Warplanes: Sharp Eyed Apaches

Archives

August 29, 2009: The U.S. is replacing the 24 AH-64 Block 1/6 helicopter gunships in South Korea with  Block 2/11 (the latest version in service) models. The new AH-64s are flown in, and the old ones flown out, via C-17 transports. The replacement is taking place at the rate of six helicopters a month.

The 2/11 models have an improved cockpit display that shows the terrain below in some detail, making it easier, and less nerve wracking, to fly at night or in bad weather. A new FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) which not only supplies the cockpit display with more accurate terrain detail, but also gives the pilot photo-realistic images of potential targets.

Meanwhile, Block 3 is on the way. Last year, the prototype of the AH-64 Block 3 Apache helicopter gunship took its first flight. The army will be upgrading all of its 634 AH-64s to the new Block 3 standard, a process that won't be completed until 2020. The first Block 3s won't enter service for another three years.

Block 3 has a more powerful and fuel efficient engine, as well as much improved electronics. Block 3 will also have Internet like capabilities with other aircraft and ground troops. Block 3 will be able to control several UAVs, and launch missiles at targets spotted by its UAVs. The Block 3 radar will have longer range and onboard computers will be much more powerful. The electronics will be easier to upgrade and maintain.

The 7.5 ton AH-64D carries a pilot and a weapons officer, as well as up to 16 Hellfire missiles (plus the 30mm automatic cannon). Sorties average three hours. The AH-64 can operate at night and has a top speed of 260 kilometers an hour.

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   Contribute   Close