ATTACK HELICOPTERS
AH-64E Longbow Apache (block III)
_The Block III AH-64E Apache Longbow combat helicopter Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) contract was signed on 28 June 2005 in Washington D.C.; Huntsville, Alabama; and Mesa, Arizona. Follow-on engineering and production contracts were anticipated by the US Army. Production of new Block III Apaches was planned to begin by 2010 when the current Apache models production work will expire.
Overall, Block III Apache is a combination of 25 technologies aimed at enhancing crew effectiveness in battle while reducing operations and support costs. Those technologies insertion will provide Network-Centric warfare capabilities in the multi-role combat helicopter for the Army’s future force. To enable battlespace dominance, the program will incorporate open systems architecture, wideband network communications, extended range sensing, level IV unmanned aerial vehicle control, extended range fire control radar, extended range missiles, and data fusion to merge off- and on-board sensor imagery.
In addition, the Block III Apache Longbow will interface with Stryker Brigade Combat Teams and Future Combat Systems with a fully compatible and rapidly reconfigurable open systems architecture mission processor design. Other key benefits to the US Army include a reduced logistics footprint, and improved readiness and deploy ability.
Overall, Block III Apache is a combination of 25 technologies aimed at enhancing crew effectiveness in battle while reducing operations and support costs. Those technologies insertion will provide Network-Centric warfare capabilities in the multi-role combat helicopter for the Army’s future force. To enable battlespace dominance, the program will incorporate open systems architecture, wideband network communications, extended range sensing, level IV unmanned aerial vehicle control, extended range fire control radar, extended range missiles, and data fusion to merge off- and on-board sensor imagery.
In addition, the Block III Apache Longbow will interface with Stryker Brigade Combat Teams and Future Combat Systems with a fully compatible and rapidly reconfigurable open systems architecture mission processor design. Other key benefits to the US Army include a reduced logistics footprint, and improved readiness and deploy ability.
AH-64D Longbow Apache (block II)
_The AH-64D Apache Longbow is the last improved derivative of the
combat-proven AH-64A Apache attack helicopter. The Longbow radar is the
only difference between the AH-64D and the Apache Longbow helicopter. It
features 400% more lethality over current AH-64As, 720% more
survivable, can hit moving and stationary targets in presence of
obscurants when optical systems are rendered ineffective, can use
multiple sensors, the Longbow radar detects and classifies up to 128
targets prioritizing the 16 most dangerous of them, and only needs 3.4
hours-man of maintenance per flight hour. It is compatible with the
digitized battlefield of the 21st century.
AH-1Z Viper
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The AH-1Z is the last derivative of
proven AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter. It features a four-bladed main
rotor powered by two T700-GE-401C engines. The AH-1Z features higher g loads,
maneuverability, flexibility, survivability, full digital glass cockpit, TopOwl
helmet mounted displays, advanced electronic warfare protection suite, and a
crashworthy fuel system to reduce risk of fire over current AH-1Ws.
The AH-1Z weapon system comprises a 20mm main gun, up to 16 AGM-114A/B/C/F/K Hellfire anti-armor missiles, 2 AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and rocket launchers. The Hawkeye XR target sight system (TSS) permits to utilize the Hellfire missile at maximum missile's reach during day/night and adverse weather conditions.
The AH-1Z will be able to operate from both land and sea platforms. The T700-GE-701C engine is being offered as an alternative powerplant for AH-1Z international customers.
The AH-1Z weapon system comprises a 20mm main gun, up to 16 AGM-114A/B/C/F/K Hellfire anti-armor missiles, 2 AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and rocket launchers. The Hawkeye XR target sight system (TSS) permits to utilize the Hellfire missile at maximum missile's reach during day/night and adverse weather conditions.
The AH-1Z will be able to operate from both land and sea platforms. The T700-GE-701C engine is being offered as an alternative powerplant for AH-1Z international customers.