Blade Micro AH-64 Apache (Horizon Hobby): Specs and Scale Apache Options
Horizon Hobby’s Apache is the Blade Micro AH-64 Apache, an officially Boeing-licensed micro scale helicopter. It has a hard plastic scale body, four-blade main and tail rotors, a 317.5 mm main rotor, brushless motors for both main and tail, and a flybarless collective-pitch head with a 120° CCPM swashplate. SAFE technology gives progressive flight modes with self-levelling. It’s about 350 mm long and runs on a small 400 mAh battery. For bigger Apaches, scale fuselages like Roban’s 700-size AH-64 are the next step.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Main rotor diameter | 317.5 mm (12.5 in), four blades |
| Tail rotor diameter | 65 mm (2.6 in), four blades |
| Length / width / height | 350 / 130 / 100 mm |
| Rotor head | Collective pitch, flybarless, 120° CCPM |
| Motors | Brushless main and tail |
| Battery | 400 mAh |
| Stabilisation | SAFE with progressive modes |
| Versions | RTF and BNF |
From Horizon Hobby and dealer listings; availability of this model varies, so check current stock and parts.
What it’s like to fly
Thanks to SAFE, the Micro Apache levels itself in the beginner mode, so new pilots can hover and fly slow circuits while they learn orientation. Higher modes allow more bank and pitch for scale-style flying. The four-blade heads and hard body look great but add weight, so it’s less agile than a non-scale micro heli of similar size and is happiest flown smoothly. Indoors in a large room or outdoors in calm air are its best conditions. Micro heli basics are in micro RC helicopters.
Care and parts
- Buy spare main blades, tail blades and the body mounts.
- Check the scale body clips and stub wings after landings.
- Use the correct small LiPo and charger; carry several batteries.
- Inspect ball links and servos after any crash.
- Keep fluff out of motors after indoor flights.
Bigger Apache options
For a larger, more realistic Apache, scale fuselages fit standard helicopter mechanics: Roban, for example, offers a 700-size AH-64 ARF, and smaller 250- or 450-size Apaches have been made by other brands. These are serious projects: multi-blade scale heads, retract-free but detailed bodies, and big rotors that need experienced pilots and proper flying sites. Scale options are discussed in scale RC helicopters.
Is it right for you?
The Micro Apache suits pilots who want a scale military helicopter that can be flown indoors and is easy to start with thanks to SAFE. If you mainly want to learn helicopter flying, a non-scale micro collective-pitch heli is cheaper to crash. If you want display-level realism, a large scale build is the way, but it costs far more.
Safety
Even micro blades spin fast enough to cut skin and damage eyes. Fly away from people, keep children at a distance, and use throttle hold before handling the helicopter. Remove the battery after flying.
The real Apache
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed in the US and in service since the 1980s, recognisable by its tandem cockpit, stub wings and four-blade main rotor. Those features are what make it attractive as a scale model: the outline is unmistakable even at small size, and military colour schemes are easy to reproduce. The micro version captures the outline and four-blade heads, while large scale builds add the detail of sensors, weapons pylons and cockpit.
FAQ
Does Horizon Hobby make an AH-64 Apache?
Yes, the Blade Micro AH-64 Apache.
Is the Micro Apache collective pitch?
Yes, with a flybarless 120° CCPM head.
Is it good for beginners?
With SAFE beginner mode, yes, though a non-scale heli is cheaper to learn on.
Are there larger RC Apaches?
Yes, scale fuselages up to 700 size and beyond.
More on this topic: the complete RC Helicopters guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
