Why do we use both the AH-1Z Viper and AH-64 Apache? Furthermore, why do the Marines use the Viper instead?
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The military has a long history of wanting slightly different things for slightly different purposes.
Both serve similar roles, though the Apache was built ground up as a tank hunter in Western Europe versus the cobra as an evolution of the UH-1.
The Marines also need a naval variant since they are technically a naval fighting force.
The Apache was not planned as a naval aircraft. It’s possible to modify it to be one, but with the marines smaller numbers, it wasn’t economical. The British have naval Apache variants but you have to really buy in to wanting a naval Apache versus just upgrading the platform you already have.
The naval amphibious role also is reflected in choices like buying blackhawks, or buying super Huey’s. Marines bought more super Huey’s. They’re smaller, and cheaper but a Blackhawk has more capacity and range.
Also the apache serves a weird slot on the army. Since they have no fixed wing combat aircraft, the Apache is their offensive combat.
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