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The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery
platform. It is designed to fight and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world. With a tandem-seated
crew consisting of the pilot, located in the rear cockpit position and the co-pilot gunner (CPG), located in the front position,
the Apache is self-deployable, highly survivable and delivers a lethal array of battlefield armaments. The Apache features
a Target Acquisition Designation Sight (TADS) and a Pilot Night Vision Sensor (PNVS) which enables the crew to navigate and
conduct precision attacks in day, night and adverse weather conditions.
The Apache can carry up to 16 Hellfire laser designated missiles. With a range of over 8000 meters, the Hellfire is used
primarily for the destruction of tanks, armored vehicles and other hard material targets. The Apache can also deliver 76,
2.75" folding fin aerial rockets for use against enemy personnel, light armor vehicles and other soft-skinned targets. Rounding
out the Apache’s deadly punch are 1,200 rounds of ammunition for its Area Weapons System (AWS), 30MM Automatic Gun.
Threat identification through the FLIR system is extremely difficult. Although the AH-64 crew can easily find the heat
signature of a vehicle, it may not be able to determine friend or foe. Forward looking infrared detects the difference in
the emission of heat in objects. On a hot day, the ground may reflect or emit more heat than the suspected target. In this
case, the environment will be "hot" and the target will be "cool". As the air cools at night, the target may lose or emit
heat at a lower rate than the surrounding environment. At some point the emission of heat from both the target and the surrounding
environment may be equal. This is IR crossover and makes target acquisition/detection difficult to impossible. IR crossover
occurs most often when the environment is wet. This is because the water in the air creates a buffer in the emissivity of
objects. This limitation is present in all systems that use FLIR for target acquisition.
Low cloud ceilings may not allow the Hellfire seeker enough time to lock onto its target or may cause it to break lock
after acquisition. At extended ranges, the pilot may have to consider the ceiling to allow time for the seeker to steer the
weapon onto the target. Pilot night vision sensor cannot detect wires or other small obstacles.
Overwater operations severely degrade navigation systems not upgraded with embedded GPS. Although fully capable of
operating in marginal weather, attack helicopter capabilities are seriously degraded in conditions below a 500-foot ceiling
and visibility less than 3 km. Because of the Hellfire missile's trajectory, ceilings below 500 feet require the attack aircraft
to get too close to the intended target to avoid missile loss. Below 3 km visibility, the attack aircraft is vulnerable to
enemy ADA systems. Some obscurants can prevent the laser energy from reaching the target; they can also hide the target from
the incoming munitions seeker. Dust, haze, rain, snow and other particulate matter may limit visibility and affect sensors.
The Hellfire remote designating crew may offset a maximum of 60 degrees from the gun to target line and must not position
their aircraft within a +30-degree safety fan from the firing aircraft.
The Apache fully exploits the vertical dimension of the battlefield. Aggressive terrain flight techniques allow the commander
to rapidly place the ATKHB at the decisive place at the optimum time. Typically, the area of operations for Apache is the
entire corps or divisional sector. Attack helicopters move across the battlefield at speeds in excess of 3 kilometers per
minute. Typical planning airspeeds are 100 to 120 knots during daylight and 80 to 100 knots at night. Speeds during marginal
weather are reduced commensurate with prevailing conditions. The Apache can attack targets up to 150 km across the FLOT. If
greater depth is required, the addition of ERFS tanks can further extend the AH-64's range with a corresponding reduction
in Hellfire missile carrying capacity (four fewer Hellfire missiles for each ERFS tank installed).
Apache production began in FY82 and the first unit was deployed in FY86. As of November 1993, 807 Apaches were delivered
to the Army. The last Army Apache delivery is scheduled for December 1995. Thirty-three attack battalions are deployed and
ready for combat. The Army is procuring a total of 824 Apaches to support a new force structure of 25 battalions with 24 Apaches
for each unit (16 Active; 2 Reserve; 7 National Guard) under the Aviation Restructure Initiative. The Apache has been sold
to Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Greece.
The Russian-developed Mi-24 HIND is the Apache's closest couterpart. The Russians have deployed significant numbers of
HINDs in Europe and have exported the HIND to many third world countries. The Russians have also developed the KA-50 HOKUM
as their next generation attack helicopter. The Italian A-129 Mangusta is the nearest NATO counterpart to the Apache. The
Germans and French are co-developing the PAH-2 Tiger attack helicopter, which has many of the capabilities of the Apache.
