GENERAL INFORMATION

About the AH-64D Apache Longbow
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AH-64D Apache Lay out

Defence forces worldwide fly two variants of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopters: The AH-64A Apache and the Next Generation version the AH-64D Apache.

The AH-64D also knows two variants: The standard AH-64D Apache and the with the advanced radar equipped AH-64D Apache Longbow......

And since a few years there is also the AH-64D wich is produced in and for the United Kingdom. This one is called the WAH-64 Apache. It is finally in active duty at the moment, I worked closely with a british Apache unit during my ISAF deployment in 2006.

 

U.K. WAH-64D produced at Westlands with the advanced Longbow radar

SYSTEMS:

The Big difference between the AH-64A Apache and the AH-64D Longbow is the use of radar, the larger avionics bays and the lay-ouy of the cockpit. The AH-64D has the newest Northrop Grumman millimetre-wave longbow radar. An advantage of milimetre wave is that it performs under poor visibility conditions and is less sensitive to ground clutter. The longbow processors determine the location, speed and direction of travel  of a maximum of 256 targets. The D-version also has a cockpit with MPD's (Multi Purpose Displays)instead of the old conventional analog meters. On these MPD's The pilote can call up almost any information he wants to see.

3 other main Instruments of the AH-46D are the:

  • TADS: TADS stands for Target Aquisition and Designation Sighting
  • PNVS: PNVS stands for Pilot Night Vision Sensor
  • IHADSS: IHADSS stands for Intergrated Helmet And Display Sight Sensor
With these systems the AH-64D Longbow has the ability to rapidly detect, classify, prioritize and engage stationary or moving enemy targets at stand-off ranges in nearly all weather conditions. This also means that the AH-64D Longbow has a greater weapons accuracy at longer ranges and has the ability to flight more effectively at night and in nearly any weather. The Apache Longbow’s advanced communications and combat capabilities give battlefield commanders the ability to more effectively manage the 21st-century battlefield. But not only during real battle, during peace keeping missions in Iraq and Afghanistan the Dutch apache's have proven their capabilities to be the ears and eyes in the sky for the ground units.

AH-64D Apache wit the advanced Longbow radar

WEAPONS:

With his huge arsenal of deadly and destructive weapons the AH-64 Apache is the most effective attack helicopter there is. It’s suitable for Patrol missions but also for Air-to-Ground hit and run missions or for a close support role.

The Apache has 2 little wings. Under each wing it has 2 rail launchers. Each rail launcher is suitable for several types of weapons. The AH-64D main weapons are:

The AH-64 can load several combinations of arming. Under each rail launcher can be either 19 2.75 inch rockets or 4 Hellfire’s loaded. That means that it is possible to take 16 Hellfire’s and no rocket’s on a mission, or 74 2.75 inch rocket’s and no Hellfire’s.

The standard arming for the AH-64D is: 8 Hellfire’s, 38 2.75 inch rockets and 1200 rounds of ammunition for the M230 Chain gun.

The more weapons taken on a mission, the shorter the effective flight time will be. It is also possible to carry extra fuel tanks under  the wing. The Dutch AH-64D Apache's have had a modification in 2004/2005, with the modification they placed a different ammobox in the Apache. With the new Ammobox the Apache will be able to take only 600 30mm rounds with it, because the other half of the Ammobox is now an Extra fuel tank. Whith this new tank the flight time can be extended and so the Area of Operation will be increased.

Wanna know all about the Engines, Speed, Weight, cost and every other technical detail...?? Go to the following link: Technical Details

Wanna see how a cockpit looks on the inside? Go to the next link:Cockpit

AH-64D Apache Longbow

 

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