HEADQUARTERS, U.S. ARMY ALASKA, FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – The first two AH-64 Apache helicopters for U.S. Army Alaska’s Aviation Task Force are set to arrive at Ladd Army Airfield here Thursday afternoon. The new helicopters will arrive inside a U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy, the largest transport aircraft in the Air Force inventory.

The helicopters are destined for the soon to be activated 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. The battalion will consist of 24 Apache helicopters, with the rest arriving by April 2016.

The AH-64 Apache is the Army’s primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting, airborne weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces.

It is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform. It is designed to fight and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world. With a tandem-seated crew consisting of the pilot, located in the rear cockpit position and the co-pilot gunner, located in the front position, the Apache is self-deployable, highly survivable and delivers a lethal array of battlefield armaments.

The Apache features a Target Acquisition Designation Sight and a Pilot Night Vision Sensor which enables the crew to navigate and conduct precision attacks in day, night and adverse weather conditions. The Apache can carry up to 16 Hellfire laser designated missiles.

The principal mission of the Apache is the destruction of high-value targets with the HELLFIRE missile. It is also capable of employing a 30MM M230 chain gun and Hydra 70 (2.75 inch) rockets that are lethal against a wide variety of targets.

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