Apache MTS focuses on the insertion of the latest technology into the design and manufacture of select spares. This is
to be accomplished without government research and development (R&D) funds, but rather, uses industry investment. Industry,
in turn, recoups this investment through the sale of improved hardware via long term contracts.
Modernization efforts continue to improve the performance envelope of the AH-64A while reducing the cost of ownership.
Major modernization efforts within the AH-64A fleet are funded and on schedule. GG Rotor modifications were finished in April
1998,, and future improvements such as a Second Generation FLIR, a High Frequency Non-Line of Sight NOE radio, and an internal
fully crashworthy auxiliary fuel tank are all on the verge of becoming a reality for the Apache.
The Aviation Mission Planning System (AMPS) and the Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC) are tools for the Embedded Global
Positioning Inertial Navigation Unit (EGI) equipped AH-64A aircraft that allow aircrews to plan missions and download the
information to a DTC installed in the Data Transfer Receptacle (DTR). This saves the pilots a lot of "fat fingering" and eliminates
the worry of everyone being on the same "sheet of music". Other features of the DTC include; saving waypoints and targets
and troubleshooting. The EGI program is a Tri-service program with the Army, Air Force and Navy.
AH-64A Apache Multi-Mission Configurations
| Primary Mission |
Starboard Wing |
M230 Gun |
Port Wing |
Rate of Climb |
Duration |
Combat
(Anti-armor) |
4 Hellfire |
320 rds 30mm |
4 Hellfire |
1450 fpm |
1.8 hours |
Multi-role
(Covering force) |
4 Hellfire
19 FFAR * |
1200 rds 30mm |
4 Hellfire
19 FFAR * |
860 fpm |
2.5 hours |
Close-support
(Anti-armor) |
8 Hellfire |
1200 rds 30mm |
8 Hellfire |
990 fpm |
2.5 hours |
Ground-support
(Airmobile escort) |
38 FFAR * |
1200 rds 30mm |
38 FFAR * |
780 fpm |
2.5 hours | * FFAR = 70mm (2.75 inch) Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets
AH-64D LongbowThe AH-64D Longbow Apache is a remanufactured and upgraded version of the AH-64A Apache attack helicopter.
The primary modifications to the Apache are the addition of a millimeter-wave Fire Control Radar (FCR) target acquisition
system, the fire-and-forget Longbow Hellfire air-to-ground missile, updated T700-GE-701C engines, and a fully-integrated cockpit.
In addition, the aircraft receives improved survivability, communications, and navigation capabilities. Most existing capabilities
of the AH-64A Apache are retained.
Transportability requirements were initially identified in the ORD and further defined in the AH-64D System Specification.
Both configurations of the AH-64D, including any removed items and appropriate PGSE, shall be capable of being transported
aboard C-141B, C-5A, or C-17 aircraft. The aircraft shall also be capable of being transported and hangar stored below decks
in the landing platform helicopter (LPH) type carrier, Fast SeaLift ships, Roll-on/Roll-off, LASH, SEABEE ships, and Military
Sealift Command (MSC) dry cargo ships. Additionally, the aircraft shall be transportable by military M-270A1 trailer and commercial
"Air-Ride" trailer or equivalent. For aerial recovery, the AH-64D with MMA will be externally transportable by CH-47D aircraft
using the Unit Maintenance Aerial Recovery Kit. Two AH-64D plus one FCR aircraft will be transportable by C-141, six AH-64Ds
(with a minimum of three FCR mission kits) are transportable by C-5, and three AH-64Ds and three FCR mission kits are transportable
by C-17.
The AH-64D is being fielded in two configurations. The full-up AH-64D includes all of the improvements listed above.
In addition, a version of the AH-64D without the FCR will be fielded. This version will not receive the new Radar Frequency
Interferometer (RFI) or the improved engines, but will retain the other Longbow modifications. The AH-64D without FCR is capable
of launching the Longbow Hellfire missile.
All AH-64A Apaches in the fleet are to be upgraded to the AH-64D configuration: 227 will be equipped with the FCR,
and the remaining 531 will not. Each attack helicopter company will receive three aircraft with FCRs and five without.
