Changes: AH-64D Apache Longbow

Revision as of 08:03, 6 January 2014

The Boeing' AH-64D Apache Longbow is the fourth, most advanced variant of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. Entering military service in 1998, the Longbow is outfitted with a number of hardware upgrades, such as a sensor-integrated radio modem, a fire control radar (FCR) system and its namesake, the AN/APG-78 Longbow radar mounted above the main rotor.

File:AH-64D korea.png

History

Prior to 1980, the United States Army was making due with old and outdated helicopter technology. The Bell AH-1 Cobra and HueyCobra were its primary attack helicopters, and although fast and maneuverable, they lacked sufficient armor to effectively conduct prolonged operations in high-risk zones. Thus, a new attack helicopter was sought.

Conception

In 1970, the US Army was becoming concerned with its current force of attack helicopters. Bell AH-1 Cobras and HueyCobras, which had been in service since 1965, constituted the bulk of the Army's attack helciopter force and were in no short supply, but their potential for upgrades was nearing their limit. The Super Cobra was the final and most advanced version of the Cobra series, but even it was nable to contend with the rapid strides the enemy as making in anti-aircraft technology. Something better and meaner was needed.

In 1976, the Army approached seveal major aviation companies with a challenge: To create the next generation of attack helicopters. A strong relationship was already established with Bell; they also approached Boeing, Sikorsky and Hughes, offering a contract worth $750 million to the winner. Several innovative designs were put forth: One with a revolutionary new tail rotor known as a fantail, which significantly reduced the nose generated by the aircraft; one that had a smooth shape with retractable gear and weapons, dramatically reducing its radar signature; one that was true to Bell's allignment toward speed and maneuverability; and one that was bulky and easily seen by radar, but heavily armored, armed and highly maneuverable to boot.

In 1978, after two years of intense and heated competition, Hughes Aircraft was announced as the winner. Their design: The AH-64 Apache, a veritable tank of a helicopter. Highly mobile and capable of delivering and taking incredible punishment, the Apache could operate over long distances for long periods in high-risk areas. Twin gas turbines power the helicopter and propel it along at 190 mph, and it can turn on a relative dime. By 1980, all the bugs had been worked out and several dozen units were delivered to the Army.

Deployment

Legacy

Design

Specifications

The Apache Longbow is the most maneuverable helicopter available, capable of performing aerial acrobatics like a combat ballerina. It's fast and agile enough to dodge missile fired both at a distance and almost at point blank.

Dimensions (length, width, height): 54'4"x16'8"x13'2"
Maximum Speed: 190 mph (418 kph; 158 knots)
Maximum Range: 1000 miles (2200 km)
Operational Ceiling: 6,000 feet (1,818 m)
Powerplant: 2xGeneral Electric T700-701C gas turbines
Weight (empty, loaded): 18,900 lbs (15,750 kg); 26,556 lbs (22,130 kg)
Crew: 2

Armament

The Apache Longbow is one of the most heavily armed helicopters available, with a 30mm chin-mounted cannon and various other weapons that can be attached to the stub winglets just aft of the cockpit. It can engage enemy forces at range and quickly destroy them with easy.

M230 30mm autocannon
AIM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missile
M70 Hydra rocket
AIM-12 Stinger air-to-air missile
250-gallon fuel pod

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon

"This ultimate attack helicopter is the pride of the U.S. Army. In addition to excellent maneuverability, its 30 mm chain gun gives it powerful firing potential. The Longbow Radar attached above the main rotor enhances its ability to make use of missiles in all kinds of weather. Nicknamed the "Apache Longbow"."

― Hangar description

In Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, the Apache Longbow is the main helicopter of Task Force 108. It is the aircraft of choice of Shooter Squadron, and is always used in conjunction with the MH-60 Black Hawk gunships of Nomad Squadron. It is used by player character and Shooter leader Doug "D-Ray" Robinson in the missions Red Moon and Motherland. It is also seen in Spooky, although as an NPC aircraft.

The Longbow's main weapons are a chain-mounted 30mm autocannon and Hydra rockets. Its secondary weapons are the Hellfire multitarget air-to-ground missiles and the AIM-12 Stinger air-to-air missiles, the latter being its only anti-air weapon aside from the machine gun.

Of the three available helicopters, the Longbow can be considered the "middle-ground" choice. It is less durable than the Mi-24 Hind and slower than the Ka-50 Hokum.

Colors

Color 1: Dull sand tan with US Army roundels
Color 2: Light silver with black sharkmouth nose art
Color 3: Black with A-10-style sharkmouth art
Special: Leopard pattern

AH-64D's cockpit
In AH-64D's cockpit

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 The Boeing''' '''''[http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/aircraft/apache.html AH-64D Apache Longbow]''' is the fourth, most advanced variant of the [[AH-64 Apache]] attack helicopter. Entering military service in 1998, the Longbow is outfitted with a number of hardware upgrades, such as a sensor-integrated radio modem, a fire control radar (FCR) system and its namesake, the AN/APG-78 Longbow radar mounted above the main rotor.
-[[File:AH-64D korea.png|200px]]
+[[File:AH-64D_korea.png|thumb|264px]]
 ==History==
 Prior to 1980, the [[United States Army]] was making due with old and outdated helicopter technology. The Bell AH-1 Cobra and HueyCobra were its primary attack helicopters, and although fast and maneuverable, they lacked sufficient armor to effectively conduct prolonged operations in high-risk zones. Thus, a new attack helicopter was sought.