Boeing AH-64 Apache vs Mil Mi-28 Havoc

Spec-driven on-paper analysis — who wins what scenario.

Boeing AH-64 Apache
Boeing AH-64 Apache ↗
Mil Mi-28 Havoc
Mil Mi-28 Havoc ↗

Spec table

SpecBoeing AH-64 ApacheMil Mi-28 Havoc
Max speed (mph) (mph) 182 199
Max speed (Mach) (Mach) 0.28 0.3
Combat radius / range (mi) 1,180 285
Service ceiling (ft) 21,000 18,865
MTOW (lb) 23,000 25,353
Empty weight (lb) 11,387 17,635
Payload (lb) 3,986 5,512
Endurance (hr) 2.5 2.5
Length (ft) 58.2 59.5
Wingspan (ft) 48 56.8
Thrust-to-weight ratio (MTOW) 0.17 0.17

Green = leader on that dimension. Higher is treated as better for all rows shown.

On-paper verdict

Beyond Visual Range (BVR, > 40 nm)

Mil Mi-28 Havoc entered service 10 years later, so it generally fields a more modern radar generation (AESA vs. mechanically-scanned arrays in older airframes) and longer-range BVR weapons. In BVR engagements, the newer-radar aircraft typically wins the first-shot opportunity.

Within Visual Range (WVR, dogfight)

Mil Mi-28 Havoc carries a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.17 versus 0.17 for Boeing AH-64 Apache (using MTOW; combat-weight T/W is meaningfully higher for both). The higher T/W gives Mil Mi-28 Havoc better instantaneous acceleration after a turn, better energy retention through a sustained turn, and a more vertical fight option. Boeing AH-64 Apache likely depends more on energy-management discipline to come out on top in a knife fight.

High-altitude intercept

Mil Mi-28 Havoc has the speed advantage (Mach 0.3 vs 0.28); Boeing AH-64 Apache has the altitude advantage (21,000 ft vs 18,865 ft). Whoever owns the intercept depends on the target's flight profile.

Strike / strategic mission

Boeing AH-64 Apache reaches 1,180 mi unrefueled — 314% more range than the other (285 mi). In strike profiles where the target sits deep behind enemy lines, the longer-legged aircraft engages without tanker support. Mil Mi-28 Havoc carries 5,512 lb of payload (38% more), letting it hit the target with more weapons or stand off with larger / longer-range munitions.

Caveat: these scenarios are on paper. Real combat outcomes hinge on pilot skill, training quality, doctrine, tactics, electronic warfare, radar generation upgrades, missile choices, and ground-controlled intercept support — none of which fit into a spec table. Treat as a starting point for further research, not a verdict.

Frequently asked questions

Which is more agile, Boeing AH-64 Apache or Mil Mi-28 Havoc?

By thrust-to-weight ratio (a strong proxy for instantaneous turn performance), Mil Mi-28 Havoc leads with 0.17 versus 0.17. Agility in actual combat also depends on wing loading, flight-control law, pilot skill, and energy-management discipline.

Which has the longer combat radius?

Boeing AH-64 Apache: 1180 mi vs 285 mi (manufacturer-published unrefueled range; actual combat radius is typically 30-50% lower depending on weapons load and reserves).

Which has the more modern radar / avionics?

Boeing AH-64 Apache entered service in 1986, Mil Mi-28 Havoc in 1996. The newer-service-entry airframe usually carries a more modern radar generation, though both have received upgrades over their lifetime.

Could they realistically face each other in combat?

Both are operated by major air forces. Whether they have actually flown against each other in combat or only in exercises depends on the specific airframes and political climate. The reference pages link to documented service histories.

Is this comparison authoritative?

No. This is a spec-driven on-paper analysis. Real combat outcomes are dominated by pilot skill, training quality, doctrine, tactics, ground-controlled-intercept support, electronic warfare, and weapons-loadout choices — none of which appear in the public spec sheet. Treat this as a starting point for further research, not a verdict.

Sources

Spec values pulled from each aircraft's reference page in the gallery, which aggregates manufacturer-published figures with Wikipedia-cited sources:

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