The AH-64D Apache Longbow is a twin-engine, four-bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter with a tandem-seated crew of two. The versatile helicopter is the first helicopter developed specifically for day, night and adverse-weather combat missions.

The Apache can carry a lethal array of armament, including a mix of up to 16 Hellfire missiles or 76 70mm aerial rockets and 1,200 rounds of 30mm ammunition for its M230 Chain Gun automatic canon. It features an integrated Target Acquisition and Designation Sight (TADS) and a Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS) which will enable the 2-man crew to navigate and conduct precision attacks in day, night and adverse weather conditions. System monitoring is done by a Fault Detection and Location System (FDLS) that continuously reports aircraft status.

The Apache can also be equipped with the Northrop Grumman millimeter-wave Longbow radar. The Longbow fire control radar incorporates an integrated radar frequency interferometer for passive location and identification of radar emitting threats. An advantage of millimeter wave is that it performs well under poor visibility conditions and is less sensitive to ground clutter and is resistant to counter-measures.