Nope.
The Viper has newer avionics e.g. the TSS system (Viper) v the Arrowhead system (Apache).
Bro, TSS system is intended to replace the older NTS system in AH-1 series attack helicopters. Arrowhead system is being developed independently and exclusively for AH-64 series attack helicopters.
TSS system is intended to bring avionics of AH-1 series on par with the avionics of AH-64 series in specifications and/or capabilities to enable AH-1 series attack helicopters to tackle latest (and emerging) threats just like their Apache counterparts since US cannot afford to keep USMC ill-equipped for latest and emerging threats. This is like "
der aaye, durust aaye."
Evolution of AH-64 series attack helicopters with passage of time:
http://i60.fastpic.ru/big/2013/1029/5f/95c33182c4a70b2394793b178b09295f.jpg
AH-64 series attack helicopters are also equipped with the
state-of-the-art Longbow radar system which grants them unparalleled coverage and range. However, AH-1 series attack helicopters are equipped with a different radar system.
Some comparisons regarding weapons;
The Apache's 30mm chain gun is more effective than the Viper's 20mm Gatling tribarrel in the air-to-ground role due to its larger and more powerful shells, but it is inferior in a hypothetical air-to-air engagement due to its low rate of fire.
You are assuming that the M230 gun used in AH-64 series have inferior accuracy which is unlikely. M230 gun is not just designed to fire more lethal rounds but also have larger payload, and its movement can be controlled from the pilot's helmet. Wherever the pilot of AH-64 series attack helicopter looks, the M230 gun automatically shifts in that direction.
So even if M197 gun have higher rate of fire (which is questionable), it will run out of rounds sooner. In contrast, M230 gun not just inflicts more damage per round but will also last longer during firing due to its larger payload (700 rounds for M197 vs. 1200 rounds for M230).
The Viper carries the AIM-9X missile, The AH-64 never carries Sidewinders in actual service even though it can fire them. Unlike the Viper, because it can only carry them on its underwing pylons, in place of normal air-to-ground armament. That is why it carries the inferior Stinger missile, which is much smaller and can be mounted on the wingtips.
The AH-1Z *DOES* carry Sidewinders in service, one on each wingtip.
Also the AH-1Z can carry its full standard combat load AND Sidewinders... and the Apache can carry its combat load... OR Sidewinders.
The standard load for both would be AH-1Z with 2 Sidewinders + Ground Attack vs Apache with 4 Stingers + Ground Attack.
Bro, standard armament for both AH-1 series and AH-64 series is largely same. However, armaments (of both) can be modified for a specific role and/or as per demands of the customer. AH-1 series and AH-64 series attack helicopters are generally utilized for different roles and by different branches of US armed forces; therefore, armaments of both (in use) may vary accordingly.
AH-1 series attack helicopters are likely to be equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles because these missiles are suitable for mission priorities of USMC for its attack helicopters in general. However, US army have different mission priorities then USMC for its attack helicopters in general and give preference to AIM-92 Stinger missiles accordingly.
You acknowledged that AH-64 series attack helicopters can be equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles but you also claim that this is possible with trade-off in its armaments. However, I have noticed that AIM-9 Sidewinder missile launchers are mounted at the tips of the wings of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter so why the same cannot be done for AH-64 series attack helicopter?
FYI, AH-64 series attack helicopters carry AIM-92 Stinger missiles independently of its standard armament, at the tips of its wings. I believe that AIM-92 Stinger missile launchers can be replaced with AIM-9 Sidewinder missile launchers.
Check this link and focus on the tips of wings:
http://media.defenceindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_AH-64D_Apache_UK_Frontal_w_Royal_Marines_lg.jpg
In the image above, you will notice the capacity for accommodation of additional armament at the tips of (both) wings of an AH-64 series attack helicopter. These are the points where AIM-92 Stinger missile launchers are installed in AH-64 series and AIM-9 Sidewinder missile launchers are installed in AH-1 series.
It also has six weapons pylons as opposed to the Apache's four.
Covered above.
The Viper is also slimmer and less of a target, showing less of a profile.
Its more faster, has a better rate of climb, a great range and better fuel efficiency.
Capable. Flexible. Multi-mission. The ultimate in attack helicopters. The powerful AH-1Z delivers state of the art dynamics, weapons and avionics to incorporate the latest in survivability. With anti-armor capability, it engages and defeats the broadest array of threats at standoff ranges that defy imagination.
AH-1 series attack helicopters prioritize maneuverability over protection.
In contrast, AH-64 series attack helicopters prioritize protection over maneuverability due to their front-line roles; however, trade-off isn't significant.
Performance-related data of both AH-1Z Viper and AH-64E Apache Guardian vary in sources on the web, therefore it is difficult to argue who have superior performance. I get the impression that US tends to conceal some information about AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter. However, I am aware of the fact that AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter is equipped with more powerful engines and MTOW potential.
Actually I asked the Apache pilots and they said there was nothing between them, aside the Viper was more agile and faster.
I found this:
CUTAWAY: AH-1Z Viper enters production as substantially new aircraft