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems is under contract for the first 18 Longbow Apaches and delivered the first remanufactured
Longbow Apache in March 1997. The Army and McDonnell Douglas agreed to a five-year, multi-year agreement that will give the
Army 232 Longbow Apaches in the first five years of production. The multi-year purchase increases the Longbow Apache production
rate in the first year to 24 aircraft and 232 for the five-year period. Under the multi-year contract, the Army will field
two additional combat-ready Longbow Apache battalions. The contract also includes funding for McDonnell Douglas to train pilots
and maintenance personnel for the first two equipped units, development of interactive electronic technical manuals, development
of training devices, first article testing of the production aircraft, initial spares, and a variety of program support tasks
for the first production lot. The U.S. Army plans to remanufacture its entire AH-64A Apache fleet of more than 750 aircraft
over the next decade.
During Army operational testing in 1995, all six Longbow Apache prototypes competed against standard AH-64A Apaches. The
threat array developed to test the combat capabilities of the two Apache designs was a postulated 2004 lethal and digitized
force consisting of heavy armor, air defense and countermeasures. The tests clearly demonstrated that Longbow Apaches:
- Are 400 percent more lethal (hitting more targets) than the AH-64A, already the most capable and advanced armed helicopter
in the world to enter service.
- Are 720 percent more survivable than the AH-64A.
- Meet or exceed Army requirements for both target engagement range and for probability of acquiring a seleted target. The
specific requirements and results are classified.
- Easily can hit moving and stationary tanks on an obscured, dirty battlefield from a range of more than 7 kilometers, when
optical systems are rendered ineffective.
- Can use either its Target Acquisition Designation Sight or fire control radar as a targeting sight, offering increased
battlefield flexibility.
- Have the ability to initiate the radar scan, detect and classify more than 128 targets, prioritize the 16 most dangerous
targets, transmit the information to other aircraft, and initiate a precision attack -- all in 30 seconds or less.
- Require one third less maintenance man hours (3.4) per flight hour than the requirement.
- Are able to fly 91 percent of the time -- 11 percent more than the requirement.
With the addition of a new and highly sophisticated fire control radar (FCR), more commonly called the Longbow Fire Control
Radar, the AH-64D has become the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world. The FCR provides the Apache with the
ability to detect, classify and prioritize stationary and moving targets both on the ground and in the air. With state of
the art fire control, digital communications, automatic target classification and many other up to date features, the AH-64D
Longbow Apache will dominate the battlefield for years to come.
The AH-64D Apache Longbow increases combat effectiveness over the AH-64A by providing a more flexible digital electronics
architecture and integrating computer-based on-board Built-In Test Equipment (BITE), Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), and hard
copy operator or Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) troubleshooting/maintenance manuals that will easily accommodate
changes resulting from system growth. In addition, upgrades to electrical power and cooling systems and the expansion of the
forward avionics bays to accommodate the installation of the FCR, and provide for future growth. Navigation system accuracy
is improved through integration of a miniaturized integrated Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation
Unit (INU) (EGI), and an improved DOPPLER Velocity Rate Sensor (DVRS).
The fully integrated AH-64D without Longbow Mission Kit incorporates greater ordnance capability and flexibility than
the AH-64A by utilizing the family of Semi-Active Laser (SAL) missiles (including the HELLFIRE II) and Longbow HELLFIRE RF
Missile. The AH-64D without Longbow Mission Kit can operate in harmony with the FCR-equipped AH-64D and can accept a target
hand over and fire the Longbow missile with minimum exposure to hostile forces.
The AN/APG-78 FCR is a multi-mode Millimeter Wave (MMW) sensor integrated on the Apache Longbow with the antenna and
transmitter located above the aircraft main rotor head. It enhances Longbow system capabilities by providing rapid automatic
detection, classification, and prioritization of multiple ground and air targets. The radar provides this capability in adverse
weather and under battlefield obscurants. The FCR has four modes: (1) the Air Targeting Mode (ATM) which detects, classifies,
and prioritizes fixed and rotary wing threats; (2) the Ground Targeting Mode (GTM) which detects, classifies, and prioritizes
ground and air targets; (3) the Terrain Profiling Mode (TPM) which provides obstacle detection and adverse weather pilotage
aids to the Longbow crew; (4) and the Built in Test (BIT) Mode which monitors radar performance in flight and isolates electronic
failures before and during maintenance.
