AH-64 E Apache Guardian Attack Helicopter

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Etsy stores who got caught so far:

- Adam from STLForge

----------------------------------------------------- I will make another helicopter build so please drop your suggestions in the comments!

This is the U.S. Army's AH-64E Apache attack helicopter. Modeled from scratch with Autodesk Fusion, fully printable and features spinnable main/tail rotors at 1:45 scale. This is my first helicopter build and wanted to make it as detailed as possible while being easy to print and assemble. This is the very first iteration of this model, I do welcome any positive feedback.

Main rotor assembly: Everything else on this model besides the main rotor is pretty straight forward. The assembly of the main rotor could be complicated without any guidance. Use the images below as a reference on how the completed assembly should look like.

Note that the there are two different rotor hubs: one to mount the blades (the upper Hub), and one as a pitch control hub (the lower one). They go in this exact order and orientation. Only apply a little bit of glue to the top of the cylindrical portion of the lower hub and ensure that the pitch control rods (the thin rods that are pointing downwards) are aligned with the extremities of the lower hub. Feel free to use the main shaft as a guide to ensure that the centers of the hubs are aligned, but makes sure that the hubs are not glued to the shaft, this will prevent the rotors from spinning all together.

The AH-64E Apache is the latest variant of the Apache attack helicopter, a highly advanced and versatile rotary-wing aircraft primarily used by the U.S. Army and several allied nations. The AH-64E, also known as the "Apache Guardian," represents a significant upgrade over previous models, particularly the AH-64D Longbow. It is equipped with improved avionics and electronics, including the latest version of the Longbow radar. This allows the helicopter to detect, classify, and engage targets more effectively, even in challenging weather conditions. It can carry a variety of weapons, including Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rocket pods, and air-to-air Stinger missiles. The ability to carry different weapon loads makes the AH-64E adaptable to various mission profiles, from close air support to anti-tank operations. One of the most significant advancements in the AH-64E is its ability to function as a "networked" asset. It can control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) directly, allowing for greater tactical flexibility and the ability to gather and relay intelligence without exposing the helicopter to unnecessary risks.

This could be one of the more challenging models for many users out there so please take your time printing and assembling it. Although glue is required for this, it is extremely important to not glue everything down right away, take some time to understand how all the parts go together. Many components can be press fitted and won't require any glue.

Update 8/26/2024 I have updated the model to include an upward exhaust that is more of what the U.S. Army uses on their Apache Guardians to reduce IR signatures.

Update 8/29/2024 With feedback from users, the front half of the body is updated with a few small details. Previous print profiles had to be removed due to a bug in Bambu Handy not updating the stl within the print profile.

Update 9/26/2024 Added detail to the Longbow fire control radar.

On plate 4, you have the option to choose between the Legacy exhaust or the Upward exhaust. Simply uncheck the one you don't want before you hit print. Otherwise it will print both!