Source:-Boeing-made AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to join IAF fleet in ’19
It’s the most iconic attack helicopter in the world, and the first of its kind, the Indian Air Force lifted off on its inaugural flight last week.
The first images of the IAF’s AH-64E Apache painted in the IAF’s signature grey bearing its tri-coloured roundels emerged on Friday from the Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona where they’re manufactured.
Twenty-two such Apaches will begin delivery to the IAF starting March next year as part of a $1.4 billion (approx Rs 96 billion) deal signed in September 2015. The IAF’s Apaches will be deployed at the Pathankot air base, but will also operate from Jorhat in Assam.
Eleven of the 22 Apaches will come fitted with the highly prized AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar system that has given the Apache a fearsome reputation for being able to sneak up on targets, open devastating precision attacks at stand-off ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the ground. The IAF Apaches will augment the ageing Mi-28 heavy attack helicopters already in service.
While, the IAF is unlikely to operate more than 22 Apaches, the Indian Army, which signed up for six identical choppers earlier this year is almost certain to multiply that number to at least 30 more, giving India an overall Apache fleet strength of around 60 aircraft.
Pakistan’s military operates US-built AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter variants and is set to receive 30 T-129 Atak combat choppers from Turkey. China deploys the Z-10 attack helicopter with further improvements and inductions likely. India’s Apache fleet will function largely in a deterrent role against conventional ground threats, including tanks and vehicular movement, in the western and eastern frontiers.
Apart from its default Hellfire precision strike missiles and a 30mm chin-mounted chain gun that’s cued by the pilot’s helmet system, the Indian Apaches will also carry air-to-air Stinger missiles specifically requested by the Indian Air Force.
The cockpit, described as a ‘helicopter office’ by operators, is an enormous leap over anything IAF chopper crews have had a chance to fly in operational service.
Large multi-function displays, sensor fusion over networked architecture with other aircraft and digitally shared graphics will see the Apaches plugging into a system that has for long been dominated by Russian systems that have not achieved the sort of networked paradigm required in a modern battlefield.
India has begun production of Fuselages of the Apache.
Last month, the first Indian-built Apache fuselage was delivered ahead of schedule by Tata Boeing Aerospace Ltd (TABL). While the first fuselages are intended for the US Army, later production could be for the Indian Apaches as well.
Source:- India Today
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