Aircraft and Helicopter (Part 1)
Source: www.military.com
A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II
Function:
The A-10 and OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft
specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They
are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that
can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other
armored vehicles.
History: The
first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force
Base, AZ, in October 1975. It was designed specially for the close
air support mission and had the ability to combine large military
loads, long loiter and wide combat radius, which proved to be vital
assets to America and its allies during Operation Desert Storm.
In the Gulf War, A-10s, with a mission capable rate of 95.7 percent,
flew 8,100 sorties and launched 90 percent of the AGM-65 Maverick
missiles.
Description:
The A-10/OA-10 have excellent maneuverability at low air speeds
and altitude, and are highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms.
They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and
operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4
kilometers) visibility. Their wide combat radius and short takeoff
and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations
near front lines. Using night vision goggles, A-10/ OA-10 pilots
can conduct their missions during darkness.
Thunderbolt IIs have Night Vision Imaging
Systems (NVIS), compatible single-seat cockpits forward of their
wings and a large bubble canopy which provides pilots all-around
vision. The pilots are encircled by titanium armor that also protects
parts of the flight-control system. The redundant primary structural
sections allow the aircraft to enjoy better survivability during
close air support than did previous aircraft. The aircraft can survive
direct hits from armor-piercing and high-explosive projectiles up
to 23mm. Their self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal
and external foam. Their redundant hydraulic flight-control systems
are backed up by manual systems. This permits pilots to fly and
land when hydraulic power is lost.
The Thunderbolt II can be serviced and operated
from bases with limited facilities near battle areas. Many of the
aircraft's parts are interchangeable left and right, including the
engines, main landing gear and vertical stabilizers.
Avionics equipment includes communications,
inertial navigation systems, fire control and weapons delivery systems,
target penetration aids and night vision goggles. Their weapons
delivery systems include head-up displays that indicate airspeed,
altitude and dive angle on the windscreen, a low altitude safety
and targeting enhancement system (LASTE) which provides constantly
computing impact point freefall ordnance delivery; and Pave Penny
laser-tracking pods under the fuselage. The aircraft also have armament
control panels, and infrared and electronic countermeasures to handle
surface-to-air-missile threats.
The Thunderbolt II's 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling
gun can fire 3,900 rounds a minute and can defeat an array of ground
targets to include tanks. Some of their other equipment includes
an inertial navigation system, electronic countermeasures, target
penetration aids, self-protection systems, and AGM-65 Maverick and
AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
General Characteristics,
A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II |
Contractor:
Fairchild Republic Co.
|
Unit Cost:
$8.8 million
|
Power Plant:
Two General Electric TF34-GE-100
turbofans
|
Thrust:
9,065 pounds each engine
|
Length:
53 feet, 4 inches (16.16 meters)
|
Height:
14 feet, 8 inches (4.42 meters)
|
Wingspan:
57 feet, 6 inches (17.42 meters)
|
Maximum Take-off Weight:
51,000 pounds (22,950 kilograms)
|
Speed:
420 mph (Mach 0.56)
|
Ceiling:
45,000 feet (13,636 meters)
|
Speed:
565 mph (Mach 0.86) at 25,000
feet (7583.3 meters), with maximum takeoff weight
|
Load:
40 litter patients, or four litters
and 40 ambulatory patients, or other combinations
|
Range:
800 miles (695 nautical miles)
|
|
Armament:
One 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel
Gatling gun
Up to 16,000 pounds (7,200 kilograms) of mixed ordnance
on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylon
stations, including 500 pounds (225 kilograms) of
retarded bombs, 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of general-purpose
bombs, incendiary and Rockeye II cluster bombs, combined
effects munitions, Maverick missiles and laser-guided/electro-optically
guided bombs
Infrared countermeasure flares
Electronic countermeasure chaff
Jammer pods
2.75-inch (6.99 centimeters) rockets
Illumination flares
AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles
|
Crew:
One
|
Planned Inventory:
Active force, A-10, 72 and OA-10,
72
Reserve, A-10, 24 and OA-10, 12
ANG, A-10, 64 and OA-10, 30
|
Date Deployed:
March 1976
|
|
AC-130H/U Gunship
Function: The AC-130 gunship's primary
missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection.
Missions in close air support are troops in contact, convoy escort
and urban operations. Air interdiction missions are conducted against
preplanned targets or targets of opportunity. Force protection missions
include air base defense and facilities defense.
History: The
AC-130H's call sign is "Spectre." The AC-130U's call sign
is "Spooky," and traces its history to the first operational
gunship, the AC-47. The U-model is the third generation of C-130
gunships. The AC-130 gunship has a combat history dating to Vietnam.
Gunships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with
many life-saving close air support missions. During Operation Urgent
Fury in Grenada in 1983, AC-130s suppressed enemy air defense systems
and attacked ground forces enabling the successful assault of the
Point Salines Airfield via airdrop and air land of friendly forces.
The AC-130 aircrew earned the Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award for
the mission. AC-130s also had a primary role during Operation Just
Cause in Panama in 1989 when they destroyed Panamanian Defense Force
Headquarters and numerous command and control facilities. Aircrews
earned the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the
year and the Tunner Award for their efforts. During Operation Desert
Storm, AC-130s provided close air support and force protection (air
base defense) for ground forces. Gunships also were used during
operations Continue Hope and United Shield in Somalia, providing
close air support for United Nations ground forces. More recently,
gunships played a pivotal role in supporting the NATO mission in
Bosnia-Herzegovina. The AC-130H provided air interdiction against
key targets in the Sarajevo area. In 1997, gunships were diverted
from Italy to provide combat air support for U.S. and allied ground
troops during the evacuation of American noncombatants in Albania.
Gunships also were part of the buildup of US forces in 1998 to convince
Iraq to comply with U.N. weapons inspections.
Description:
These heavily armed aircraft incorporate side-firing weapons integrated
with sophisticated sensor, navigation and fire control systems to
provide surgical firepower or area saturation during extended loiter
periods, at night and in adverse weather. The sensor suite consists
of a television sensor, infrared sensor and radar. These sensors
allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify friendly
ground forces and targets any place, any time. The AC-130U employs
synthetic apertures strike radar for long-range target detection
and identification. Navigational devices include the inertial navigation
systems and global positioning system. The AC-130U employs the latest
technologies and can attack two targets simultaneously.
General Characteristics, AC-130H/U Gunship |
Contractor:
Boeing North American (AC-130U)
|
Builder:
Lockheed Aircraft Company
|
Unit Cost:
AC-130H, $52.29 million
AC-130U, $81.1 million (fiscal 1998 constant dollars)
|
Power Plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop
engines
|
Thrust:
4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
|
Length:
97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
|
Height:
38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
|
Wingspan:
132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
|
Maximum Take-off Weight:
155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
|
Speed:
300 mph (Mach .4) (at sea level)
|
Ceiling:
25,000 feet (7,576 meters)
|
Range:
Approximately 1,300 nautical
miles; unlimited with air refueling
|
|
Armament:
AC-130H/U: 40mm cannon and 105mm
cannon
AC-130H: two 20mm guns
AC-130U: 25mm gun
|
Crew:
AC-130H - Five officers (pilot,
co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic
warfare officer) and nine enlisted (flight engineer,
TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster,
five aerial gunners)
AC-130U - Five officers (pilot, copilot, navigator,
fire control officer, electronic warfare officer)
and eight enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator,
infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four
aerial gunners)
|
Inventory:
Active duty: AC-130H, 8
AC-130U, 13
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
|
Date Deployed:
AC-130H, 1972
AC-130U, 1995
|
|
B-1B Lancer
Function: The B-1B is a long-range
strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental missions without
refueling, then penetrating present and future sophisticated enemy
defenses. It can perform a variety of missions, including that of
a conventional weapons carrier for theater operations.
History: The
first B-1B was delivered to the Air Force at Dyess Air Force Base,
Texas, in June 1985, with initial operational capability on Oct.
1, 1986. The final B-1B was delivered May 2, 1988.
The B-1B holds several world records for
speed, payload and distance. The National Aeronautic Association
recognized the B-1B for completing one of the 10 most memorable
record flights for 1994.
Description:
The B-1B's electronic jamming equipment, infrared countermeasures,
radar location and warning systems complement its low-radar cross-section
and form an integrated defense system for the aircraft.
The swing-wing design and turbofan engines
not only provide greater range and high speed at low levels but
they also enhance the bomber's survivability. Wing sweep at the
full-forward position allows a short takeoff roll and a fast base-escape
profile for airfields under attack. Once airborne, the wings are
positioned for maximum cruise distance or high-speed penetration.
