The AN/APG-78 Longbow is a millimeter-wave fire-control radar (FCR) system for the AH-64D/E Apache attack helicopter. It was initially developed in the 1980s as the Airborne Adverse Weather Weapon System (AAWWS) as part of the Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) to enhance the AH-64A. By 1990, both AAWWS and MSIP were renamed Longbow. The radar is produced by Longbow LLC, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
In accordance with the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), the "AN/APG-78" designation represents the 78th design of an Army-Navy airborne electronic device for radar fire-control equipment. The JETDS system also now is used to name all Department of Defense electronic systems.
Description The AN/APG-78 Longbow is a millimeter-wave fire-control radar (FCR) target acquisition system and the Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), which are housed in a dome located above the main rotor. The radome's raised position enables target detection while the helicopter is behind obstacles (e.g. terrain, trees or buildings). The APG-78 is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 128 targets and engaging up to 16 at once; an attack can be initiated within 30 seconds. A radio modem integrated with the sensor suite allows data to be shared with ground units and other Apaches, allowing them to fire on targets detected by a single helicopter.
The updated AN/APG-78 radar for the AH-64E Guardian has overwater capabilities, potentially enabling naval strikes.
Applications AgustaWestland Apache Longbow Bell AH-1Z Viper (option) Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian Boeing–Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche (canceled)
See also
List of radars Searchwater Seaspray (radar) List of military electronics of the United States
References
External links
Northrop Grumman AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR) page Lockheed Martin Longbow FCR page