direct the flight path of the UAS.  

The aircraft is also undergoing further modernization modifications such as the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly. This upgrade eliminates obsolescence issues while enhancing day-sight capabilities equivalent to the changes made with MTADS/PNVS. Other modifications include Manned-Unmanned Teaming that provides non-line-of-sight communications, video transmission/reception, and maintenance cost reductions.  

Indonesian Army Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian

The Apache is provided to U.S. allies through a robust Foreign Military Sales program with more than 500 Apache currently in operation or development across 16 partner nations. The current acquisition objective is 812 aircraft. 

An Indian Air Force AH-64E in 2019

The kits:

New comparison photographs & CADS...

These kinda speak for themselves, really. They highlight the surface detail and the shapes of these helicopters in direct comparison with the real things.

AH-64D "Longbow"

From Takom

Kit No #2601

1/35th scale

Designed with Snowman Model

Two models are on the horizon from Takom. One is the AH-64D "Longbow", equipped with a glass cockpit and advanced sensors, the most noticeable of which being the AN/APG-78 Longbow millimetre-wave fire-control radar (FCR) target acquisition system and the Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), housed in a dome located above the main rotor. This could also be the British version without too many changes.

AH-64E Apache "Guardian"

From Takom

Kit No #2601

1/35th scale

Designed with Snowman Model

Confirmed just now, the second kit is going to be the "E" model of the Apache Guardian, with the more powerful General Electric T700-GE-701D engines and new sensors. Hopefully, we might see some interesting decal choices, knowing that India, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan have this model also. Also, some British Army D models are being updated to the E model standard.

In addition to the new CAD drawing of the whole kits, the 3D printed parts from Snowman design and thin, photo-etched parts add so much to the look and scale feel of the models that demand this level of accuracy and authenticity when you look at the rest of the CAD designs

Earlier photos released of these two kits...

The cockpit details in comparison with the real thing are impressive to this modeler's eyes...

At first, I thought this pat was missing the two lower screens, but they are there, just at slightly a different angle than the photo.

The earlier shot of the surface details and the flying surfaces of the Apaches...

Today's Fresh images include the forward instruments and sensors in the "cheeks" of the Apache

Both sides of the avionics bays are included..

The AH-64 is powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines with high-mounted exhausts on either side of the fuselage. In 2004, General Electric Aviation began producing more powerful T700-GE-701D engines, rated at 2,000 shp (1,500 kW) for AH-64Ds.

The rotor mast attaches to the four 22-foot-long main rotor blades, each made from steel and composite material glued together to maximize strength and minimize weight 

The whole mast and engine compartments can be shown open to be displayed.

The weapons:

The apache is nothing without weapons, and these two will have teeth! The Hellfires, 30mm gun and unguided rocket pods are shown today in CAD form to the modellers.

The AH-64 is armed with a 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 chain gun carried between the main landing gear. The M230 is mounted on the chin turret. It uses a 2 hp (1.5 kW) electric motor to fire 30 mm (1.2 in) linkless ammunition at a rate of 625±25 rounds per minute. The practical rate of fire is about 300 rounds per minute with a 10-minute cooling period as the gun is air cooled. The Apache is capable of carrying up to 1,200 rounds for the gun.

The Apache's AGM-114 Hellfire & the AGM-114L Hellfire LongBow is included in this kit. The Hellfire is an air-to-ground missile (AGM) first developed for anti-armor use, but can be used also for precision drone strikes against other target types, especially high-value targets. Originally developed under the name Heliborne laser, fire-and-forget missile, which led to the colloquial name "Hellfire" ultimately becoming the missile's formal name. 

The Hellfire missile is the primary 100-pound (45 kg) class air-to-ground precision weapon for the armed forces of the United States and many other nations. It has also been fielded on surface platforms in the surface-to-surface and surface-to-air roles.

Under the aircraft's forward fuselage, and four hardpoints mounted on stub-wing pylons for carrying armament and stores. In this kit, the Hydra rocket pods are able to be use on these pylons. 

That is all we have on these two for now - keep tuned for more info on the kits themselves...

 You can see more about Takom's kits on their website or on their  Facebook page.

$5 for the first modeller who makes this scene with their Apache...