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AH-64E Guardian

The AH-64D Apache Block III was renamed the AH-64E Apache “Guardian” in 2012. The E-model Apaches, also known as Guardians, provide the US Army the most advanced avionics and most powerful engines to date on the attack helicopter. The E-model Apache features enhanced performance, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding, and reduced operating and support costs. The AH-64E meets all the requirements for Army and joint interoperability goals for the future and will add significant combat capability while addressing obsolescence issues, ensuring the aircraft remains a viable combat multiplier beyond 2050. The AH-64E will be designed and equipped with an open systems architecture to incorporate the latest communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems.

The AH-64E Apache Remanufacture (AH-64E Remanufacture) is the heavy attack helicopter of the current and the future force. It is a twin engine, four bladed, tandem seat, attack helicopter with 30-millimeter ammunition, 2.75-inch rockets, laser & Radio Frequency Hellfire missiles. AH-64E is the Army's network-centric, multi-role weapon system within the Future Modular Force (FMF). It will provide the capability to simultaneously conduct (or quickly transition between) close combat, mobile strike, armed reconnaissance, security and vertical maneuver missions across the full spectrum of warfare from Stability And Support Operations to Major Combat Operations when required in day, night, obscured battlefield and adverse weather conditions. AH-64E will enable the Joint Air/Ground Maneuver Team to dominate the battle space by providing air-ground synergy through real time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) information and responsive precision fires. AH-64E will be linked to Joint and Combined Arms Air/Ground Maneuver Teams via Enhanced Digital Communications, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Data Links and Joint Networking waveforms.

The AH-64E is an Apache Attack Helicopter modified as required to effectively and efficiently integrate the Longbow Apache well into the 21st century, by providing improvements to make it relevant in FMF operations. It provides a significantly enhanced warfighting capability over the AH-64A and AH-64D. It is capable of being employed day or night in adverse weather and obscurants, and can effectively engage and destroy advanced threat weapon systems on the air-land battlefield. Tactically, the AH-64E provides significant war fighting advantages over the original AH-64D and multiplies the combat effectiveness of the entire fleet. It will be fully capable of employing the Longbow Fire Control Radar mission kit, the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System/Modernized Pilot Night Vision System, the Longbow Hellfire missiles, and future improved munitions in addition to the normal complement of AH-64D munitions.

The AH-64E Guardian replaces the AH-64D "Longbow" and integrates more powerful engines, improved rotor blade technology and advanced electronics. The Defense Acquisition Board decision regarding full-rate production for the Apache Block III helicopter program announced 24 October 2012 also approved re-designating the Apache Block III as the AH-64E model. The new AH-64E Apache returns all the power margins lost as a result of adding more than a decade's worth of critical mission equipment packages, which made the aircraft heavier over time. The Guardian is the first Army rotorcraft capable of hovering at 6,000 feet with a full mission payload. The increased power gives pilots more control in high-altitude areas of operation.

The newest model of the heavily-armed, twin engine helicopter replaces the AH-64D "Longbow" model and integrates several new technologies such as more powerful, fuel-efficient engines, improved rotor blade technology and advanced electronics. The upgrades significantly increase aircraft reliability and sustainability by improving the Apache's range, performance, and maneuverability. The AH-64E provides an increased lethality and is a definite game changer on the battlefield. It will certainly increase the brigade's capability to accomplish a variety of missions.

The AH-64E Guardian is the most recent "platform" of the Army's Apache attack helicopter, which means its systems are the most technically-advanced version available to the U.S. Army. In addition to being stronger than its predecessor, the AH-64E is faster and less constrained in extreme combat conditions. It has a combat speed of around 189 mph, about 23 mph faster than the Longbow. The Guardian will also turn faster and tighter, making it significantly more difficult for the enemy to outmaneuver the aircraft. The AH-64E can even operate unmanned aerial vehicles/systems remotely.

AH-64E pilots have the option to control nearby Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. They can view UAV camera feeds, adjust their flight path and launch missiles at targets spotted by the UAV. With its latest improvements, the AH-64E Guardian more efficiently operates as a safeguard for soldiers on the ground. It has the ability to seek and eliminate threats that would otherwise be undetectable and/or indestructible from the ground, allowing units below to complete their missions.

In January 2021 the 1-229th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Wash., beaome the first operational unit to receive the AH-64E version 6 (V6) Apache helicopter. The V6 is equipped with an open systems design including the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. The model has multiple upgrades with the improved Lockheed-Martin Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision System (MTADS/PNVS), which includes a new integrated infrared laser for easier target designation and enhanced infrared imagery capabilities. . The GEN3 Day Sensor Assembly (GEN3 DSA) doubles the sensor’s field of view and increases resolution. The addition of color imagery improves target detection and identification. The GEN 3 DSA adds a lot of value to the Apache. The addition of Near-Infrared (NIR) Signature, and color vision for the Gunner makes target discriminations much easier, minimizing miscommunications within the cockpit, team, or platoon. It fills in critical details about the target, and area around it that we didn't previously have, minimizing the risks of an engagement. It is impressive to use the GEN3 DSA under the right conditions to clearly identify objects and personnel at over 20km. The upgrades to the Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR) add a maritime capability that the AH-64 community has been talking about for a long time. The GEN3 DSA is a real game changer. It puts the Apache into a position where sensors are out ranging weapon systems, and can identify targets before in range to shoot them. This allows better leverage long range precision fires from other platforms and reduces the Apache signature. The V6 also has Link 16 communications, which allows the Apache to switch network connections on the spot, and merge different networks for an operational picture. This results in the delivery of real-time situational awareness to the cockpit. The software also supports the exchange of text messages, imagery data and provides two channels of digital voice. The GEN3 DSA, and several of the software changes overall make the system more intuitive, saving time and effort, which allows me and my peers to spend more energy and time focused outside and on the bigger picture of where the aircraft is in time and space. Crewmembers can receive Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) video in the cockpit, control UAS sensors and direct the flight path of the UAS. The crewmembers can also share real-time situational awareness of the operational environment and enemy forces to Soldiers on the ground. The Longbow radar updates adapted the capabilities to naval activities, allowing the radar to track vessels while also doubling Longbow’s detection range. The V6 software also has the ability to track small unmanned aircraft, turning the aircraft into a lethal counter-UAS platform and has Manned-Unmanned Teaming E\eXpanded (MUMT-X) software installed which allows Apache pilots to directly control Army UAS. The Apache will remain a vital element of the US military because of the V6. The version 6 does add a safety factor on the aircrew side. The less effort pilots have to spent focusing inside on target identification, and clicking around to get the information they need, the safer the overall aircraft will be. This new version of the Apache is an enhanced weapon and sensor platform and a vital link between the Army’s ground forces and manned and unmanned aircraft. The upgrades allow for improved quality of training and operation on the battlefield.