The B-1B uses radar and inertial navigation
equipment enabling aircrews to globally navigate, update mission
profiles and target coordinates in-flight, and precision bomb without
the need for ground-based navigation aids. Included in the B-1B
offensive avionics are modular electronics that allow maintenance
personnel to precisely identify technical difficulties and replace
avionics components in a fast, efficient manner on the ground.
The aircraft's AN/ALQ 161A defensive avionics
is a comprehensive electronic counter-measures package that detects
and counters enemy radar threats. It also has the capability to
detect and counter missiles attacking from the rear. It defends
the aircraft by applying the appropriate counter-measures, such
as electronic jamming or dispensing expendable chaff and flares.
Similar to the offensive avionics, the defensive suite has a re-programmable
design that allows in-flight changes to be made to counter new or
changing threats.
Numerous sustainment and upgrade modifications
are ongoing or under study for the B-1B aircraft. Large portions
of these modifications that are designed to increase the combat
capability are known as the conventional mission upgrade program.
This three-phase program will increase the lethality, survivability
and supportability of the B-1B fleet. Phase I of the program added
the capability to release cluster bomb unit weapons. Phases II and
III will further upgrade the B-1B capability, to include the ability
to deliver joint direct attack munitions and standoff weapons, and
greatly improve its electronic counter-measures capability.
General Characteristics, B-1B
Lancer |
Builder:
Rockwell International, North
American Aircraft
|
Unit Cost:
$200-plus million per aircraft
|
Operations Air Frame and Integration:
Offensive avionics, Boeing Military Airplane
Defensive avionics, AIL Division
|
Power Plant:
Four General Electric F-101-GE-102
turbofan engine with afterburner
|
Thrust:
30,000-plus pounds with afterburner, per
engine
|
Length:
146 feet (44.5 meters)
|
Height:
34 feet (10.4 meters)
|
Wingspan:
137 feet (41.8 meters) extended forward
79 feet (24.1 meters) swept aft
|
Weight:
Empty, approximately 190,000
pounds (86,183 kilograms)
|
|
Maximum Take-off Weight:
477,000 pounds (216,634 kilograms)
|
Speed:
900-plus mph (Mach 1.2 at sea
level)
|
Ceiling:
Above 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)
|
Range:
Intercontinental, unrefueled
|
Crew:
Four (aircraft commander, pilot,
offensive systems officer and defensive systems officer)
|
Armament:
Up to 84 Mark 82 conventional
500-pound bombs and 30 CBU-87/89/9s
Also can be reconfigured to carry a wide range of
nuclear weapons
|
Inventory:
Active force, 51 primary mission
aircraft inventory (PMAI), 72 (actual), 2 (test)
ANG, 18 PAA (20 actual)
Reserve, 0
|
Date Deployed:
June 1985
|
|
B-2 Spirit
Function: The B-2 Spirit is
a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and
nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber
represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program.
The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere
on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses.
History: The
first B-2 was publicly displayed on Nov. 22, 1988, when it was rolled
out of its hangar at Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, CA. Its first
flight was July 17, 1989. The B-2 Combined Test Force, Air Force
Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, CA, is responsible for
flight testing the engineering, manufacturing and development aircraft
as they are produced.
Whiteman AFB, MO, is the B-2's only operational
base. The first aircraft, Spirit of Missouri, was delivered Dec.
17, 1993. Depot maintenance responsibility for the B-2 is performed
by Air Force contractor support and is managed at the Oklahoma City
Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, Okla.
The prime contractor responsible for overall
system design and integration,is Northrop Grumman's Military Aircraft
Systems Division. Boeing Military Airplanes Co., Hughes Radar Systems
Group and General Electric Aircraft Engine Group are key members
of the aircraft contractor team. Another major contractor, responsible
for aircrew training devices (weapon system trainer and mission
trainer) is Hughes Training Inc. (HTI) - Link Division, formerly
known as CAE - Link Flight Simulation Corp. Northrop Grumman and
its major subcontractor HTI, are responsible for developing and
integrating all aircrew and maintenance training programs.
Description:
Along with the B-52 and B-1B, the B-2 provides the penetrating flexibility
and effectiveness inherent in manned bombers. Its low-observable,
or "stealth," characteristics give it the unique ability
to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and threaten
its most valued, and heavily defended, targets. Its capability to
penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation provide
a strong, effective deterrent and combat force well into the 21st
century.
The revolutionary blending of low-observable
technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and large payload
gives the B-2 important advantages over existing bombers. Its low-observability
provides it greater freedom of action at high altitudes, thus increasing
its range and a better field of view for the aircraft's sensors.
Its unrefueled range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles (9,600
kilometers).
The B-2's low observability is derived from
a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual
and radar signatures. These signatures make it difficult for the
sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track and engage the
B-2. Many aspects of the low-observability process remain classified;
however, the B-2's composite materials, special coatings and flying-wing
design all contribute to its "stealthiness."
The B-2 has a crew of two pilots, a pilot
in the left seat and mission commander in the right, compared to
the B-1B's crew of four and the B-52's crew of five.
General Characteristics, B-2 Spirit |
Prime Contractor:
Northrop Grumman Corporation
|
Contractor Team:
Boeing Military Airplanes Co.,
General Electric Aircraft Engine Group and Hughes
Training Inc., Link Division
|
Unit Cost:
Approximately $1.3 billion
|
Power Plant:
Four General Electric F-118-GE-100
engines
|
Thrust:
17,300 pounds each engine
|
Length:
69 feet (20.9 meters)
|
Height:
17 feet (5.1 meters)
|
Wingspan:
172 feet (52.12 meters)
|
Weight:
Empty, approximately 190,000
pounds (86,183 kilograms)
|
|
Typical Take-off Weight:
336,500 pounds (152,635 kilograms)
|
Speed:
High subsonic
|
Ceiling:
50,000 feet (15,152 meters)
|
Range:
Intercontinental, unrefueled
|
Crew:
Two pilots
|
Armament:
Conventional or nuclear weapons
|
Payload:
40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms)
|
Inventory:
Active force: 21 (planned operational
aircraft)
ANG: 0
Reserve: 0
|
Date Deployed:
December 1993
|
|
B-52 Stratofortress
Function: Long range, nuclear capable
strategic bomber
History: For
more than 35 years B-52 Stratofortresses have been the primary manned
strategic bomber force for the United States. The B-52 is capable
of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S.
inventory. This includes gravity bombs, cluster bombs and precision
guided missiles. Updated with modern technology, the B-52 will continue
into the 21st century as an important element of our nation's defenses.
Current engineering analyses show the B-52's life span to extend
beyond the year 2045.
The B-52A first flew in 1954, and the B
model entered service in 1955. A total of 744 B-52s were built with
the last, a B-52H, delivered in October 1962. Only the H model is
still in the Air Force inventory and is assigned to Air Combat Command
and the Air Force Reserves.
The first of 102 B-52Hs was delivered to
Strategic Air Command in May 1961. The H model can carry up to 20
air launched cruise missiles. In addition, it can carry the conventional
cruise missile that was launched from B-52G models during Desert
Storm.
Description:
In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform air interdiction,
offensive counter-air and maritime operations. During Desert Storm,
B-52s delivered 40 percent of all the weapons dropped by coalition
forces. It is highly effective when used for ocean surveillance,
and can assist the U.S. Navy in anti-ship and mine-laying operations.
Two B-52s, in two hours, can monitor 140,000 square miles (364,000
square kilometers) of ocean surface. All B-52s are equipped with
an electro-optical viewing system that uses platinum silicide forward-looking
infrared and high resolution low-light-level television sensors
to augment the targeting, battle assessment, flight safety and terrain-avoidance
system, thus further improving its combat ability and low-level
flight capability. Pilots wear night vision goggles (NVGs) to enhance
their night visual, low-level terrain-avoidance operations. Night
vision goggles provide greater safety during night operations by
increasing the pilot's ability to visually clear terrain and avoid
enemy radar. Starting in 1989, an on-going modification incorporates
the global positioning system, heavy stores adapter beams for carrying
2,000 pound munitions and additional smart weapons capability.
The use of aerial refueling gives the B-52
a range limited only by crew endurance. It has an unrefueled combat
range in excess of 8,800 miles (14,080 kilometers).
The aircraft's flexibility was evident during
the Vietnam War and, again, in Operation Desert Storm. B-52s struck
wide-area troop concentrations, fixed installations and bunkers,
and decimated the morale of Iraq's Republican Guard. The Gulf War
involved the longest strike mission in the history of aerial warfare
when B-52s took off from Barksdale Air Force Base, LA, launched
conventional air launched cruise missiles and returned to Barksdale
-- a 35-hour, non-stop combat mission.
