Upgrading the Apache Helicopter
The AH-64D Apache helicopter is referred to as the Longbow Apache Weapons System or LBAWS. The conversion of the AH-64A to the AH-64D Apache helicopter consists of improvements made in three general areas. First are improvements to the airframe which include increased electrical power, integrated information processing, improved cooling, expanded forward avionics bays, and a manpower and integration (MANPRINT) cockpit to improve crew performance. Second is the addition of a fire control radar (FCR) target acquisition system. The third major part of the AH-64D Apache helicopter is the fire-and-forget Longbow Radio Frequency (RF) Hellfire missile. This missile, in conjunction with the FCR, can find and hit targets in obscured conditions which preclude the use of Hellfire laser-guided missiles.The new Apache helicopters will be fielded in two versions: those equipped with the fire control radar and those without. The helicopters without fire control radar will not receive the improved engines or Radar Frequency Interferometer, but will retain the other AH-64D modifications.
