May 19, 2022 12:10
The U.S. Forces Korea has launched a new squadron equipped with 24 Apache helicopters ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Seoul this weekend.
With that the USFK now has two permanent Apache helicopter squadrons with a total of 48 choppers.
According to the 2nd U.S. Infantry Division, the squadron was launched at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province on Tuesday.
"The new squadron consists of roughly 500 soldiers and 24 AH-64E Apaches, the latest version of the Army's attack helicopter," the U.S. Army newspaper Stars and Stripes reported.
It is also equipped with RQ-7B Shadow reconnaissance drones.
"This AH-64E V6 is far superior to prior generations when you take into consideration its lethality, its survivability, its performance and its maneuverability," Lt. Col. Peter Schmitt of the 2nd U.S. Combat Aviation Brigade tweeted in February.
The 17.7 m long Apache can fly at a maximum speed of 293 km/h and has a maneuverability range of 480 km. It is armed with a 30 mm chain gun that is capable of destroying light tanks.
It can carry out combat operations with killer drones and has significantly improved capabilities for search, detection and attack.
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