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VF-103 Jolly Rogers AH-64D

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Description

VF-103 Jolly Rogers AH-64D Apache Longbow

Jolly Apache Longbow by EVOV1

Hughes and McDonnell Douglas made several attempts to adapt the AH-64A for a dedicated naval role. The first of these 'marinised' versions came in 1984. An Apache equipped with Harpoon or Penguin anti-ship missiles, Sidewinders for selfdefence, TOW missiles and a mast-mounted radar was proposed for both USMC and USN use. In USMC service the proposed 'sea Apache' could operate in support of amphibious operations from LHAs or LHDs to protect the assault force at sea and on the beach-head. USN aircraft could be based on frigates to provide distant protection for battle groups from surface threats. The 'Sea Apache' would have had a combat radius of 142 miles(228 km) and a mission endurance of 2.8 hours.

These ideas matured into a more developed 'Naval Apache' concept which was unveiled in 1987. This aircraft was radically modified through the addition of a completely redefined forward fuselage (plus IFR probe) with the avionics shifted to a ventral housing, increasing the fuel load. TADS/PNVS sensors and cannon were replaced by a Hughes AN/APG-65 radar. Redesigned stub wing/undercarriage sponsons could mount Sidewinder missiles and the 'Naval Apache' retained its Harpoon anti-ship missile capability. Hopes for over 100 sales proved to be premature.

Source: WAP

General characteristics

Crew: 2 (pilot, and co-pilot/gunner)
Length: 58.17 ft (17.73 m) (with both rotors turning)
Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
Height: 12.7 ft (3.87 m)
Disc area: 1,809.5 ft² (168.11 m²)
Empty weight: 11,387 lb (5,165 kg)
Loaded weight: 17,650 lb (8,000 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 23,000 lb (10,433 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × General Electric T700-GE-701 and later upgraded to T700-GE-701C (1990–present) & T700-GE-701D (AH-64D block III) turboshafts, -701: 1,690 shp, -701C: 1,890 shp, -701D: 2,000 shp (-701: 1,260 kW, -701C: 1,490 kW, -701D: 1,490 kW) each
Fuselage length: 49 ft 5 in (15.06 m)
Rotor systems: 4 blade main rotor, 4 blade tail rotor in non-orthogonal alignment

Performance

Never exceed speed: 197 knots (227 mph, 365 km/h)
Maximum speed: 158 knots (182 mph, 293 km/h)
Cruise speed: 143 knots (165 mph, 265 km/h)
Range: 257 nmi (295 mi, 476 km) with Longbow radar mast
Combat radius: 260 nmi (300 mi, 480 km)
Ferry range: 1,024 nmi (1,180 mi, 1,900 km)
Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m) minimum loaded
Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)
Disc loading: 9.80 lb/ft² (47.9 kg/m²)
Power/mass: 0.18 hp/lb (0.31 kW/kg)

Armament

Guns: 1× 30 × 113 mm (1.18 × 4.45 in) M230 Chain Gun with 1,200 rounds
Hardpoints: Four pylon stations on the stub wings. Longbows also have a station on each wingtip for an AIM-92 ATAS twin missile pack.[47][197]
Rockets: Hydra 70 air-to-ground rockets
Missiles: Typically AGM-114 Hellfire variants; AIM-92 Stinger may also be carried.

Avionics

Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar[198] (Note: can only be mounted on the AH-64D)
Image size
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Comments15
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Zhanrae30's avatar
Lol, budget cuts...