Longbow Apache Helicopter: System Procurement Issues Need to be Resolved.
Abstract
This report presents the results of our review of the Department of the Army's Longbow Apache weapon system. Because this program is scheduled to enter production later this year, we focused specifically on whether (1) critical issues related to the production of the aircraft and the producibility of its missiles had been addressed and (2) the Longbow Hellfire missile procurement plan was adequately developed. We also reviewed the need for full consideration of all cost-effective alternatives to the production of this attack helicopter system. We believe that the information in this report will be useful as you review the Department of Defense's (DOD) plans for this program. The Army plans to upgrade its AH-64A Apache attack helicopter, already considered by the Army to be the most advanced attack helicopter in the world, into a new version known as the AH-64D Longbow Apache. All 758 helicopters in the Apache fleet will be modernized with new avionics and be capable of firing both the laser-guided Hellfire missile and a radar-aided Longbow Hellfire "fire-and-forget" missile that is under development. These improvements are designed to, among other things, allow the Apache to conduct precision attacks in adverse weather, automatically engage multiple targets, and operate on the digital battlefield of the future. Additionally, 227 of the 758 upgraded Apaches will be equipped with a new mast-mounted, millimeter-wave fire control radar and more powerful engines. (KAR) P. 2-3
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA298563
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office