Hughes Aircraft: Illustrated History Books & Guides

AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter (Pilot's Flight Operation Instructions)

Developed and deployed in a short time due to the pressure of the Vietnam War, Bell's AH-1 Cobra performed well; but Army planners believed a better attack helicopter would be needed in the next war. In 1976, Hughes Helicopter's YAH-64A prototype bested the Cobra in firepower, performance and range, and won the competition to replace it.
It would be 1982 before production commenced, but eventually over 1100 would be produced including the advanced AH-64D Apache Longbow. Dubbed the Apache, the AH-64 is a four- blade, twin-engine, tandem-cockpit design with tailwheel landing gear.
The AH-64 features double and triple-rendundant systems that ensure maximum survivability in combat, and an awesome array of weapons that can include Hellfire missiles and a 30mm M230 Chain Gun that can be slaved to the pilot's head movements via a helmet mounted display (IHADSS).

The Apache first saw combat during the invasion of Panama in 1989, and conducted the first attack of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying into Iraq to destroy enemy radar systems. AH-64s are credited with destroying over 500 tanks during that conflict.
They continued their service in Bosnia and Kosovo, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The AH-64 is now also deployed by the United Kingdom, Israel, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Japan and other air forces worldwide.

Created by the Army for the AH-64A version of the Apache, this unclassified pilot's flight manual runs over 600 pages, and contains chapters about aircraft systems and procedures. It is reprinted here in its entirety.

Product details

Author:	Headquarters Department of the Army
Details:	656 pages, 10 x 8.1 x 1.3 in (25.5 x 20.5 x 3.3 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many photos and drawings
Language:	English
Publisher:	Periscope Film (USA, 2011)
Series:	Pilot's Flight Operation Instructions
ISBN:	9781935700678

Howard's Whirlybirds : Howard Hughes' Amazing Pioneering Helicopter Exploits

Howard Hughes, the movie mogul, aviation pioneer and political hound dog, has always fascinated the public with his mixture of secrecy, dashing lifestyle and reclusiveness. Companies responsible for major technological leaps often become household names.
An exception is Howard Hughes's pioneering helicopter company, Hughes Helicopters, a name that has fallen into oblivion. Yet most schoolboys in the world have heard of the company's prize-winning product: the Apache helicopter.

Hughes popularised the light helicopter trainer, mass-produced the first turbinepowered light observation helicopter, led the way in hot cycle rotorcraft propulsion research and, finally, developed the world's most advanced attack helicopter that was purchased and saw service with the UK.
Here's how some of the world's most innovative helicopters were developed. Covering the period from the Second World War until the mid- 1980s, you will learn why Hughes military aircraft contracts came under close scrutiny by the US government.

The story is rich with tales of technological breakthrough and test-flying bravado made possible by a small crew of engineers and daring pilots.

Written by a technical expert and insider to the industry, "Howard's Whirlybirds: Howard Hughes' Amazing Pioneering Helicopter Exploits" is a fascinating and alternative view on the phenomenal pioneer with unpublished photographs and material that will fascinate the aviation and military historian as well as the casual reader and cinema buff.

Donald J. Porter is an established aviation writer previously writing for Tab Books and McGraw Hill. He was previously a technical manager at Hughes Helicopters on the OH-6A and Apache programs during the firm's heyday.

Product details

Author:	Donald J. Porter
Details:	240 pages, 9.25 x 6.1 in (23.5 x 15.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	30 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Fonthill Media (GB, 2013)
ISBN:	9781781550892

Hughes HK-1 (H-4) Flying Boat Manual

The legendary H-4 Hercules was designed and built by the Hughes Aircraft Company. Intended to defeat the German U-boat threat, the plane was intended to be a super transport that could ferry 750 troops from the USA to Europe, and serve as an aerial ambulance on the return flight. Owing to wartime restrictions on the use of aluminum, the prototype Hercules was built using laminated birch wood. Although company CEO Howard Hughes hated it, the name "Spruce Goose" was coined for the plane and it stuck.
The Hercules would be the largest flying boat ever built, and one of history's largest and most expensive planes. Many questioned the practicality of the aircraft, and after the war ended and the project was roundly criticized as a boondoggle. To silence the critics, Howard Hughes decided to prove the plane could fly. On November 2, 1947 he and a crew of 21 conducted a series of taxi tests with the plane. On the last test, the plane became airborne for a brief time and flew just under two miles at an altitude of roughly 70 feet. It would never fly again, but Hughes had silenced his critics.

This Hughes Flying Boat Manual was originally prepared for the U.S. Government's War Department, and made available through the Freedom of Information Act. It provides an overview of this massive plane's design and operation for the pilot and flight crew, and puts you right in the cockpit of one of history's great planes.
Please note, because this document originated from an archival copy, legibility can vary.

Product details

Author:	U.S. War Department
Details:	170 pages, 9.8 x 8.1 x 0.39 in (25 x 20.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	CKE Publications (USA, 2009)
ISBN:	9781935327783

The Apache in European Service

The Apache helicopter is a revolutionary development in the history of war, designed to hunt, take out and destroy up to 256 targets in less than five minutes. Highly manoeuvrable and heavily armed, the combat-proven Apache is the primary attack helicopter for many countries worldwide and is feared by many armed forces as well as terror groups in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

With its armour, sensors and heavy-duty weaponry, the Apache is a formidable opponent on the battlefield. It is a deadly combination of strength, agility and firepower. In The Apache in European Service, Darren Willmin explores the immense flying capabilities and the weaponry systems of the Apache that serves with the British, Greek and Royal Netherlands forces.

Willmin's superb photographs capture the fundamentals of the Apache both from the ground and in the air. This unique collection will appeal to everyone with an interest in this truly amazing helicopter.

Product details

Author:	Darren Willmin
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.39 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	184 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Fonthill Media (GB, 2016)
ISBN:	9781781554449

AH-64 Apache

The martial AH-64 Apache is a heavy attack helicopter that set new standards in this segment and is still one of the most powerful models today. Since its introduction in 1986, it has been used in every significant conflict involving the US and has always proven itself to be outstanding. Its crews value the high combat power, strong armor and good survivability of the machine under fire.

Christian Rastätter has excellent connections in US military circles and, with his insider knowledge, delivers the ultimate book on this impressive helicopter.

Product details

Author:	Christian Rastätter
Details:	224 pages, 10.6 x 9.25 x 0.71 in (27 x 23.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200 b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2021)
ISBN:	9783613043909