The Longbow RF missile and the Longbow HELLFIRE Launcher (LBHL) are referred to as the LBHMMS. The system incorporates
a fire-and-forget missile that accepts primary and/or secondary targeting information from the FCR and single targeting information
from TADS or another aircraft to acquire and engage targets. Similar to the FCR, the RF missile provides the capability to
engage threats in adverse weather and through battlefield obscurants. Two acquisition modes, lock-on-before-launch (LOBL)
and lock-on-after-launch (LOAL), allow engagement of ground and rotary wing threats at extended ranges. In the LOBL mode,
the missile will acquire and track moving or short range stationary targets prior to leaving the launch platform. In the LOAL
mode, the missile will acquire long range stationary targets shortly after leaving the launch platform.
The combination of the integrated FCR, LBHMMS and the Apache aircraft enhances battlefield awareness by providing coverage
of the battle area at extended ranges, by reducing operational dependence on weather and battlefield conditions, and by rapid
display of detected targets. It further improves the Longbow system's war fighting capability and survivability by providing
rapid multi-target detection and engagement ability, navigational aids, and a fire-and-forget weapon delivery system.
The addition of the Longbow FCR provides a second and completely independent target acquisition sensor which may be
operated by either crew member or combined to provide a degree of multi-sensor synergy. When operated independently, the pilot
could use the FCR to search for air targets in the ATM mode while the copilot/gunner (CPG) searches for ground targets using
the Target Acquisition Designation Sight (TADS).
Using both TADS and the FCR together combines the unique advantage of each sight. The rapid search, detection, classification,
and prioritization of targets by the Longbow FCR can then be quickly and positively identified by using the electro-optics
of TADS. The center of view can be focused on the location of the highest priority target and the CPG, at the touch of a switch,
can view either display. Alternately, the FCR centerline can be cued to the TADS so that a rapid and narrow search could be
made of a suspected target area.
The RFI is an integral part of the Longbow FCR. It has sensitivity over an RF spectrum to detect threat emitters when
a threat radar is in a search and acquisition mode and also when the threat emitter is "looking" directly at and tracking
the Longbow system. The RF band has been extended over that which was developed for the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior at the low end
of the RF spectrum to detect newly identified air defense threats. The RFI has a programmable threat emitter library to allow
additional threat signatures to be stored and/or updated.
The Materiel Fielding Plan (MFP) is essentially a one-stop reference for all fielding activity requirements. It shows
who develops, fields, receives, and stores a piece of equipment and its associated tools, test equipment, repair parts, and
training devices. The MFP will outline what the piece of equipment is used for, who uses it, who repairs it, the maintenance
and supply structure which will be in place to provide life cycle support, and the training requirements inherent to the system.
Several draft version MFPs are published per the documents listed above in order to generate a dialogue between the developer
and the end user in order to simplify and expedite the fielding process.
The AH-64D Apache Longbow aircraft, Fire Control Radar (FCR), and Longbow Hellfire Modular Missile System (LBHMMS)
were fielded starting with the 1-227 Attack Helicopter Battalion in July 1998. As this is a FORSCOM unit, the first MFP published
will be for FORSCOM. Other MFPs, each tailored to the specific Major Command (MACOM) receiving the AH-64D, will be published
at the appropriate time. Therefore, FORSCOM, TRADOC, USAREUR, EUSA, USAR, and the ARNG will each receive their own version
of the MFP. Distribution varies with each subsequent draft prepared.
The Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans (ODCSOPS) makes the decision as to what units receive
the AH-64D and in what order. The AAH PMO publishes and distributes MFPs based on ODCSOPS' schedule. The fielding schedules
change from time to time, and the schedule in the MFP is, therefore, current as of the publishing date. The First Draft for
each MACOM's MFP is published approximately 26 months before the first aircraft and equipment are fielded to a MACOM. A MACOM's
Final MFP is published approximately 8 months prior to its first-unit fielding. The fielding schedule as of 1 June 1997, is
attached. It does not include the aircraft destined for the TRADOC training fleet at Ft. Rucker. Ft. Rucker begins receiving
its AH-64Ds in June 1999; the TRADOC First Draft MFP left the AAH PMO in May.