General Characteristics,
B-52 Stratofortress |
Contractor:
Boeing Military Airplane Company
|
Unit Cost:
$74 million
|
Power Plant:
Eight Pratt & Whitney engines
TF33-P-3/103 turbofan
|
Thrust:
17,000 pounds each engine
|
Length:
159 feet, 4 inches (48.5 meters)
|
Height:
40 feet, 8 inches (12.4 meters)
|
Wingspan:
185 feet (56.4 meters)
|
Weight:
Empty, approximately 185,000
pounds (83,250 kilograms)
|
Maximum Take-off Weight:
488,000 pounds (219,600 kilograms)
|
Speed:
650 mph (Mach 0.86)
|
|
Ceiling:
50,000 feet (15,151.5 meters)
|
Range:
Unrefueled 8,800 miles (7,652
nautical miles)
|
Crew:
Five (aircraft commander, pilot,
radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare
officer)
|
Accommodations:
Six ejection seats
|
Armament:
Approximately 70,000 pounds (31,500
kilograms) mixed ordnance -- bombs, mines and missiles
(modified to carry air-launched cruise missiles, Harpoon
anti-ship and Have Nap missiles)
|
Inventory:
Active force: 85
ANG: 0
Reserve: 9
|
Date Deployed:
February 1955
|
|
P-3C Orion
Function:
Four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft.
History:
In February 1959, the Navy awarded Lockheed a contract to develop
a replacement for the aging P2V Neptune. The P3V Orion, derived
from Lockheed's successful L188 Electra airliner, entered the inventory
in July 1962, and more than 30 years later it remains the Navy's
sole land-based antisubmarine warfare aircraft. It has gone through
one designation change (P3V to P-3) and three major models: P-3A,
P-3B, and P-3C, the latter being the only one now in active service.
The last Navy P-3 came off the production line at the Lockheed plant
in April 1990.
Description:
The P-3C is a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
patrol aircraft. It has advanced submarine detection sensors such
as directional frequency and ranging (DIFAR) sonobuoys and magnetic
anomaly detection (MAD) equipment. The avionics system is integrated
by a general purpose digital computer that supports all of the tactical
displays, monitors and automatically launches ordnance and provides
flight information to the pilots. In addition, the system coordinates
navigation information and accepts sensor data inputs for tactical
display and storage. The P-3C can carry a mixed payload of weapons
internally and on wing pylons.
General Characteristics, P-3C
Orion |
Contractor:
Lockheed
Martin Aeronautical Systems Company
|
Unit
Cost: $36 million
|
Propulsion:
Four Allison
T-56-A-14 turboprop engines (4,600 shaft horsepower
each)
|
Length: 116 feet, 8
inches (35.56 meters)
|
Height: 33 feet, 8
inches (10.26 meters)
|
Wingspan: 99 feet, 7
inches (29.9 meters)
|
Weight:
Max gross
take-off: 139,760 pounds (62,892
kilograms)
|
Speed:
Maximum
speed - 405 knots (466 mph, 745 kmh)
Cruise speed
- 350 knots (403 mph, 644 kmh)
| |
Ceiling:
30,000 feet
(9,000 meters)
|
Range: Typical
mission: 10-12 hours duration
Maximum endurance:
14 hours
|
Crew: 12
|
Armament: Harpoon
(AGM-84) cruise missile
Maverick (AGM 65)
air-to-ground missiles
MK-46
torpedoes
Depth
charges
Sonobuoys
Mines up to around
20,000 pounds (nine metric tons) internal and external
loads
|
Date
Deployed: First
flight, November 1959 P-3A operational in August
1962 P-3C operational in August
1969
| |
S-3B Viking
Function: Jet aircraft is used in the
detection and attack of submarines, and as an armed scout in the
anti-surface role. Extremely versatile, the aircraft is also equipped
for tanking, mining, and limited electronic surveillance.
Description:
Modified from the earlier S-3A Viking, the S-3B's high speed computer
system processes information generated by the acoustic and non-acoustic
target sensor systems. This includes a new Inverse Synthetic Aperture
Radar (ISAR) and ESM systems suites. To destroy targets, the S-3B
Viking employs an impressive array of airborne weaponry. This provides
the fleet with a very effective airborne capability to combat the
significant threat presented by modern combatants and submarines.
Additionally, all S-3B aircraft are capable of carrying an inflight
refueling "buddy" store. This allows the transfer of fuel
from the Viking aircraft to other Naval strike aircraft, thus extending
their combat radius.
General Characteristics, S-3B Viking |
Contractor:
Lockheed-California
Company
|
Unit
Cost: $27
million
|
Propulsion: Two General
Electric TF-34-GE-400B turbofan engines (9,275 pounds of
thrust each)
|
Length: 53 feet 4
inches (16 meters)
|
Height: 322 feet 9
inches (6.9 meters)
|
Wingspan: 68 feet 8
inches (20.6 meters)
|
Weight:
Maximum
design gross take-off: 52,539 pounds (23,643
kilograms)
| |
Maximum
Speed: 450 knots
(518 mph, 828.8 kph)
|
Ceiling:
40,000
feet
|
Range:
2,300+
nautical miles (2,645 statute miles, 4232
kilometers)
|
Armament:
Up to 3,958
pounds (1,781 kilograms) of AGM-84 Harpoon and AGM-65
Maverick missiles, torpedoes, mines, rockets and
bombs
|
Crew:
Four
|
Initial
Operational Capability: 1975
| |
CH-47 Chinook
Function: Fire support and security for
forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter,
armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and
limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and
visual reconnaissance.
History: Development
of the medium lift Boeing Vertol (models 114 and 414) CH-47 Series
Chinook began in 1956. Since then the effectiveness of the Chinook
has been continually upgraded by successive product improvements,
the CH-47A, CH-47B, CH-47C, and CH-47D. The amount of load a cargo
helicopter can carry depends on the model, the fuel on board, the
distance to be flown, and atmospheric conditions.
The CH-47B was introduced by Boeing after
a production run of over 350 CH-47As . The B model introduced the
Lycoming T55-L7C engine, a beefed up airframe. Nonsymmetrical rotor
blades, and the blunted aft pylon for better stability. Boeing began
delivering the CH-47B in May of 1967 and eventually produced a total
of 108 B models before production shifted to the CH-47C.
During Desert Storm the CH-47D was often
the only mode of transportation to shift large numbers of personnel,
equipment, and supplies rapidly over the vast area in which US forces
operated. The cargo capacity and speed provided commanders and logisticians
a capability unequalled by any Army in the world." (Army Aviation
in Operation Desert Storm, 1991) During the ground phase, the flanking
maneuver executed by the XVIII Airborne Corps was planned with the
CH-47D as the keystone. Forward Operating Base Cobra was deliberately
positioned to accommodate the combat radius of a fully loaded CH-47D.
Cobra was initially secured by an air assault of the 101st's 2nd
Infantry Brigade. This air assault, consisting of 5000 soldiers,
was accomplished by a total of 126 Blackhawks and 60 Chinooks. By
the end of the first day the CH-47Ds had lifted 131,000 gallons
of fuel along with pallets of combat-configured ammunition for the
next day's fight. Forty separate refueling and rearming points were
active in FOB Cobra in less than two hours.
During peacekeeping operations in Bosnia,
a Chinook company (A company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment)
of 16 aircraft flew 2,222 hours, carried 3,348 passengers, and transported
over 3.2 million pounds of cargo over a six month period. These
numbers equate to carrying 112 infantry platoons, 545 HMMWVs, or
201 M198 Howitzers. The most publicized mission was assisting the
502d Engineer Company build a float bridge across the flooded Sava
River allowing the 1st Armored Division to cross into Bosnia. On
29 and 30 December 1995, Big Windy lifted bridge bays and dropped
them into the Sava River so the engineers could quickly assemble
the bridge. When the Sava River flood washed away the engineer's
tentage and personal equipment, Big Windy quickly resupplied the
engineers so they could continue their vital mission. Additionally,
a key early mission in support of NATO was the recovery of Admiral
Smith's aircraft. The Blackhawk had performed a precautionary landing
for what was later found to be a transmission seizure. A CH-47D
sling-loaded the Blackhawk back to the Intermediate Staging Base
(ISB). Big Windy began redeploying to Giebelstadt on 14 June 1996.
One platoon of six CH-47Ds remained in Hungary throughout 1997.
