Bell AH-1Z Viper vs Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian
Full specs: Bell AH-1Z Viper Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian
Bell AH-1Z Viper and Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian are both helicopter, compared here on public specifications. The Bell AH-1Z Viper leads on weapons payload (2,500 vs 771 kg).
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Full data
Full spec sheet
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (km/h) | 411 km/h ✓ | 293 km/h |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | 296 km/h ✓ | 265 km/h |
| Range (km) | 685 km ✓ | 480 km |
| Service ceiling (m) | 6,096 m | 6,400 m ✓ |
| Rate of climb (m/s) | 15 m/s ✓ | 13 m/s |
| Firepower | ||
| Hardpoints | 6 ✓ | 4 |
| Weapons payload (kg) | 2,500 kg ✓ | 771 kg |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 17.98 m | 17.73 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 5,580 kg | 5,165 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 8,392 kg | 10,433 kg |
| Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Propulsion | ||
| Engine power (hp) | 1,800 hp | 2,000 hp ✓ |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $31,000,000 ✓ | $35,000,000 |
| Units built | 200 | 2,600 ✓ |
| Operator countries | 3 | 17 ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Bell AH-1Z Viper and Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian? +
The Bell AH-1Z Viper is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 411 km/h.
Which has the longer range? +
The Bell AH-1Z Viper has the longest range at 685 km.
Which carries the larger weapons payload? +
The Bell AH-1Z Viper carries the largest weapons payload at 2,500 kg.
Which is cheaper? +
The Bell AH-1Z Viper has the lower public unit-cost figure at 31,000,000 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher hardpoints? +
The Bell AH-1Z Viper has the higher hardpoints at 6.
Which has the higher cruise speed? +
The Bell AH-1Z Viper has the higher cruise speed at 296 km/h.
Is the Bell AH-1Z Viper better than the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian? +
On the public specs we track, the Bell AH-1Z Viper leads on 6 of 6 headline metrics, see the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
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