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AN/APG-78 Longbow

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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

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]

Description

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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

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Longbow FCR Product Card" (PDF). Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  2. ^ "Flight trials begin for AAWWS". International Defense Review. 22 (6). Jane's Information Group: 720. June 1989.
  3. ^ "Longbow design and development contract". International Defense Review. 23. Jane's Information Group: 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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