Longbow to support US Army Apache systems

A number of on board systems on the US Army’s AH-64D and AH-64E Apache helicopters will be supported by Longbow under a $92.8 million contract announced on 30 October. Longbow is a Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman joint venture.

Longbow will provide Life Cycle Contractor Support (LCCS) for the Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR) systems equipping AH-64D and AH-64E Apache helicopters; the AH-64E Unmanned Aerial System Tactical Common Data Link Assembly (UTA) and upgraded FCR Radar Electronics Unit (REU).

The Longbow FCR provides Apache aircrews with automatic target detection, location, classification and prioritisation. It enables rapid, multi-target engagement in all weather, over multiple terrains and through battlefield obscurants. The new Longbow FCR REU provides reduced size, weight, maintenance and power requirements to the radar system on AH-64E Apaches.

The Longbow UTA is a two-way, high-bandwidth datalink that enables AH-64E Apache aircrews to receive and transmit data and control the flight paths, sensors and lasers of unmanned aircraft systems from very long ranges.

Lt. Col. Steven Van Riper, product manager for Apache Sensors, US Army, said: ‘This contract provides high quality logistical and technical support for our existing AH-64D units and our newly fielded AH-64E aircraft, enabling our maintainers and aircrews to meet reliability and capability requirements.’

Tom Eldredge, Longbow president and director of Longbow programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, added: ‘This is the first contract to provide integrated logistics support for multiple configurations of Longbow hardware on the AH-64D and E-model Apaches. Providing affordable depot repair for the Longbow FCR and UTA systems ensures supply availability and enables our customer to focus on their mission.’

The contract will run through 2016.