Unmatched Force-Multiplier:
LONGBOW®, the World’s Only Attack Helicopter Fire Control Radar
LONGBOW®, the World’s Only Attack Helicopter Fire Control Radar
By Tori Prestianni
For more than 30 years, the AN/APG-78 LONGBOW fire control radar (FCR) has provided advanced radar capabilities to the AH-64 Apache — the most advanced multi-role combat attack helicopter for the U.S. Army and global defense forces. Battle-proven in all weather conditions, LONGBOW provides automatic target detection, location, classification and prioritization for Apache aircrews. But what’s particularly unique about this radar is that it is the only FCR on an attack helicopter worldwide, fully designed, produced and sustained by a decades-long joint venture between Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.
During the Cold War in the1980s, the U.S. Army was seeking ground-breaking technologies to develop and produce the best possible radar targeting and missile system to further advance attack helicopters. The fleet needed to eliminate heavily armored ground targets without compromising survivability and lethality to the crew. This meant equipping an attack helicopter with capabilities similar to those on fighter jets, requiring cutting-edge technology, a sophisticated target system and lethal fire-and-forget missiles.
At the time, there were two companies advancing technology that fit these needs, one leading the way in missile technology and the other in radars. In 1985, and with the Army’s encouragement, these two companies — Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman — joined forces and established Longbow LLC. The joint venture leveraged Lockheed Martin’s HELLFIRE missile development and Northrop Grumman’s processing technology from the F-16’s AN/APG-68 radar to develop LONGBOW.
"The concept of bringing F-16 like capabilities to an attack helicopter was unheard of,” says Ed Griebel, vice president, airborne surveillance at Northrop Grumman. “Leveraging two companies with complimentary expertise was crucial to provide the most advanced solution.”
"The formation of Longbow Limited Liability Company was a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Apache helicopter's capabilities,” adds Hank Tucker, vice president, mission systems at Lockheed Martin. “Together, we were able to create something truly groundbreaking.”
During the Cold War, Apache helicopters were utilizing lasers to detect threats. The lasers could only detect a single target at a time, weather permitting, and had to stay locked on the threat until missile impact.
With the introduction of LONGBOW, aircrews could search, detect, locate, classify and prioritize multiple moving and stationary targets rapidly and automatically, through advanced FCR capabilities. This enabled aircrews to operate on land, above water and in air, in adverse weather and battlefield conditions from long ranges, avoiding defensive fire.
Not only did the multi-mode detection significantly improve survivability and lethality with a very low probability of intercept, but the mast-mounted design was also revolutionary to the Apache. The unique mast-mount placement of the radar on top of the rotor provided a significant tactical advantage for pilots, enabling the aircrew to detect and track targets with precision while remaining concealed.
The AH-64 Apache remains the world’s most advanced proven attack helicopter, expected to remain in service for several decades. Developing and modernizing systems on the platform — like LONGBOW — ensure viability and allow the Apache’s reputation to hold strong.
Since inception, Longbow LLC has innovated the FCR to meet rapidly evolving mission requirements, including doubling maximum range detection across all modes and implementing an additional maritime mode to detect water-borne targets. The renewed joint venture underscores the dedication to ongoing modernization and maintaining relevance.
“LONGBOW stands as a testament to the power of enduring partnerships and innovation in the face of adversity,” says Tucker. “We are continuously innovating to bring the most advanced technology to our customers.”
Pilots assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, conducting familiarization training on an AH-64E Apache helicopter. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Savannah Roy, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division).
To date, more than 550 LONGBOW systems have been delivered to 19 partners, including to the U.S. Army and international allies, providing increased battlefield sensing capabilities to multi-domain operations.
It’s no secret that threats are evolving faster and becoming more complex than ever before. As Army Aviation platforms modernize to stay ahead of these threats, it’s clear there is a critical need for a combat-proven, advanced FCR to ensure mission success. Providing the most advanced radar technology to Army Aviation has been and remains Longbow LLC’s mission.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
LONGBOW is a registered trademark of Longbow LLC. LONGBOW is registered in the U.S., UK and EU.