Description:
The CH-47 is a twin-engine, tandem rotor helicopter designed for
transportation of cargo, troops, and weapons during day, night,
visual, and instrument conditions. The aircraft fuselage is approximately
50 feet long. With a 60-foot rotor span, on each rotor system, the
effective length of a CH-47 (with blades turning) is approximately
100 feet from the most forward point of the forward rotor to the
most rearward point on the aft rotor. Maximum airspeed is 170 knots
with a normal cruise speed of 130 knots. However, speed for any
mission will vary greatly depending on load configuration (internal
or external), time of day, or weather conditions. The minimum crew
for tactical operations is four, two pilots, one flight engineer,
and one crew chief. For more complex missions, such as NVG operations
and air assaults, commanders may consider using five crew members
and add one additional crew chief.
The CH-47A, first delivered for use in Vietnam
in 1962, is a tandem-rotor medium transport helicopter. The Chinook's
primary mission is moving artillery, ammunition, personnel, amd
supplies on the battlefield. It also performs rescue, aeromedical,
parachuting, aircraft recovery and special operations missions.
On June 25, 1958 the Army issued an invitation for a General Management
Proposal for the US Army Medium Transport Helicopter. Five aircraft
selected Vertol to produce the YCH-1B as the Armys new medium transport
helicopter. In July 1962 DoD redesignated all U.S. military aircraft
and the HC-1B was redesignated the as the CH-47A. Early production
CH-47As operated with the 11th Air Assault Division during 1963
and in October of that year the aircraft was formally designated
as the Armys standard medium transport helicopter. In June 1965
the 11th Air Assault Division was redesignated as the 1st Cavalry
Division (Airmobile) and readied for deployment to Viet Nam. Chinooks
from the 11th Air Assault formed the nucleus of the 228th Assault
Helicopter Battalion which began operations in Viet Nam in September,
1965. CH-47As deployed to Viet Nam were equipped with Lycoming T55-L7
engines generating 2650 shp. The aircraft had a maximum gross weight
of 33,000 pounds allowing for a maximum payload of approximately
10,000 pounds. The hot mountainous conditions of Viet Nam limited
the A models performance capabilities and generated a requirement
for increased payload and better performance.
The CH-47C Chinook model has a maximum cargo
hook capacity of 20,000 pounds. The CH-47C has only a single cargo
hook below the center of the aircraft. When hooking a single load,
soldiers use the main hook. They must coordinate closely with the
aircrew as to which hooks to use when carrying multiple loads. The
planning figure for the fore and aft hooks is 10,000 pounds each.
The Armys continued need for further performance improvements lead
to the development of the CH-47C. Designed to meet an Army requirement
to transport a 15,000 pound sling load over a 30 mile radius, the
C model boasted an increased gross weight to 46,000 pounds, increased
fuel capacity, the Lycoming T55-L11 engine developing 3750 shp,
and addition structural improvements. The first C model flew in
late 1967 and became the mainstay of the Chinook fleet until the
advent of the CH-47D. Production of the C model continued until
1980 with improvements such as the crash worthy fuel system and
fiberglass rotor blades being incorporated into the fleet.
The CH-47D was the result of June 1976 contract
for a modernized Chinook. The Army recognized that that the Chinook
fleet was rapidly reaching the end of its useful life and signed
a contract with Boeing to significantly improve and update the CH-47.
Three airframes, CH-47A, CH-47B, and a CH-47C, were stripped down
to their basic airframes and then rebuilt with improved systems
to provide three CH-47D prototypes. Improvements included upgraded
power plants, rotor transmissions, integral lubrication and cooling
for the transmission systems, and fiberglass rotor blades. Other
improvements included a redesigned cockpit to reduce pilot workload,
redundant and improved electrical systems, modularized hydraulic
systems, an advanced flight control system, and improved avionics.
The Chinook has two tandem three-bladed counter-rotating fiberglass
rotors. The CH-47D is powered by two Allied Signal Engines T55-L-712
3750 shp turboshaft engines and has a maximun speed of 163 mph (142
knots). The CH-47D was rolled-out in March 1979. The CH-47D carrys
twice the load of a CH-47A and has improved performance. The CH-47D
can operate at night and in nearly all weather conditions. The CH-47D
is equipped with an air-to-air refueling probe. The Chinook can
accommodate a wide variety of internal payloads, including vehicles,
artillery pieces, 33 to 44 troops, or 24 litters plus two medical
attendants. The Chinook can be equipped with two door mounting M60D
7.62mm machine guns on the M24 armament subsystem and a ramp mounting
M60D using the M41 armament subsystem. The "D" model can
carry up to 26,000 pounds externally. The CH-47D has three cargo
hooks: a center (main) hook and two additional hooks fore and aft
of the main hook.
The Fatcow is a CH-47 with the Extended
Range Fuel System [ERFS] II system located in the cargo bay. The
configuration consists of three or four fuel tanks attached to a
refueling system. The system contains 2400 gallons of JP4/8 excluding
the CH-47 internal fuel load of 1050 gals. The Fatcow can set up
a 1,2,3,or 4 point system using HTARS. The fuel cells must be crash-worthy
and self sealing up to 50 caliber hits.
The Improved Cargo Helicopter (ICH) is a
remanufactured version of the CH-47D Chinook cargo helicopter with
the new T55-GA-714A engines. The ICH program is intended to restore
CH-47D airframes to their original condition and extend the aircraft's
life expectancy another 20 years (total life of 60 years) until
the 2025-2030 timeframe. The program will remanufacture CH-47 aircraft,
reduce the aircraft's vibration, thereby reducing Operations and
Support costs, and allow the aircraft to operate on the digitized
battlefield by incorporating a 1553 data bus. The ICH will also
acquire the capability to carry 16,000 pounds of external/internal
cargo for a 50 NM combat radius at 4000 feet pressure altitude and
95 degrees fahrenheit. In addition, the following improvements will
be incorporated into the aircraft:
- Fuselage stiffening and possible active
systems for vibration reduction (this is expected to lead to improved
reliability and therefore reduced operating and support costs)
- Integrated cockpit
- Digital architecture for Force XXI compatibility
Additional improvements may be incorporated
into the aircraft if funding permits. The ICH will transport weapons,
ammunition, equipment, troops, and other cargo in general support
of combat units and operations other than war. The ICH is a dominant
maneuver platform that provides focused logistics to the force.
The ICH program was built as a "bare bones" program to
satisfy the battlefield requirements of operations on the 21st century
digital battlefield by replacing the existing 1970s technology cockpit
with a new cockpit.
The 101st Air Assault Division is scheduled
to receive the first ICH in FY03. The First Unit Equipped (FUE)
date to the 101st, a company of sixteen aircraft, is FY04. The 101st,
18th Airborne Corps, Korea, and USAREUR will complete fielding through
FY09. ICH completes the fielding of 300 aircraft in 2015. Only 300
of the 431 CH-47Ds convert to ICHs based on the fielding of JTR.
As the Army fields JTR to Force Package One units, the ICH aircraft
will cascade to units that retained CH-47Ds. Those CH-47Ds would
retire.
Separate programmatically from the ICH program,
the 714 engine program is an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) to
convert the present T-55-712 engines to a T-55-714 engine. This
buys back performance on high/hot days lost over time by the addition
of weight through modification work order enhancements. Specifically,
it will provide an increased lift capability allowing the CH-47
to transport 16,000 pounds for an unrefueled combat radius of 50
nautical miles at 4,000 feet PA and 95 degrees F. The ICH Operational
Requirements Document (ORD) requires the CH-47F(ICH) to carry 16,000lbs
at 4000ft/95E for a 50nm combat radius (50nm with load, return empty).
The CH-47D -714A engine program achieves this requirement. The -714A
engine program converts current CH-47D -712 engines to -714A engines.
The engine program converts the engines on all 431 CH-47D aircraft.
The -714A engine begins fielding in FY99 and, because of recent
budget cuts, completes in FY09. 160th (Hunter), 101st, 18th AB Corps,
Korea, and Germany are scheduled to be fielded through FY05. The
-714A budget constantly fluctuates because of plus-ups and decrements.
For this reason, the fielding dates may change.
The MH-47E Special Operations Aircraft (SOA)
is a derivative of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Included with other
modifications is a significantly increased fuel capacity with modified
main and auxiliary fuel tanks. The aircraft has modified integrated
avionics suites and multi-mode radars and is intended to provide
adverse-weather infiltration/exfiltration and support to US Military
Forces, country teams, other agencies and special activities. The
CH-47D Chinook has been specially modified to perform the special
operations mission and has been tested in combat. The three versions
of the CH-47 in the Army inventory are the CH-47D, the MH-47D, and
the MH-47E. The MH-47D and the MH-47E are air refuelable. It provides
long-range penetration, medium assault helicopter support to special
operations forces. Depending on the version, it can be ferried 1,100
to 2,000 nautical miles unrefueled. During Operation Just Cause,
CH-47s conducted H-hour assaults to support other elements who were
air-landing SOF to disrupt enemy responses and seize key facilities.
