AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter

The Apache Longbow is an improved and upgraded version of the AH-64A. With increased survivability, better bad-weather performance, avionics and weapons, the Longbow is the most sophisitcated attack helicopter in service.

The most striking difference in appearance of the Longbow is the radar dome atop the main rotors. The fire control radar can locate, classify and prioritise more than 128 targets, in all weathers. The radar selects targets for the AGM-114D Longbow missiles which can be fired in full 'fire-and-forget' mode up to ranges of 12km.

A major advantage of the Longbow radar being situated above the rotors is that it allows the Apache AH-64D to stay masked behind terrain as it aquires and engages targets. The A model Apache had to either pop up fully to scan the battlefield, leaving it exposed, or rely on target data from other sources such as OH-58D Kiowa scout helicopters.

Apache AH64-D longbow

The Longbow project was initiated following lessons learnt during Desert Storm, 1991. The Longbow Apache variant entered into service in the US military in October 1997.

A british variant, the WAH-64 LONGBOW APACHE entered into service with the UK Airmy Air Corps in July 2004 and has since seen action in Afghanistan.

AH-64D Apache Longbow Specifications

The Apache Longbow is named after the millimeter-wave radar atop the rotor mast. The Longbow radar can see through fog, smoke and rain to aquire a clear 360 degree electronic picture of the battlefield.

AH-64D LONGBOW FEATURES

improved flight performance from 2 GE T700C powerplants
balistic armor protects crew from ground fire
all-weather capability

Crew	2 - With Pilot seated above and behind Weapons Systems Officer
Engines	Two General Electric T700-GE-701
Dimensions	L - 17.73m W - 5.227m H - 4.64m
Weights	11,800 lbs (empty) 15,075 lbs (standard loudout)
Max Speed	150 kt (279 kph)
Range	400 km - internal fuel 1,900 km - internal and external fuel
Armament	M230 30mm Cannon (typical loudout of 1200 rounds) Hydra 70mm FFAR Folding Fin Aerial Rockets (in pods of 19) AGM-114D Longbow Hellfire Missiles (up to 16) Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Mistral and Sidearm air-to-air missiles
Avionics	Northrop Grumman millimetre-wave Longbow radar TADS (AN/ASQ-170) PNVS (AN/AAQ-11) Honeywell Integrated Helmet And Display Sighting System (IHADSS) AN/APR-39A(V) radar warning receiver AN/ALQ-144 infra-red countermeasures AN/AVR-2 laser warning receiver AN/ALQ-136(V) radar jammer Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (HIDAS) (WAH-64)

AH64-D Apache Longbow during flight testing at Boeing testing ground.

DOD photo by : MSGT LANCE CHEUNG, USAF

AH-64D Apache Longbow resources :

AH-64D APACHE LONGBOW PHOTOS :

(click thumbnails for fullsize images)
photo gallery : AH-64D Longbow

AH-64D VIDEO :
apache longbow video

AH-64D LINKS :
Boeing Helicopters - info on the AH-64 Apache Helicopter

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