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
AN/APG-78 Longbow radar on a JGSDF AH-64D Apache
Country of originUnited States
ManufacturerLockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman
Introduced1998 (1998)
TypeMillimeter-wave fire-control radar
FrequencyKa band
Range5.0 mi (8 km)[1]
British Army Air Corps AgustaWestland Apache Longbow displays at a UK airshow

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

See also

References
  1. "Longbow FCR Product Card" (PDF). Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  2. "Flight trials begin for AAWWS". International Defense Review. Jane's Information Group. 22 (6): 720. June 1989.
  3. "Longbow design and development contract". International Defense Review. Jane's Information Group. 23: 1695. December 1990.
  4. "McDonnell-Bell plan Longbow-radar for LHX". Defense Daily. 22 February 1990. Archived from the original on 21 July 2012.
  5. "AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer" (PDF). Lockheed Martin. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 October 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  6. "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS". janes.com. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  7. "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS". janes.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  8. "Helicopter profile: Boeing AH-64 Apache". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
  9. Majumdar, Dave (9 January 2013). "US Army fields first AH-64E unit, but more improvements to come". FlightGlobal.
  10. Drwiega, Andrew (10 November 2014). "U.S. Army's Apache Maritime Role". Aviation Today. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
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