During Operation Desert Storm, the CH-47 conducted infiltration
and exfiltration of SOF and CSAR of downed pilots. MH-47E testing
was limited to the major change to the aircraft which affects vulnerability.
In the case of the MH-47E, this was the addition of an 800 gallon
Robertson Auxiliary Fuel Tank in the cabin and Boeing designed sponson
tanks with expanded capacity and honeycomb shell construction. Analyses
conducted during the test planning phase revealed that the largest
potential vulnerability was associated with projectiles entering
the fuel tanks in the volume above the liquid fuel. Such impacts
could ignite the fuel vapors and cause explosions and/or fires with
serious consequences. During test planning, USSOCOM decided to add
an inerting system to the fuel tanks to avoid such fires/explosions.
This will be a lead-the-fleet system that will be available for
similar helicopter variants in other fleets as well.
General Characteristics,
CH-47 Chinook |
Manufacturer:
Boeing Company
|
Power Plant:
Two Textron Lycoming T55-L712
engines
|
Length:
99 feet (30.18 meters), including rotor
lengths
|
Height:
19 feet (5.79 meters)
|
Rotor Diameter:
60 feet (18.29 meters)
|
Weight:
Empty: 10,578 kilograms
Maximum: 24,494 kilograms
Useful load: 13,916 kilograms
Forward and aft cargo hooks: 9,072 kilograms
Centre cargo hook 12,701 kilograms
|
|
Speed:
Sea level cruise speed: 265 kmh
Speed at maximum continuous power: 269 kmh
|
Ceiling:
8,448 feet (2,575 meters)
|
Range:
230 nautical miles
|
Crew:
Two
|
Sensors:
Raytheon AN/APQ-174A for terrain
following flight, air-to-ground ranging and ground
mapping
Raytheon AN/AAQ-16 forward looking infrared (FLIR)
|
Introduction Date:
1963
|
|
RAH-66 Comanche
Function: Fire support and security
for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter,
armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and
limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and
visual reconnaissance.
Description:
The Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche is the Army's next generation
armed reconnaissance helicopter. It also is the first helicopter
developed specifically for this role. The Comanche will provide
Army Aviation the opportunity to move into the 21st century with
a weapon system of unsurpassed warfighting capabilities crucial
to the Army's future strategic vision. The Comanche is intended
to replace the current fleet of AH-1 and OH-58 helicopters in all
air cavalry troops and light division attack helicopter battalions,
and supplement the AH-64 Apache in heavy division/corps attack helicopter
battalions.
The first Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche
prototype was rolled-out at Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Connecticut,
May 25, 1995. The prototype's first flight was made on 04 January
1996. The second prototype is scheduled to fly in late March 1999.
Six early operational capability aircraft are scheduled to be delivered
2002 to participate in an Army field exercise in 2002-2003, or possibly
later in "Corps 04." The Comanche is powered by two Light
Helicopter Turbine Engine Co. (LHTEC) T800-801 engines. These advanced
engines and a streamlined airframe will be enable the Comanche to
fly significantly faster than the larger AH-64 Apache.
The RAH-66 Comanche helicopter's primary
role will be to seek out enemy forces and designate targets for
the AH-64 Apache Attack helicopter at night, in adverse weather,
and in battlefield obscurants, using advanced infrared sensors.
The helmet has FLIR images and overlaid symbology that can be used
as a headup display in nape-of-the-earth (NOE) flight.
The aircraft has been designed to emit a
low-radar signature (stealth features). The Comanche will perform
the attack mission itself for the Army's light divisions. The RAH-66
will be used as a scout and attack helicopter to include an air-to-ground
and air-to-air combat capability. The Comanche is slated to replace
the AH-1 Series Cobra light attack helicopter, the OH-6A Cayuse,
and the OH-58A/OH-58C Kiowa light observation helicopters.
The Comanche mission equipment package consists
of a turret-mounted cannon, night-vision pilotage system, helmet-mounted
display, electro-optical target acquisition and designation system,
aided target recognition, and integrated communication/navigation/identification
avionics system. Targeting includes a second generation forward-looking
infrared (FLIR) sensor, a low-light-level television, a laser range
finder and designator, and the Apache Longbow millimeter wave radar
system. Digital sensors, computers and software will enable the
aircraft to track and recognize advesarys long before they are aware
of the Comanche's presence, a key advantage in both the reconnaissance
and attack roles.
Aided target detection and classification
software will automatically scan the battlefield, identifying and
prioritizing targets. The target acquisition and communications
system will allow burst transmissions of data to other aircraft
and command and control systems. Digital communications links will
enable the crew unparalleled situational awareness, making the Comanche
an integral component of the digital battlefield. The armament subsystems
consist of the XM301 20mm cannon, and up to 14 Hellfire anti-tank
missiles, 28 Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) anti-aircraft missiles, or
56 2.75 inch Hydra 70 air-to-ground rockets carried internally and
externally. Up to four Hellfire and two Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS)
missiles can be stowed in fully-retractable weapons bays and the
gun can be rotated to a stowed position when not in use. This design
feature reduces both drag and radar signature.
Mission management, status, and control
information is provided over the MIL-STD-1553B databus between the
mission equipment packages and the Turreted Gun System. The Comanche
will have enhanced maintainability through it's modular electronics
architecture and built-in diagnostics.
Features:
Sensors and avionics.
In the reconnaissance role, the Comanche will be equipped with a
new generation of passive sensors and a fully integrated suite of
displays and communications. Advance infrared (IR) sensors will
have twice the range of OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and AH-64 Apache sensors.
The Comanche will be equipped with the Apache Longbow fire control
radar and the Helmet Integrated Display and Sight System (HIDSS).
The fully integrated avionics system will allow tactical data to
be overlaid onto a digital map, allowing the crew to devote more
time for target detection and classification. A triple-redundant
fly-by-wire system can automatically hold the helicopter in hover
or in almost any other maneuver, reducing workload, allowing the
pilot to concentrate on navigation and threat avoidance. A hand-on
grip permits one-handed operation.
Stealth characteristics.
The Comanche incorporates more low-observable stealth features than
any aircraft in Army history. The Comanche radar cross-section (RCS)
is less than that of a Hellfire missile. To reduce radar cross-section,
weapons can be carried internally, the gun can be rotated aft and
stowed within a fairing behind the turret when not in use, and the
landing gear are fully-retractable. The all-composite fuselage sides
are flat and canted and rounded surfaces are avoided by use of faceted
turret and engine covers. The Comanche's head-on RCS is 360 times
smaller than the AH-64 Apache, 250 times less than the smaller OH-58D
Kiowa Warrior, and 32 times smaller than the OH-58D's mast-mounted
sight. This means the Comanche will be able to approach five times
closer to an enemy radar than an Apache, or four times closer than
an OH-58D, without being detected.
Noise suppression.
The Comanche only radiates one-half the rotor noise of current helicopters.
Noise is reduced by use of a five-bladed rotor, pioneered by the
successful Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) MD-500 Defender series of
light utility helicopters. The fantail eliminates interaction between
main rotor and tail rotor wakes. The advanced rotor design permits
operation at low speed, allowing the Comanche to sneak 40% closer
to a target than an Apache, without being detected by an acoustical
system.
Infrared (IR) suppression.
The Comanche only radiates 25% of the engine heat of current helicopters,
a critical survivability design concern in a low-flying tactical
scout helicopter. The Comanche is the first helicopter in which
the infrared (IR) suppression system is integrated into the airframe.
This innovative Sikorsky design feature provides IR suppressors
that are built into the tail-boom, providing ample length for complete
and efficient mixing of engine exhaust and cooling air flowing through
inlets above the tail. The mixed exhaust is discharged through slots
built into an inverted shelf on the sides of the tail-boom. The
gases are cooled so thoroughly that a heat-seeking missile cannot
find and lock-on to the Comanche.
Crew Protection.
The Comanche features a crew compartment sealed for protection against
chemical or biological threats, an airframe resilient against ballistic
damage, enhanced crash-worthiness, and reduced susceptibility to
electromagnetic interference.
Maintainability.
Comanche will be easily sustained, will require fewer personnel
and support equipment, and will provide a decisive battlefield capability
in day, night and adverse weather operations. Comanche has been
designed to be exceptionally maintainable and easily transportable.
