Aircraft

Army, Oct 2002

Rotary Wing

Approximately 299 AH-1F Cobra Attack Helicopters remain in reserve component attack aviation units. Because of safety of flight issues, only 120 aircraft are flyable.

The AH-1F version was manufactured to carry the tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missile system, including a fire-control system (laser range finder and tracker). This version also incorporates a heads-up display and features an upgraded instrument layout for nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flying. Survivability additions include an infrared jammer and a plume infrared suppressor. Performance enhancements include an upgraded engine and composite rotor blades.

The Army's 2000 Aviation Force Modernization Plan noted that these aircraft possess "inadequate flight performance, weapons and mission equipment to meet requirements and are becoming increasingly problematic from a maintenance and safety standpoint" and called for their retirement by 2004.

The AH-6/MH-6 Little Bird (Cayuse) Helicopter is in service with the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR). Following service in Vietnam, the Army's fleet of OH-6 light observation and command helicopters (LOACH) was reassigned to Army National Guard units. With their excellent roll-on/roll-off mobility and extremely high power-to-weight ratios, however, the aircraft subsequently were tapped for special operations applications in 1980.

Capability upgrades include performance, avionics, navigation, communications, targeting, weapons and night operations. Although primarily equipped with the 7.62-mm minigun or Hydra 70 (2.75inch) rocket system, the AH-6/MH-6 can accommodate a range of gun and rocket options.

The mission-enhanced Little Bird (MELB) program is a major modification to the existing AH-6/MH-6 fleet. The modification is packaged as a kit that replaces existing components on the aircraft. The new MELB aircraft will have a sixbladed main rotor system, a four-bladed tail rotor, an improved drive train and the Allison 250-C30R3 full-authority, digitalengine control (FADEC). The MELB also incorporates an improved landing gear, crashworthy fuel cells, enlarged rear doors and external extended-range fuel tanks. The MELB modifications will change the look and performance of the AH-6/MH-6 aircraft.

The MELB program aims to increase the performance and safety margins of the existing Little Bird aircraft. The modifications increase the maximum gross weight of the aircraft to 4,700 pounds; improve the high/hot performance capabilities of the aircraft; and move the extended-range fuel tanks from inside the cabin area, thereby increasing the cabin space available to the supported ground commander. In addition, there is a concurrent program to improve the weapon management system for the AH configuration. The MELB program boosts the performance and extends the life of the AH-6/MH-6 aircraft.

The AH-64A Apache Helicopter provides day, night and adverse-weather attack helicopter capability. The Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter, It is a quick-reacting, airborne weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt or delay enemy forces. The Apache entered service inventories in 1984. There are 742 Apaches in the Army's fleet.

The aircraft is designed to fight and survive throughout the world. It is equipped with a target acquisition designation sight and a pilot night-vision sensor that permit its two-man crew to navigate and attack in darkness and adverse weather. The Apache's principal mission is to destroy high-value targets with the Hellfire missile. It also is capable of employing a 30mm M230 chin-mounted automatic cannon and Hydra 70 rockets that are lethal against a variety of targets.

The system has a maximum speed of approximately 220 miles per hour with a maximum level cruising speed of 180 miles per hour. It has a maximum range of 400 kilometers using internal fuel tanks, although this can be extended to as much as 1,900 kilometers through the use of external tanks. The Apache has a full range of aircraft survivability equipment and the ability to withstand hits from rounds up to 23 millimeters in critical areas.

The mission of the AH-64D Apache Longbow Helicopter is to conduct rear, close and deep operations; perform deep precision strikes; and provide armed reconnaissance and security.

The Longbow is a production program for a millimeter-wave radar air/ground targeting system capable of being used day or night, in adverse weather and through battlefield obscurants. It consists primarily of the integration of a mastmounted millimeter-wave fire-control radar, a radar frequency interferometer and a radar frequency fire-and-forget Hellfire missile on the Apache.

The Longbow's digitized target acquisition system provides automated detection, location, classification, prioritization and target handover. The AH-64D cockpit is redesigned to digitize and multiplex all systems.

The manpower and personnel integration program (MANPRINT) crew stations have multifunction displays to reduce pilots' workload and increase their effectiveness. The modernized Apache heavy-attack team will now be able to provide a truly coordinated rapid-fire (16 separate targets within one minute) capability to the maneuver force commander on a 24hour basis and in any conditions.