Modernised Longbow FCR follow-on demo complete
The US Army’s AH-64E Apache Follow-On Test and Evaluation II for the AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR) has been successfully completed.
During the evaluation, the modernised FCR demonstrated new operational modes and capabilities, including maritime, single target track and 360-degree surveillance mode; as well as an extended detection range capability against land, air and sea targets. The detection range has doubled and improved detection of UAS.
Numerous ground and maritime targets successfully detected at extended ranges were then engaged and destroyed by AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles fired from the Apache helicopter.
The Longbow radar provides Apache aircrews with automatic target detection, location, classification and prioritisation, while enabling rapid, multi-target engagement in all weather conditions, over multiple types of terrain and through battlefield obstacles.
Longbow’s Version 6 software helps increase survivability to the AH-64E aircrews, reduces workload and enhances stand-off range.
Susan Bruce, Longbow LLC vice president and vice president at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, said: ‘Our open systems architecture approach allowed us to unlock phenomenal performance without any hardware changes. Version six is a major update to Longbow’s capabilities providing significant situational awareness and targeting capabilities to the warfighter.’
Longbow LLC is a joint venture of Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.
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