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Lethal Power
Boeing offers a wide array of helicopters to choose from
By Ajit K.Dubey
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In the US Army, there is a saying that when the Apaches are flying, the troops are not dying. You know the reason when you see the Apache AH 64D Longbow in Mesa, Arizona, where Boeing manufactures the combat-proven attack helicopter for the US Army. Boeing would be offering this helicopter to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its requirement of 22 combat helicopters. The IAF is planning to augment its combat helicopter fleet and is expected to release a Request for Proposal (RFP)
A close encounter with the helicopter on ground shows you the vast combat capabilities that the combat helicopter possesses. The robust war-machine can carry long range missiles like the Hellfire and can carry out attacks with accuracy over long range targets also. The weapon payloads of the helicopter include air to air missiles, a 30 mm canon, 70 mm rockets and the deadly Hellfire air to ground fire and forget missiles. "The stand off capability of the chopper makes it a lethal invisible threat for the enemy. The Apache has been known for its high success rate in engaging stationary and moving targets from long stand-off ranges in nearly all weather environments," said Brad Rounding, Manager- Apache Program.
The sensors of the Apache help in detection of objects without even revealing its presence to the enemy forces. The Apache is capable of detecting and classifying up to 128 targets in less than a minute help of the integrated sensors. "With the facilities of networking, and digital communications, the Apache can help in improving situational awareness of the battlefield commanders," revealed Rounding.
Comparing with the Russian Mi-25s and the Mi-35s in the IAF, William J. Wainwright, Boeing test pilot on the Apache said that the Apache scored over the Russian machines in terms of weight, lethality and maneuverability. He said: "the Apache has lighter airframe and has better maneuverability. The missiles package of the helicopter is also more lethal than the Russian helicopters. With its better range, sensors, day and night fighting capabilities, it scores heavily over the Russian Mil helicopters." The night fighting capabilities of the AH-64 are enhanced by the modern forward looking infra red sensors which provide a clear picture of the enemy targets in night time also.
According to the Boeing officials, the trust placed in the Apaches by the US Army and the other operator countries can be seen from the number of helicopters serving in their armed forces. The company would be producing 634 'D' models of the Apache for the US Army alone. The 'A' model of the helicopter has also been highly successful with over a 1000 deliveries for the US Army and other countries like Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The combat-proven AH-64A is still in service with all these countries.
Boeing officials explained that if the IAF selected the Apache, it would help them to perform multiple missions with one platform. These included peacekeeping missions, reconnaissance, escort and force protection, close combat attack and deep attack missions.
Talking about the use of the helicopter in counter insurgency or anti terrorist operations, Boeing officials said that the Apache was the best helicopter when it came to fighting an insurgency or tackling terrorists in the urban warfare. "Our forces are using the Apaches in Afghanistan and Iraq. There have been various operations where ground troops have succeeded when Apaches have provided them support and cover from air in urban warfare environment also," said a Boeing official.
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