http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040815/NEWS01/408150371/1002, Apache, armed with 16 missiles, cruises at 145 mph
The unveiling of four new AH-64 Apache helicopters.
They've arrived.
After being kept under tarps, hidden away for the past three weeks, the Mississippi Air National Guard will unveil four new AH-64 Apache helicopters today at the Army National Guard aviation facility in Tupelo.
“This is a very big deal for our state,” said Col. Jerry Dinkelacker, Mississippi's aviation commander. “We've never had this kind of aircraft before. It's amazing.”
Phil Sullivan, chief operations officer for the city of Tupelo, said he expects the helicopters will result in additional jobs, though he could not say how many, and provide a boost for the economy. “This community will do everything we can to support it,” he said.
The Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter, one that can fight in day, night or adverse weather conditions, Guard officials said.
Armed with 16 Hellfire missiles, which are used to destroy tanks, the aircraft can cruise at a speed of 145 mph and fly for more than three hours without refueling. During the liberation of Kuwait in the first Persian Gulf War, the Apaches de stroyed more than 245 enemy vehicles with no losses.
Special to The Clarion-Ledger
Four AH-64 Apache attack helicopters are now with the Mississippi Army National Guard's Aviation Support Facility and Company C, 1st Battalion, 151st Attack Aviation in Tupelo.
The helicopters will be assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 151st Attack Aviation.
Today's 1 p.m. unveiling of the new aircraft
