UK May Buy Apache Guardian and NOT the upgraded AH1

[twobells]

Although the AH1 has proven itself superior to the US Apache in many theatres of war thanks to the powerful Rolls Royce engines, superior HIDAS and other improvements, the MOD may in fact purchase off the shelf A65E models which would be a huge shame considering it would mean the loss of the FCR in adverse conditions thanks to the less powerful American engines.

 

Thoughts?

Edited September 5, 2017 by twobells

[rcjonessnp175]

Oh boy

[whiteladder]

There is some hard lobbying going on with this at the moment. Like most things is down to cost, and Boeing are discounting the price strongly. Even if they go with the E`s it will need to be modified, the radios will be incompatible with British systems

[Heli]

The dilemma of giving work to a British firm or buying a much cheaper option is much like the one that occurred back in 1995 when the current generation of attack helicopters was bought.

 

Then the government opted for a contract with Westland that involved fitting the basic American helicopter with new engines, defensive aids and communications, taking its price from around £20m each to £44m per aircraft.

Lt Gen Gary Coward, head of the Joint Helicopter Command from 2005 to 2008, told Newsnight that the earlier Westland deal "cost an awful lot of time and an awful lot of money".

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/31769714

[joey45]

So... What's wrong with the AH1's???

[Chris1012]

So... What's wrong with the AH1's???

 

Afghan's put some hours on them and because we customised them, they are at heart Block 1 AH64D's, which the US are abandoning support for within the next five years. E's are also adding some funky capabilities but at rather a high cost.

[rcjonessnp175]

I've sat in the pit of an E very impressive. I'll leave it at that..

[twobells]

So... What's wrong with the AH1's???

 

Nothing, at all, they are without doubt the best attack helicopter in the world bar none with the Rolls Royce engines and UK defence suite; however, they need replacements and the little used ones upgraded to the AH2. Remember, the FCR that sets the Apache apart had to be removed quietly on the American versions as the General Electric T700-701 engines couldn't take the weight in country, subsequently, Lockheed replaced the 701 with the 701D but even with that the FCR couldn't be re-added as the Rolls Royce engines produces an incredible 2100 SHP even though it is lighter and smaller!

 

${1}

 

 

LONGBOW FCR

The LONGBOW FCR has a very low probability of intercept. It rapidly and automatically

searches, detects, locates, classifies, and prioritizes multiple moving and stationary

targets on land, water and in the air in all weather and battlefield conditions from standoff

ranges. Target coordinates are automatically available to other sensors and weapons for target

confirmation, rapid engagement, and reduced fratricide. Target data is digitally available

through the data modem for real-time transfer to other platforms and command posts. The

self-contained Radar Frequency Interferometer provides rapid and accurate identification

and azimuth to enemy air defense units. High system reliability and two-level maintenance

maximize operational availability and reduce support costs.

Edited April 4, 2015 by twobells

[OutOnTheOP]

Remember, the FCR that sets the Apache apart had to be removed quietly on the American versions as the General Electric T700-701 engines couldn't take the weight in country

 

Or perhaps, as they are modular units, the FCR was removed because the US Army found that a radar incapable of detecting and identifying dismounted personnel was somewhat less than useful in a counterinsurgency, while additional loiter time (or ordnance) that could be carried instead *was* useful.

 

I mean, typical loadout is 19 FFAR and 2 Hellfire in OIF/ OEF. It's not that the US ones can't carry more, it's that it cuts into their battlefield loiter.

 

To the best of my knowledge, in stateside units, it's pretty common to have 3 radar-less Longbow led by one with radar... they just found they don't NEED any more radars than that.

 

Why carry a radar you don't need, if it hurts loiter time that you *do* need?

[joey45]

Hunter-killer units.

 

Hunter had the Longbow and feed info to the other "killer" untis.

[Raptor9]

A couple of videos to clarify the difference between E's and D's (including UK AH1's)

 

It's not just about FCR's and engines people. These videos may seem like propaganda, but it's more of a spread of all the different aspects Boeing is working on. Granted, not all of these improvements are implemented yet, according to Boeing and/or Army press releases, but they'll be inserted as they come out of testing.

 

 

AH-64D Blk III's were renamed to AH-64E's after the following video was made: