Description:
The AH-64 is a
heavily armed attack helicopter
Features:
The Apache is a state-of-the-art attack helicopter capable of defeating
a wide range of targets, including all armored vehicles. This
helicopter, which is capable of performing its mission at night and
under adverse weather conditions, provides direct aerial fire as an
integral element of ground units. Armed with laser-designated Hellfire
missiles, 30mm cannon and Hydra 70 rockets, the Apache can direct
highly mobile and effective firepower against the enemy. Its Target
Acquisition Designation Sight (TADS) and Pilot Night Vision Sensor
(PNVS) provide day and night laser designation of targets and infrared
night vision for both the pilot and the copilot/gunner.
Background:
The Apache was acquired by the Army in 1986. The Army has 28 battalions
equipped with the Apache and expects to have a total of 37 battalions
equipped by FY95. Of the 811 Apaches ordered, 729 have been delivered.
The last delivery is expected in FY95.
AH-64D Apache
Longbow Hellfire Missile System: The Longbow Hellfire missile provides
an adverse weather, fire-and-forget, heavy anti-armor capability for
attack helicopters.The Longbow Hellfire missile is a millimeter wave
radar fire-and-forget version of the Hellfire missile. The Longbow
development program also includes development of a fire control radar
system and numerous modifications to the helicopter. The Longbow fire
control radar system will locate, classify, and prioritize targets for
the Longbow Hellfire missile. The Longbow system is being developed for
integration into the Apache attack helicopter and the Comanche armed
reconnaissance helicopter. Longbow is planned for integration into the
entire fleet of Apache aircraft and into one-third of the Comanche
fleet.
Longbow Hellfire
incorporates a millimeter wave radar seeker on a Hellfire II aft
section data bus. The primary advantages of the Longbow missile include
adverse weather capability (rain, snow, fog, smoke, and battlefield
obscurants); millimeter wave countermeasures survivability;
fire-and-forget guidance, which allows the Apache Longbow to launch and
then remask, thus minimizing exposure to enemy fire; an advanced
warhead capable of defeating reactive armor configurations projected
into the 21st century; and reprogrammability to adapt to changing
threats and mission requirements. |
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