I'm thinking about flying or gunning in an AH-64 for the US army, are they relatively safe?

Question

I don't have a deathwish but I'd like to help out in Iraq so I was wondering how often people are killed in or shot down in Apaches. Please only current, former US Army that have served in Iraq or Afghanistan or anyone with legitimate facts, no "yes because I said so".

Answer 1

I'm not an expert, but i watch the news alot. they do shot Apaches from time to time, i don't think it's safe.

Answer 2

You'll be perfectly fine unless you get hit with an RPG or something.  There are occasional "technical" failures that result in crashes but those are rare in comparison to the sheer number of Apaches and other helicopters flying around over there 24/7.

Answer 3

Rarely  

Answer 4

You are a soldier, so let me thank you first.  Thank you for putting yourself in harms way and protecting USA.

As far as the Apache or any military vehicle for that matter, they are always considered valuable targets since they support infantry. So although you will be able to retreat quickly from a bad situation, you will be more so a target. There is always the risk of mechanical failure, so I think it is a wash.  The risk and benefit are about even.  

Answer 5

They are frequently hit by groundfire, but serious injury/fatalities are very rare.  Frankly, being an old fighter guy and having worked closely with Attack Helo aviation crews, your attitude is not what will make a good AH64 crewmember.  

Gunships WANT to seek out the enemy and destroy them.  Obviously one flies and plans smartly; but the overriding impetus is putting hurt on the bad guys.

You might want to reconsider your choice of airframe-that's all I'm saying

Answer 6

Remember, what goes up must come down, in one way or another.

Answer 7

Most fatalities happen at the "cruise" stage, not the "Ground", "Hover", "Hover and Taxi" and "Take Off" phases.  The second highest incidents come from "Hover and Taxi" or "Landing".  These are uninjured though, not deaths.  Engine failure is the most common issue and it's usually the tail rotor.  These are legitimate facts from ASC Public Affairs, and is based on  a brief.  

Answer 8

Start here both gunner and pilot are pilots gunner is usually the lower rank of the two the crew compartment is armor and most of the main components are for what they are used for its fairly safe its not very often they get shot down make sure to take care of your crew chief he's the one  that maintains your aircraft