INTERVIEW: "That's all that needs to be said about the Apache AH-64"

Helicopter expert Christian Rastätter is lucky: he gets to work on the AH-64 Apache – HERE we introduced his book about the German special forces helicopter H145M. With the new one, he tops it off again: his standard work on the Apache AH-64 has just been released. A must-have. We wanted to know from him how he got access to the US combat helicopter.

SPARTANAT: Combat helicopters are something that the average viewer either knows from the sky or from videos. What is the Apache AH-64 like up close?

Yes, no question. Although I am used to getting close to machines like this and although everything unfolds quite normally according to physical and technical laws, with the AH-64, it's always tinged with excitement. Because even though you check the oil level, fill up the fuel tank, and handle all other operating materials and weapons just like in a garage, this monster of a combat helicopter remains an overwhelming sight every time.

It is THE combat helicopter that you admired as a little kid, that has played an outstanding role in so many conflicts, and that you very rarely get to see up close, let alone experience in action (whether in training or in combat). Being at an airshow or on the ground in an exhibition is one thing – but standing directly under the monster while the 30mm Chaingun is firing... that is a lasting experience. It's about a serious matter: the application of raw violence, of precise deadly force...but: si vis pacem para bellum remains the principle. In short, except maybe for the mighty Mi-28 of the Russians, only the AH-64 Apache can inspire awe in me personally among all combat helicopters.

SPARTANAT: You specialize in writing about military helicopters. How did you get into that? And how did you get access to the AH-64?

I am actually an enthusiastic military aviation enthusiast. I am mainly interested in the technology and the capabilities of aircraft as highly technological weapons platforms. I would never try to shed light on the whole thing from a pilot's perspective or try to explain the job of pilots and crews. Because I am not driven by the dream of flying, but personally, I am fascinated by the technology and capabilities of individual aircraft in the overall military context. Superiority and security at the highest level are my main interests.

Over the decades, I have brought myself to a level of knowledge through self-study (specialized books, magazines, congresses, etc.) or through scientific foundations during my university studies. The few years in the Bundeswehr have basically not contributed much to my expertise, except for a few impressions from the reality of military aviation. While I was deployed in a fighter-bomber squadron in the Air Force, I was only on the ground. My interest and knowledge in security policy and armament technology have allowed me to occasionally talk to experts. The convincing work of involving me in the topic of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and specifically the flying components came first from Sören Sünkler (known as the editor of the magazine K-ISOM). This automatically brought me closer to helicopters, as SOF units spend 90% of their time with helicopters.

"It's great that you can get a first-hand look at the machines and interact with the actors in the real world."

A deep dive into the rotor world was thus inevitable, although I also maintain a keen interest in all other forms of air movement and weapon systems. Publications – whether books, feature articles, or even historical analyses – did not take long to follow. In the six years since I have been active as a writer, I have currently published five books and about 40 specialized articles and analyses. The beauty of it is that each article and each book not only require the study and research of primary and secondary sources or technical manuals, but also that you can get a first-hand look at the machines and interact with the actors in the real world. The photos should mostly come from your own camera – that's the code of honor of a good author, even though I am not primarily a photographer.

Access to desired systems – like the Apache here – is easier after some well-received publications in the professional world. And: you must not be easily frightened, because if you are taken into the field, very few authorities or military personnel assume that you are doing this for the first time. Standing under the hovering (15m high) and fully loaded Apache for minutes, amidst all the downwash and spent shell casings (the size of milk bottles), trying to capture the right snapshot, provided a small adrenaline rush in the realm of hobby in free time for some people.

SPARTANAT: How long did you work on the book? What can readers interested in combat helicopters expect?

An extensively researched book with the aim of shedding light on as many details and backgrounds as possible, providing even experts with some 'aha' moments, and yet being understandable and visually pleasing for interested 'normal' readers as well as model builders or pure technology fans, takes about a year to complete.

In addition, field visits as part of the research must be meticulously and carefully prepared. Clearances, access permissions, and exclusive embedded actions (individual troop companionship without the presence of other mass media or laypeople; no media days) depend on one's own network and the reputation of the individual author. Since I usually operate journalistically in SOF circles, my 'clearance' is set higher than in a 'non-secret' troop visit. This makes access a little easier.

"Readers can expect with this book – so my hope – an AH-64 'bible', in which everything about the Apache is essentially covered."

Readers can expect with this book - so my hope - an AH-64 "bible", with basically everything about the Apache from the first drawing in 1972 to the last planned Apache just before the scrap press in 2040. That means, the development history will be completely rolled out. From the prototype to the latest version AH-64 E V6 and beyond. The basic concept of the AH-64 as well as all detail-specific intricacies will be explained. From the technology, technological development, protective equipment, sensors, weapons to the most important tactical applications. The conception of the US Army Apaches is the focus, but also the export customers and all special versions are subject to consideration. From training to deployment, everything is explained. Who does what, how does the Apache work, what can it do? And most importantly: where has it been deployed? All known deployments in which the Apache was used will be detailed.

The security policy part shows all doctrines and crisis scenarios in which the Apache concept had to and will have to work. So, the future is also looked at and the current security policy situation, which represents the new operational environment of the AH-64, is closely examined. This is accompanied by beautiful photos, technical sketches, detailed views, and mission pictures. Yes, the Apache was often shot at and also had its times of crisis. That is also not left unmentioned.

SPARTANAT: What impressed you the most about the Apache?

Personally, I was fascinated by the performance of this warhorse. Especially when I was there a few times with the Americans on-site. You usually see the Apache just hovering somewhere or leisurely passing by in its black-gray silhouette on a ferry flight when you're a civilian in the Bavarian countryside. You mostly only know the funny Dutchmen with their show Apache at airshows, or photo fans or spotters experiencing an Apache on approach or takeoff. The Americans have a very specific way of maintaining civil-military relations: friendly conversation with their foreign guests. Everything is "fine", "great" and "awesome." No one is giving an admonishing message here.

"Live at the demonstration, the Apache turns into an extremely agile monster, firing from all barrels. 30mm Chaingun and 70mm rockets..."

Nothing is mentioned about what to expect in the field or on the ramp. They have completely switched to polite understatement militarily, not wanting to offend the German specialized journalist who will only experience a maximum of 4 Tiger attack helicopters in one place. And then it starts: 16 Apaches fly in one after the other, 10 more park on the FARP nearby and wait for their mission. I stand at the shooting range in Grafenwöhr, right where some of the gunships fire their 30mm cannons close to the ground. And suddenly, all hell breaks loose! The Apache turns into an extremely agile monster, firing from all barrels. 30mm Chaingun and 70mm rockets... Hellfires are too expensive to be fired live, they were missing. The machines curve frighteningly close over the treetops and draw abruptly and straight up, ready to fire immediately. From all directions, these black shadows rush towards. Everything is enveloped in smoke and soot, from all directions, muffled kick-bass salvos echo from the shooting range next door.

Then calm again, bird chirping. That was the most impressive thing about the Apache. It goes from a leisurely flight suddenly into tactical attack mode as if it were in the middle of a hostile major offensive somewhere near Suwalki or over the Spratly Islands. Very aggressive flight maneuvers and massive firepower are deployed, which are completely unknown. And that in such a large number of combat machines. That was the most fascinating moment for me.

"AH-64 Apache" by Christian Rastätter, Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2021, 224 pages, Euro 29.90.