Through its keel-beam construction, numerous access panels, easily
accessible line-replaceable units/modules and advanced diagnostics,
the RAH-66 possesses "designed-in" maintainability. Comanche
aircraft will be able to be rapidly loaded into or unloaded from
any Air Force transport aircraft.
General Characteristics, RAH-66 Comanche |
Manufacturer:
Boeing
Sikorsky
|
Power
Plant: Two T800
1,440 SHP gas turbine engines
|
Thrust:
1,052 shaft
horsepower
|
Length: 47.84 feet
(14.58 feet)
|
Width: 7.58 feet
(2.31 meters)
|
Height: 11 feet
(3.35 meters)
|
Rotor
Diameter: 39.04 feet
(11.90 meters)
|
Weight: 9,300 pounds
empty
Primary mission: 12,349 pounds w/o
radar 12,784 pounds with radar
| |
Speed: 172 knots
(330 kph) dash speed
161 knots (310 kph) cruise
speed
|
Range:
1,200
nautical miles w/o radar 860 nautical miles with
radar
|
Crew:
Two
|
Armament:
Three-barrel
20 mm Gatling gun
Stinger, Starstreak or Mistral
air-to-air missiles
TOW II, Hot II or Longbow
Hellfire air-to-ground missiles
Sura D 81 mm,
Snora 81 mm, or Hydra 70 rockets
Army Counter Air
Weapon System
|
Date
of First Flight: 1996
| |
AH-64 Apache
Function: Fire support and security
for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter,
armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and
limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and
visual reconnaissance.
History: Apache
production began in 1982 and the first unit was deployed in 1986.
As of November 1993, 807 Apaches were delivered to the Army. The
last Army Apache delivery is scheduled for December 1995. Thirty-three
attack battalions are deployed and ready for combat. The Army is
procuring a total of 824 Apaches to support a new force structure
of 25 battalions with 24 Apaches for each unit (16 Active; two Reserve;
seven National Guard) under the Aviation Restructure Initiative.
The Apache has been sold to Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE,
and Greece.
Description:
The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) (formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache is
the Army's primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting, airborne
weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt,
or delay enemy forces. The Apache is designed to fight and survive
during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world.
The principal mission of the Apache is the destruction of high-value
targets with the HELLFIRE missile. It is also capable of employing
a 30MM M230 chain gun and Hydra 70 (2.75 inch) rockets that are
lethal against a wide variety of targets. The Apache has a full
range of aircraft survivability equipment and has the ability to
withstand hits from rounds up to 23MM in critical areas.
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four
bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable
aerial weapons-delivery platform. It is designed to fight and survive
during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world.
With a tandem-seated crew consisting of the pilot, located in the
rear cockpit position and the co-pilot gunner (CPG), located in
the front position, the Apache is self-deployable, highly survivable
and delivers a lethal array of battlefield armaments. The Apache
features a Target Acquisition Designation Sight (TADS) and a Pilot
Night Vision Sensor (PNVS) which enables the crew to navigate and
conduct precision attacks in day, night and adverse weather conditions.
The Apache can carry up to 16 Hellfire laser designated missiles.
With a range of over 8000 meters, the Hellfire is used primarily
for the destruction of tanks, armored vehicles and other hard material
targets. The Apache can also deliver 76, 2.75" folding fin
aerial rockets for use against enemy personnel, light armor vehicles
and other soft-skinned targets. Rounding out the Apaches deadly
punch are 1,200 rounds of ammunition for its Area Weapons System
(AWS), 30MM Automatic Gun.
Powered by two General Electric gas turbine
engines rated at 1890 shaft horsepower each, the Apaches maximum
gross weight is 17,650 pounds which allows for a cruise airspeed
of 145 miles per hour and a flight endurance of over three hours.
The AH-64 can be configured with an external 230-gallon fuel tank
to extend its range on attack missions, or it can be configured
with up to four 230-gallon fuel tanks for ferrying/self-deployment
missions. The combat radius of the AH-64 is approximately 150 kilometers.
The combat radius with one external 230-gallon fuel tank installed
is approximately 300 kilometers [radii are temperature, PA, fuel
burn rate and airspeed dependent]. The AH-64 is air transportable
in the C-5, C-141 and C-17.
An on-board video recorder has the capability
of recording up to 72 minutes of either the pilot or CPG selected
video. It is an invaluable tool for damage assessment and reconnaissance.
The Apache's navigation equipment consists of a doppler navigation
system, and most aircraft are equipped with a GPS receiver.
The Apache has state-of-the-art optics that
provide the capability to select from three different target acquisition
sensors. These sensors are
- Day TV. Views images during day and low
light levels, black and white.
- TADS FLIR. Views thermal images, real world and magnified, during
day, night and adverse weather.
- DVO. Views real world, full color, and magnified images during
daylight and dusk conditions.
The Apache has four articulating weapons
pylons, two on either side of the aircraft, on which weapons or
external fuel tanks can be mounted. The aircraft has a LRF/D. This
is used to designate for the Hellfire missile system as well as
provide range to target information for the fire control computer's
calculations of ballistic solutions.
Threat identification through the FLIR system
is extremely difficult. Although the AH-64 crew can easily find
the heat signature of a vehicle, it may not be able to determine
friend or foe. Forward looking infrared detects the difference in
the emission of heat in objects. On a hot day, the ground may reflect
or emit more heat than the suspected target. In this case, the environment
will be "hot" and the target will be "cool."
As the air cools at night, the target may lose or emit heat at a
lower rate than the surrounding environment. At some point the emission
of heat from both the target and the surrounding environment may
be equal. This is IR crossover and makes target acquisition/detection
difficult to impossible. IR crossover occurs most often when the
environment is wet. This is because the water in the air creates
a buffer in the emissivity of objects. This limitation is present
in all systems that use FLIR for target acquisition.
Low cloud ceilings may not allow the Hellfire
seeker enough time to lock onto its target or may cause it to break
lock after acquisition. At extended ranges, the pilot may have to
consider the ceiling to allow time for the seeker to steer the weapon
onto the target. Pilot night vision sensor cannot detect wires or
other small obstacles.
Overwater operations severely degrade navigation
systems not upgraded with embedded GPS. Although fully capable of
operating in marginal weather, attack helicopter capabilities are
seriously degraded in conditions below a 500-foot ceiling and visibility
less than 3 km. Because of the Hellfire missile's trajectory, ceilings
below 500 feet require the attack aircraft to get too close to the
intended target to avoid missile loss. Below 3 km visibility, the
attack aircraft is vulnerable to enemy ADA systems. Some obscurants
can prevent the laser energy from reaching the target; they can
also hide the target from the incoming munitions seeker. Dust, haze,
rain, snow and other particulate matter may limit visibility and
affect sensors. The Hellfire remote designating crew may offset
a maximum of 60 degrees from the gun to target line and must not
position their aircraft within a +30-degree safety fan from the
firing aircraft.
The Apache fully exploits the vertical dimension
of the battlefield. Aggressive terrain flight techniques allow the
commander to rapidly place the ATKHB at the decisive place at the
optimum time. Typically, the area of operations for Apache is the
entire corps or divisional sector. Attack helicopters move across
the battlefield at speeds in excess of 3 kilometers per minute.
Typical planning airspeeds are 100 to 120 knots during daylight
and 80 to 100 knots at night. Speeds during marginal weather are
reduced commensurate with prevailing conditions. The Apache can
attack targets up to 150 km across the FLOT. If greater depth is
required, the addition of ERFS tanks can further extend the AH-64's
range with a corresponding reduction in Hellfire missile carrying
capacity (four fewer Hellfire missiles for each ERFS tank installed).
The Russian-developed Mi-24 HIND is the
Apache's closest couterpart. The Russians have deployed significant
numbers of HINDs in Europe and have exported the HIND to many third
world countries. The Russians have also developed the KA-50 HOKUM
as their next generation attack helicopter. The Italian A-129 Mangusta
is the nearest NATO counterpart to the Apache. The Germans and French
are co-developing the PAH-2 Tiger attack helicopter, which has many
of the capabilities of the Apache.
The AH-64A:
The AH-64 fleet consists of two aircraft models, the AH-64A and
the newer Longbow Apache (LBA), AH-64D. AH-64A model full-scale
production began in 1983 and now over 800 aircraft have been delivered
to the U.S. Army and other NATO Allies. The U.S. Army plans to remanufacture
its entire AH-64A Apache fleet to the AH-64D configuration over
the next decade. The AH-64A fleet exceeded one million flight hours
in 1997, and the median age of today's fleet is 9 years and 1,300
flight hours.
