The prototype Apache made its first flight in 1975 as the YAH-64, and in 1976, Hughes received a full-scale development contract. In 1982, the Army approved the program, now known as AH-64A Apache, for production. Deliveries began from the McDonnell Douglas plant at Mesa, Ariz., in 1984 — the year Hughes Helicopters became part of McDonnell Douglas.

Highly maneuverable and heavily armed, the combat-proven AH-64 Apache helicopter was the backbone of the U.S. Army's all-weather, ground-support capability until the AH-64D Longbow was deployed.