Battle damaged Apache helo
Battle damaged Apache helo
The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) AH-64D Long Bow Apache got into trouble in Iraq when the Army used it (against doctrine) for long range interdiction without preparing the battlefield with air strikes. The Apache's ran into a wall of anti-aircraft fire from the Republican Guard Medina division, and many were damaged.
Boeing B-1B inflight
The Boeing (formerly Rockwell) B-1B proved itself in Iraq by conducting a large percentage of the bombing missions and being able to spend a great deal of time in air over the battlefield. So impressive was the B-1B's performance that it is now being viewed in an entirely new role and programmed cuts in its number will probably be rescinded. Walt flew the B-1B for four hours in 1989, twice-on the first takeoff an engine failed and he had to go around, land and change airplanes.
Copyright © 2003 Walter J. Boyne