The AH-64A proved its capabilities in action
during both Operation Restore Hope and Operation Desert Storm. Apache
helicopters played a key role in the 1989 action in Panama, where
much of its activity was at night, when the AH-64's advanced sensors
and sighting systems were effective against Panamanian government
forces.
Apache helicopters also played a major role
in the liberation of Kuwait. On 20 November 1990, the 11th Aviation
Brigade was alerted for deployment to Southwest Asia from Storck
Barracks in Illesheim Germany. The first elements arrived in theater
24 November 1990. By 15 January 1991 the unit had moved 147 helicopters,
325 vehicles and 1,476 soldiers to the region. The Apache helicopters
of the Brigade destroyed more than 245 enemy vehicles with no losses.
During Operation Desert Storm, AH-64s were
credited with destroying more than 500 tanks plus hundreds of additional
armored personnel carriers, trucks and other vehicles. They also
were used to destroy vital early warning radar sites, an action
that opened the U.N. coalition's battle plan. Apaches also demonstrated
the ability to perform when called upon, logging thousands of combat
hours at readiness rates in excess of 85 percent during the Gulf
War.
While recovery was ongoing, additional elements
of the 11th Aviation Brigade began the next chapter of involvement
in the region. On 24 April 1991 the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalrys 18
AH-64 helicopters began a self-deployment to Southwest Asia. The
Squadron provided aerial security to a 3,000 square kilometer region
in Northern Iraq as part of the Combined Task Force of Operation
Provide Comfort.
And the AH-64A Apache helped to keep the
peace in Bosnia. April of 1996 saw the beginning of the 11th Regiments
involvement in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Elements of 6-6 Cavalry served
as a part of Task Force Eagle under 1st Armored Division for 7 months.
In October of 1996, Task Force 11, consisting of the Regimental
Headquarters, 2-6 Cavalry, 2-1 Aviation and 7-159 Aviation (AVIM)
deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Operation Joint Endeavor/Operation
Joint Guard for eight months. In June of 1998 the Regimental Headquarters,
6-6 Cav and elements of 5-158 Aviation were again deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina
in support of Operations Joint Guard and Joint Forge for 5 months.
The AH-64As advanced sensors and sighting systems proved effective
in removing the cover of darkness from anti-government forces.
Army National Guard units in North and South
Carolina, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Utah and Idaho also fly Apache
helicopters. The Army has fielded combat-ready AH-64A units in the
United States, West Germany and in Korea, where they play a major
role in achieving the US Army's security missions.
By late 1996, McDonnell Douglas Helicopters
delivered 937 AH-64A Apaches -- 821 to the U.S. Army and 116 to
international customers, including Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi
Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Apache is clearly one of the most dynamic
and important programs in aviation and the Army, but it is not without
limitations. Due to the possibility of surging the engines, pilots
have been instructed not to fire rockets from in-board stations.
According to current doctrine, they are to fire no more than pairs
with two outboard launchers every three seconds, or fire with only
one outboard launcher installed without restrictions (ripples permitted).
These are the only conditions permitted. Other firing conditions
will be required to be approved via a System Safety Risk Assessment
(SSRA).
The improvement of aircraft systems troubleshooting
is a high priority issue for O&S Cost reduction. Because of
funding cuts, the level of contractor support to the field has been
reduced. This results in higher costs in no fault found removals,
maintenance man hours, and aircraft down time. The Apache PM, US
Army Aviation Logistics School, and Boeing are currently undertaking
several initiatives. Upgrading and improving the soldier's ability
to quickly and accurately fault isolate the Apache weapons system
is and will continue to be an O&S priority until all issues
are resolved.
Prime Vendor Support (PVS) for the entire
fleet of AH-64s is a pilot program for the Army, and may become
a pilot program for the Department of Defense. PVS will place virtually
all of Apache's wholesale logistic responsibility under a single
contract. The Apache flying hour program will provide upfront funding
for spares, repairables, contractor technical experts, and reliability
improvements. Starting at the flight line there will be contractor
expert technicians with advanced troubleshooting capability assigned
to each Apache Battalion. At the highest level, PVS represents a
single contractor focal point for spares and repairs. The intent
is to break the current budget and requirements cycle that has Apache
at 67% supply availability with several thousand lines at zero balance.
Modernization Through Spares (MTS) is a
spares/component improvement strategy applied throughout the acquisition
life cycle and is based on technology insertion to enhance systems
and extend useful life while reducing costs. The MTS initiative
seeks to leverage current procurement funds and modernize individual
system spares thereby incrementally improving these systems. MTS
is accomplished via the "spares" acquisition process.
MTS, a subset of acquisition reform, seeks to improve an end item's
spare components. The emphasis is on form, fit and function, allowing
a supplier greater design and manufacturing flexibility to exploit
technology used in the commercial marketplace.
Apache MTS focuses on the insertion of the
latest technology into the design and manufacture of select spares.
This is to be accomplished without government research and development
(R&D) funds, but rather, uses industry investment. Industry,
in turn, recoups this investment through the sale of improved hardware
via long term contracts.
Modernization efforts continue to improve
the performance envelope of the AH-64A while reducing the cost of
ownership. Major modernization efforts within the AH-64A fleet are
funded and on schedule. GG Rotor modifications were finished in
April 1998,, and future improvements such as a Second Generation
FLIR, a High Frequency Non-Line of Sight NOE radio, and an internal
fully crashworthy auxiliary fuel tank are all on the verge of becoming
a reality for the Apache.
The Aviation Mission Planning System (AMPS)
and the Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC) are tools for the Embedded
Global Positioning Inertial Navigation Unit (EGI) equipped AH-64A
aircraft that allow aircrews to plan missions and download the information
to a DTC installed in the Data Transfer Receptacle (DTR). This saves
the pilots a lot of "fat fingering" and eliminates the
worry of everyone being on the same "sheet of music".
Other features of the DTC include; saving waypoints and targets
and troubleshooting. The EGI program is a Tri-service program with
the Army, Air Force and Navy.
General Characteristics,
AH-64 Apache |
Manufacturers:
Boeing McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems
(Mesa, AZ)
General Electric (Lynn, MA)
Martin Marietta (Orlando, FL)
|
Power Plant:
Two T700-GE-701Cs
|
Length:
58.17 feet (17.73 meters)
|
Height:
15.24 feet (4.64 meters)
|
Wingspan:
17.15 feet (5.227 meters)
|
Weight:
11,800 pounds empty
15,075 pounds (6838 kilograms) loaded
|
|
Maximum Speed:
153 knots (284 kph)
|
Range:
1,900 kilometers
|
Crew:
Two: pilot and copilot/gunner
|
Armament:
M230 33mm gun
70mm (2.75 inch) Hydra-70 folding-fin aerial rockets
AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles
AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radar missile
AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
|
Introduction Date:
1986
|
|
UH-60 Black Hawk
Description: The Black Hawk is the
Armys front-line utility helicopter used for air assault, air cavalry,
and aeromedical evacuation units. It is designed to carry 11 combat-loaded,
air assault troops, and it is capable of moving a 105-millimeter
howitzer and 30 rounds of ammunition. First deployed in 1978, the
Black Hawks advanced technology makes it easy to maintain in the
field. The Black Hawk has performed admirably in a variety of missions,
including air assault, air cavalry and aeromedical evacuations.
In addition, modified Black Hawks operate as command and control,
electronic warfare, and special operations platforms.
The Black Hawk is the primary division-level
transport helicopter, providing dramatic improvements in troop capacity
and cargo lift capability compared to the UH-1 Series "Huey"
it replaces. The UH-60A, with a crew of three, can lift an entire
11-man fully-equipped infantry squad in most weather conditions.
It can be configured to carry four litters, by removing eight troop
seats, in the MedEval role. Both the pilot and co-pilot are provided
with armor-protective seats. Protective armor on the Black Hawk
can withstand hits from 23mm shells. The Black Hawk has a cargo
hook for external lift missions. The Black Hawk has provisions for
door mounting of two M60D 7.62mm machine guns on the M144 armament
subsystem, and can disperse chaff and infrared jamming flares using
the M130 general purpose dispenser. The Black Hawk has a composite
titanium and fiberglass four-bladed main rotor, is powered by two
General Electric T700-GE-700 1622 shp turboshaft engines, and has
a speed of 163 mph (142 knots).
Elements of the U.S. Army Aviation UH-60A/l
Blackhawk helicopter fleet will begin reaching their sevice life
goal of 25 years in 2002. In order for the fleet to remain operationally
effective through the time period 2025-2030 the aircraft will need
to go through an inspection, refurbishment, and modernization process
that will validate the structural integrity of the airframe, incorporate
improvements in sub-systems so as to reduce maintenance requirements,
and modernize the mission equipment and avionics to the levels compatible
with Force XXI and Army After Next (AAN) demands.
A Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)
is planned for the UH-60 beginning in FY99. The UH-60 modernization
program will identify material requirements to effectively address
known operational deficiencies to ensure the Black Hawk is equipped
and capable of meeting battlefield requirements through the 2025-2030
timeframe. Primary modernization areas for consideration are: increased
lift, advanced avionics (digital communications and navigation suites),
enhanced aircraft survivability equipment (ASE), increased reliability
and maintainability (R & M), airframe service life extension
(SLEP), and reduced operations and support (O & S) costs. Suspense
date for the approved Operational Requirements Document (ORD) is
December 1998.
History: The
UH-60A, first flown in October 1974, was developed as a result of
the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) program.
The UTTAS was designed for troop transport, command and control,
MedEvac, and reconnaissance, to replace the UH-1 Series "Huey"
in the combat assault role. In August 1972, the U.S. Army selected
the Sikorsky (model S-70) YUH-60A and the Boeing Vertol (model 237)
YUH-61A (1974) as competitors in the Utility Tactical Transport
Aircraft System (UTTAS) program. The Boeing Vertol YUH-61A had a
four-bladed composite rotor, was powered by the same General Electric
T700 engine as the Sikorsky YUH-60A, and could carry 11 troops.
In December 1976 Sikorsky won the competition to produce the UH-60A,
subsequently named the Black Hawk.
Variants: The
Army began fielding the UH-60 in 1978. From 1978 until 1989 the
Army procured UH-60A model aircraft. In October 1989, a power train
upgrade resulted in a model designation change from UH-60A to UH-60L.
The UH-60L version that provides 24 percent more power than the
original 1970 UH-60A model. As of the end of FY97, the Army had
procured 483 UH-60L models for a total UH-60 acquisition of 1,463
aircraft. The Army is in the fifth and final year of a multi-year
procurement contract calling for the delivery of 60 aircraft per
year.
UH-60L: In
October 1989, the engines were upgraded to two General Electric
T700-GE-701C 1890 shp turboshaft engines, and an improved durability
gear box was added, resulting in a model designation change from
UH-60A to UH-60L. The T700-GE-701C has better high altitude and
hot weather performance, greater lifting capacity, and improved
corrosion protection.
The UH-60 Firehawk is a Reseach and Development
program to provide the UH-60 series helicopter with both a wartime
and peacetime fire fighting capability by use of a detachable 1,000
gal. belly tank. Qualification issues include design and testing
required to maintain the combat capabilities of the UH-60 Black
Hawk and the safe flight envelope of the aircraft with the tank.
The EH-60A Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
variant has a unique external antenna designed to intercept and
jam enemy communications. The EH-60E is powered by two General Electric
T700-GE-700 1622 shp turboshaft engines.
The EH-60B version has a Stand-Off Target
Acquisition System designed to detect the movement of enemy forces
on the battlefield and relay the information to a ground station.
UH-60Q Medevac:
The UH-60Q MEDEVAC helicopter provides significant enroute patient
care enhancements. The UH-60Q provides a 6 patient litter system,
on-board oxygen generation, and a medical suction system. UH-60Q
is a UH-60A derivative and incorporates approximate UH-60A characteristics.
It is simply the best in aeromedical evacuation. Building on the
BLACK HAWK's heritage of saving lives in Grenada, Panama, Kuwait
and Somalia, the UH-60Q delivers exceptional patient care, increased
survivability, longer range, greater speed and added missions capability.
For military combatants. War victims. Civilians injured in natural
disasters. It has a state-of-the-art medical interior that can accomodate
a crew of three and up to six acute care patients. The UH-60Q's
leading-edge technology incorporates an improved environmental control
system. Cardiac monitoring systems. Oxygen generation, distribution
and suction systems. Airway management capability. Provision for
stowing IV solutions. And an external electrical rescue hoist. And
in addition to extensive immediate care, the UH-60Q can perform
all weather terrain battlefield evacuation, combat search and rescue,
hospital ship lifeline missions, deep operations support, forward
surgical team transport, medical logistics resupply, medical personnel
movement, patient regulating, disaster/humanitarian relief, and
MAST/HELP state support.
The UH-60Q's medical interior can accomodate
three to six acute care patients and their medical attendants. Ergonomic
design has maximized the UH-60Q cabin space, placing sophisticated,
life-saving instruments and equipment at the fingertips of the medical
attendants. A unique platform design allows the interior to transport
either six litter of seven ambulatory systems, oxygen distribution
and suction systems, airway management capability, and provisions
for stowing intravenous solutions. The interior also features these
additional capabilities, essentical to providing the highest degree
of patient care when every second counts:
- Oxygen Generating Systems
- NVG Compatible Lighting Throughout
- Environmental Control System
- Medical Equipment
- Patient Monitoring Equipment
- Neonatal Isolettes
Modernizing the Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
system is the Army Surgeon General's number one near term priority.
The UH-60Q communications architecture provides situational awareness
and digital communications and is expected to be the model for anticipated
fleet-wide improvements to the UH-60. Other improvements include
integrated Doppler/GPS, Personnel Locator System, NVG interior lighting,
and FLIR.
General Characteristics, UH-60
Black Hawk |
Contractor:
Sikorsky
|
Power
Plant: Two
T700-GE-701Cs
|
Thrust:
3,120 shaft
horsepower
|
Length: 64 feet, 7
inches (19.7 meters)
|
Height: 16 feet, 10
inches
|
Main
Rotor Diameter: 53 feet, 6
inches (16.3 meters)
|
Weight: 11,500
pounds
|
External
Cargo Hook: Handles up
to 8000 pounds (3629 kilograms)
| |
Maximum
Speed: 150
knots
|
Ceiling:
19,000
feet (5,790 meters)
|
Range:
315 nautical
miles
|
Crew:
Two pilots
and two crew; 11 to 14 armed troops
|
Armament:
Up to two
7.62mm M60 machine guns in cabin
Two 7.62-mm
(0.3-in) miniguns or two GECAL 0.50-in Gatling guns on
pintle mount
|
Date
Deployed: 1978
| |
AH-1W Super Cobra
Function: Fire support and security
for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter,
armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and
limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and
visual reconnaissance.
History: The
Marine Corps deployed four of six active force squadrons (48 AH-1Ws)
to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. These
helicopters destroyed 97 tanks, 104 armored personnel carriers and
vehicles, 16 bunkers and two antiaircraft artillery sites without
the loss of any aircraft. The deployment required no additional
augmentation to squadron support personnel and only one Bell Helicopter
technical representative.
Description:
The AH-1W Super Cobra is a day/night marginal weather Marine Corps
attack helicopter that provides enroute escort for our assault helicopters
and their embarked forces. The AH-1W is a two-place, tandem-seat,
twin-engine helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations.
The AH-1W provides fire support and fire support coordination to
the landing force during amphibious assaults and subsequent operations
ashore. The AH-1W is operated in eight composite HMLA squadrons
composed of 18 AH-1 and 9 UH-1 aircraft. The AH-1W is curretnly
being outfitted with a Night Targeting System/Forward Looking Infrared
Radar that provides laser rangefinding/designating and camera capabilities.
General Characteristics,
AH-1W Super Cobra |
Manufacturer:
Bell Helicopter Textron
|
Unit Cost:
$10.7 million
|
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T700-GE-401
engines
|
Thrust:
Full: 2082 shaft horsepower for
30 minutes (transmission limited)
Continuous: 1775 shaft horsepower
|
Length:
58 feet (17.67 meters)
|
Height:
13.7 feet (4.17 meters)
|
Rotor Diameter:
48 feet (14.62 meters)
|
Maximum Take-off Weight:
14,750 pounds (6,696.50 kilograms)
|
Maximum Speed:
180 knots
|
|
Ceiling:
18,700 feet (5703.5 meters) in
basic combat attack configuration (limited to 10,000
feet (3050 kilometers) by oxygen requirements)
|
Range:
256 nautical miles (294.4 miles)
in basic combat attack configuration
|
Crew:
Two officers
|
Armament:
One 20MM turreted cannon with
750 rounds
Four external wing stations that can fire 2.75"/5.0"
rockets and a wide variety of precision guided missiles,
including TOW/Hellfire (point target/anti-armor),
Sidewinder (anti-air), Sidearm (anti-radar)
|
Introduction Date:
1986
|
|
(c) Copyright 2001 Abdur
Rahim
|