TM 1-1520-238-10 Change 3 2-1 CHAPTER 2 AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Section I. AIRCRAFT 2.1 GENERAL. The AH-64A helicopter is a twin engine, tandem seat, ae- rial weapons platform. 2.2 AIRCRAFT GENERAL ARRANGEMENT. Figure 2-2 illustrates the general arrangement including accessing and some major exterior components. 2.2.1 Fuselage. The fuselage includes a forward, cen- ter, and aft section that employ aluminum alloy semi- monocoque construction. All major weight items (crew, fuel, and ammunition) are supported by bulkheads, frames, and a longitudinal support structure. The forward fuselage contains the copilot/gunner (CPG) station. There are also provisions for mounting the target acquisition and designation sight (TADS), pilot night vision sensor (PNVS), and a 30mm area weapon. The center section contains the pilot crew station and provides support for the oleo-damped main landing gear, main transmission, wings, fuel cells, and ammunition bay. The aft section in- cludes the vertical stabilizer and has provisions for mount- ing the tail landing gear. The avionics bay and stowage compartments are contained in the aft section. The tail ro- tor, driveshafts, gearboxes, and stabilator are attached to the aft section. 2.2.2 Wings. Left and right wings are attached to the center fuselage. They are of aluminum cantilever, spar, and rib construction. Each wing provides two hardpoints for external stores and hydraulic and electrical quick dis- connects. 2.2.3 Rotors. The helicopter has a fully articulated four- blade main rotor system equipped with elastomeric lead- lag dampers. The tail rotor is a semi-rigid design and con- sists of four blades. 2.2.4 Engines. The helicopter is powered by two hori- zontally-mounted turbo-shaft engines. Power is supplied to the main transmission through engine-mounted nose gearboxes, shafts, and overrunning clutches. The main transmission drives the main and tail rotors and accessory gearbox. 2.3 SPECIAL MISSION KITS. The helicopter can be equipped with an IR jammer kit, ra- dar jammer kit, radar warning kit, winterization kit, chaff kit, and extended range kit. Refer to the applicable system for descriptive information. 2.4 PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS. Figure 2-3 illustrates principal helicopter dimensions. 2.5 TURNING RADIUS AND GROUND CLEARANCE. Figure 2-4 illustrates helicopter turning radius and ground clearance. 2.6 DANGER AREAS. 2.6.1 Shaded Areas Illustrated. The illustrated shaded areas (fig 2-5) can be hazardous. Personnel ap- proaching an operating helicopter must do so at a 45-de- gree angle from the front. The approach must be made from well outside the rotor disc area until recognition is re- ceived from the pilot. The pilot will then signal when closer approach is safe. 2.6.2 Air Flow. Air flow from the tail rotor and down- wash from the main rotor are dangerous, even outside the turning radius of the helicopter when it is in hover or oper- ating at takeoff power. 2.6.3 Exhaust Gases. Exhaust gases from the helicop- ter engines and auxiliary power unit (APU) can cause burns. Personnel should remain clear of these areas. 2.6.4 Canopy Jettison. During canopy jettison, acrylic fragments will be propelled approximately 50 feet from the helicopter. Personnel approaching a crash-damaged heli- copter shall look for a signal from the crew that closer ap- proach is safe.