Asian Aerospace 2000 -- Watch Boeing's angular AH-64D Apache attack helicopter closely during the flying program at Changi, and you'll see an aerobatic routine completely new to the Asian Aerospace Show. What Boeing describes as "the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopter" is performing for the first time here a series of hammerhead stalls, split-S maneuvers, loops and rolls, at typical combat-equipped weights exceeding 16,000 pounds.

Boeing pilots say that the AH-64D aerobats better than the original AH-64A, in a flight envelope extended from recent development trials.

"The combination of maneuverability and a fully-integrated weapon system make the Longbow Apache unique," claims Robert Mitchell, director of Boeing's business development.

"We are the only ones to conduct aerobatic maneuvers at air shows at representative mission weights," he said.