AN/APG-78 Longbow
The AN/APG-78 Longbow is a millimeter-wave fire-control radar (FCR) system for the AH-64D/E Apache attack helicopter. It was initially developed in the 1980s as the Airborne Adverse Weather Weapon System (AAWWS) as part of the Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) to enhance the AH-64A.[2] By 1990, both AAWWS and MSIP were renamed Longbow.[3] The radar is produced by Longbow LLC, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.[1]
AN/APG-78 Longbow radar on a JGSDF AH-64D Apache | |
| Country of origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman |
| Introduced | 1998 |
| Type | Millimeter-wave fire-control radar |
| Frequency | Ka band |
| Range | 5.0 mi (8 km)[1] |
Description
The AN/APG-78 Longbow is a millimeter-wave fire-control radar (FCR) target acquisition system and the Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), which are housed in a dome located above the main rotor.[4][5] The radome's raised position enables target detection while the helicopter is behind obstacles (e.g. terrain, trees or buildings). The APG-78 is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 128 targets and engaging up to 16 at once; an attack can be initiated within 30 seconds.[6][7] A radio modem integrated with the sensor suite allows data to be shared with ground units and other Apaches, allowing them to fire on targets detected by a single helicopter.[8]
The updated AN/APG-78 radar for the AH-64E Guardian has overwater capabilities, potentially enabling naval strikes.[9][10]
Applications
- AgustaWestland Apache Longbow
- Bell AH-1Z Viper (option)
- Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow
- Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian
- Boeing–Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche (canceled)
See also
References
- ^ a b "Longbow FCR Product Card" (PDF). Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ^ "Flight trials begin for AAWWS". International Defense Review. Jane's Information Group. 22 (6): 720. June 1989.
- ^ "Longbow design and development contract". International Defense Review. Jane's Information Group. 23: 1695. December 1990.
- ^ "McDonnell-Bell plan Longbow-radar for LHX". Defense Daily. 22 February 1990. Archived from the original on 21 July 2012.
- ^ (PDF). Lockheed Martin. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 October 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
- ^ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS". janes.com. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- ^ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS". janes.com. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- ^ "Helicopter profile: Boeing AH-64 Apache". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
- ^ Majumdar, Dave (9 January 2013). "US Army fields first AH-64E unit, but more improvements to come". FlightGlobal.
- ^ Drwiega, Andrew (10 November 2014). "U.S. Army's Apache Maritime Role". Aviation Today.
External links
- Northrop Grumman AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR) page
- Lockheed Martin Longbow FCR page