Saudi Arabia to receive Longbow FCRs for Apache
The Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman joint venture, Longbow, will supply Longbow Fire Control Radars (FCRs) to Saudi Arabia under a $90.6 million contract announced on 13 June. The radars will equip the AH-64 Apache attack helicopters of the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command.
As well as supplying the radars, spares and support to the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command, the contract also includes Longbow FCRs for the Saudi Arabia National Guard and Longbow Mast Mounted Assemblies for the US Army.
The Longbow FCR provides Apache aircrews with target detection, location, classification and prioritisation capabilities in all weather, over multiple terrains and through any battlefield obscurant. The radar allows automatic and rapid multi-target engagement, with target data digitally available through the data modem for real-time transfer to other platforms and command posts.
Mike Taylor, Longbow president and director of Longbow programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the largest international users of the Longbow systems. The AH-64E Longbow FCR's new Radar Electronics Unit provides greater processing power and provision for significant growth while reducing weight and maintenance costs.’
Mike Galletti, director of the Tactical Sensor Solutions-Aviation business unit for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division, added: ‘The Longbow FCR team values our ability to provide Saudi Arabia with a product that will promote greater regional security while providing warfighters with the highest level of protection.’
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