AH-64D APACHE LONGBOW FIELDING SCHEDULE
| FIELDING |
UNIT
LOCATION |
STAGE AT
21ST CAV |
E-DATE |
COLLECTIVE
TRAINING |
MISSION
READY |
| 1 |
1-227 AVN |
HOOD |
FEB-APR 98 |
JUL 98 JUL-SEP 98 |
OCT 98 |
| 2 |
2-101 AVN |
CAMPBELL |
FEB-APR 99 |
JUN 99 JUN-AUG 99 |
SEP 99 |
| 3 |
1-2 AVN |
KOREA |
SEP-NOV 99 |
JUN 00 JUN-AUG 00 |
SEP 00 |
| 4 |
1-101 AVN |
CAMPBELL |
FEB-APR 00 |
NOV 00 DEC 00- FEB 01 |
MAR 01 |
| 5 |
1-3 AVN |
STEWART |
JUN-AUG 00 |
MAR 01 MAR-MAY 01 |
JUN 01 |
| 6 |
6-6 CAV |
GERMANY |
JAN-MAR 01 |
AUG 01 AUG-OCT 01 |
NOV 01 |
| 7 |
3-101 AVN |
CAMPBELL |
JUN-AUG 01 |
MAR 02 MAR-MAY 02 |
JUN 02 |
| 8 |
4-3 ACR |
CARSON |
JAN-APR 02 |
JUN 02 JUN-AUG 02 |
SEP 02 |
| 9 |
1-501 AVN |
GERMANY |
JAN-MAR 02 |
NOV 02 NOV 02-JAN 03 |
FEB 03 |
| 10 |
1-229 AVN |
BRAGG |
JUL-SEP 02 |
APR 03 APR-JUN 03 |
JUL 03 |
| 11 |
3-6 CAV |
KOREA |
NOV-DEC 02 |
AUG 03 AUG-OCT 03 |
NOV 03 |
| 12 |
3-229 AVN |
BRAGG |
APR-JUN 03 |
FEB 04 FEB-APR 04 |
MAY 04 |
| 13 |
1-1 AVN |
GERMANY |
SEP-NOV 03 |
JUL 04 JUL-SEP 04 |
OCT 04 |
| 14 |
1-111 AVN |
FLNG |
MAR-JUL 04* |
NOV 04 NOV O4-JAN 05 |
FEB 05 |
| 15 |
1-6 CAV |
KOREA |
MAY-JUL 04 |
MAR 05 MAR-MAY 05 |
JUN 05 |
| 16 |
1-130 AVN |
NCNG |
NOV 04-MAY 05* |
AUG 05 AUG-OCT 05 |
NOV 05 |
| 17 |
2-6 CAV |
GERMANY |
FEB-APR 05 |
DEC 05 JAN-MAR 05 |
APR 06 |
| 18 |
1-4 AVN |
HOOD |
OCT-DEC 05 |
APR 06 APR-JUN 06 |
JUL 06 |
| 19 |
8-229AVN |
KYAR |
APR-AUG 06* |
SEP 06 SEP-NOV 06 |
DEC 06 |
| 20 |
1-151 AVN |
SCNG |
AUG-DEC 06* |
JAN 07 JAN-MAR 07 |
APR 07 |
| 21 |
7-6 CAV |
TXAR |
JAN-APR 07* |
MAY 07 MAY-JUL 07 |
AUG 07 |
| 22 |
1-285 AVN |
AZNG |
APR-JUL 07* |
OCT 07 OCT-DEC 07 |
JAN 08 |
| 23 |
1-183 AVN |
IDNG |
JUL-OCT 07* |
FEB 08 FEB-APR 08 |
MAY 08 |
| 24 |
1-211 AVN |
UTNG |
OCT 07-JAN 08* |
JUN 08 JUN-AUG 08 |
SEP 08 |
| 25 |
1-149 AVN |
TXNG |
JAN-APR 08 |
NOV 08 NOV 08-JAN 09 |
FEB 09 |
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*Bold dates indicate direct turn-in (No Staging)
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