Army Aviation: Apache Longbow Weight and Communication Issues.
Abstract
The Apache Longbow helicopter is designed to conduct precision attacks in adverse weather and on battlefields obscured by smoke, automatically engage multiple targets, and provide fire-and-forget missile capability. The Apache Longbow configuration consists of a modified airframe, a fire control radar, and a new Longbow (radio frequency) Hellfire missile. The Army plans to upgrade the entire fleet of 758 Apache helicopters to the Apache Longbow configuration but outfit only 227 with the radar and a more powerful 701C engine. The remaining 531 non-radar-equipped Apache Longbows will be equipped with the less powerful 701 engine, even though they will be reconfigured to accept the radar and upgraded 701C engine. In its fiscal year 2000-2005 program plan, the Army has proposed a reduction in the number of Apaches that will be converted to the Apache Longbow configuration. The April 1994 Apache Longbow's operational requirements document (ORD) prescribes performance capabilities required for the system's survivability and lethality. These capabilities include meeting the vertical flight requirement, carrying the Longbow Hellfire missile, and passing target data when in line of sight and not in the line of sight. For the Apache Longbow, the Army has identified performance objectives (desired capabilities) and performance thresholds (minimum capabilities). The Army designated selected thresholds as key performance parameters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA353546
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office