AH-1 Cobra

     Notes: The AH-1G Cobra is the former standard US attack helicopter, developed in Vietnam, and still in service with many western-aligned nations, as well as former US allies such as Iran.  The AH-1G has a single engine.  It is not equipped with the guidance equipment necessary for using ATGMs or the sensors necessary for using air-to-air missiles.  No ejection seats are provided, and the aircraft is not capable of in-flight refueling. 

     The AH-1J SeaCobra was the first version for the US Marines.  It uses two engines instead of one, and though it was not initially capable of using the TOW ATGM, this capability was retrofitted later.  The minigun and grenade launcher was replaced by a 3-barreled 20mm M-197 autocannon. 

     The AH-1Q is an AH-1G with additional sighting and armament systems to enable it to carry and use the TOW ATGM.

     The AH-1S is the result of continual improvements in the AH-1G, in service with the US Army until the advent of the Apache.  It is still in service with many present and former US allies, as well as Reserve and National Guard units.  The rounded canopy glass was highly reflective, so it was replaced by flat glass panels.  It was equipped to carry TOW ATGM. 

     The AH-1E is not, as the designation might lead you to believe, an earlier model of the Cobra.  It is also known as the “upgunned AH-1S,” and differs from the standard AH-1S primarily in the replacement of the minigun/grenade launcher chin turret with one mounting a 3-barreled 20mm M-197 autocannon, as on the SeaCobra.  It has a composite rotor with diagonal tips.

     Like the AH-1E, the AH-1F SuperCobra is not an early model of Cobra.  It is a further upgraded AH-1E, also known as the “Modernized AH-1S.”  It has some of the latest attack helicopter hardware and computer software, and is capable of using Hellfire missiles.

     The AH-1P is also a version of the AH-1S; it is an AH-1S equipped with a new composite rotor, improved instrument panel layout, inertial navigation, radar altimeter, and better radios.

     The AH-1R is an AH-1G with a more powerful engine.

     The AH-1T Improved SeaCobra is a version of the AH-1J, with more sophisticated combat equipment and a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine, and an armored cockpit and Kevlar anti-spall liner. 

     The AH-1T+ SuperCobra is an AH-1T with more powerful engines and the ability to use Hellfire missiles and air-to-air missiles.

     The AH-1W SuperCobra is a version of the Cobra, used by the US Marines, who believe it is every bit as good as the Apache.  It has all the improvements of the AH-1T, and has twin engines and an EW suite in addition to those improvements.  The aircraft has no ejection seats and cannot be refueled in air.

     The AH-1Z King Cobra has a 4-bladed rotor and upgraded avionics, including a fully computerized and integrated attack and defense suite, and GPS.  Composite construction makes it considerably lighter.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The AH-1T+, AH-1E, AH-1P, and AH-1Z do not exist.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

AH-1E

$1,167,090

AvG

1.12 tons

6.64 tons

2

13

Image Intensification, Passive IR

Enclosed

AH-1F

$1,918,354

AvG

1.12 tons

6.69 tons

2

14

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AH-1G

$814,894

AvG

775 kg

4.31 tons

2

12

Passive IR

Enclosed

AH-1J

$553,078

AvG

419 kg

4.54 tons

2

12

Passive IR

Enclosed

AH-1P

$1,037,586

AvG

775 kg

4.31 tons

2

12

Passive IR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AH-1Q

$1,002,135

AvG

775 kg

4.34 tons

2

12

Passive IR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AH-1R

$824,622

AvG

775 kg

4.82 tons

2

12

Passive IR

Enclosed

AH-1S

$1,006,730

AvG

775 kg

4.44 tons

2

14

Image Intensification, Passive IR

Enclosed

AH-1T

$1,794,324

AvG

1.45 tons

6.53 tons

2

12

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AH-1T+

$1,798,306

AvG

1.45 tons

6.98 tons

2

12

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AH-1W

$2,472,041

AvG

755 kg

7.62 tons

2

16

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

AH-1Z

$2,695,650

AvG

2.62 tons

8.41 tons

2

17

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

Armor

AH-1E/F

554

139

25/35

1192

550

4720

FF4  CF3  RF3  RB3*

AH-1G/P/Q

554

139

25/35

1014

505

3475

FF4  CF3  RF3  RB3*

AH-1J

666

167

25/42

1014

1330

3215

FF4  CF3  RF3  RB3*

AH-1R

595

149

25/37

1014

654

3215

FF5  CF4  EF4  RB4**

AH-1S

640

160

25/40

1014

604

3720

FF5  CF5  RF4  RB5**

AH-1T

554

139

25/35

1158

1274

7400

FF5  CF5  RF4  RB5**

AH-1T+

581

145

25/36

1156

1339

7400

FF5  CF5  RF4  RB5**

AH-1W/Z

574

144

20/36

1563

1091

7400

FF6  CF5  RF4  RB5***

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

AH-1E

Secure Radio, Flare/Chaff Dispensers

40m

+2

20mm M-197 Autocannon, 4 Hardpoints

750x20mm

AH-1F

Secure Radio, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, HUD, Laser Rangefinder, IR Suppression, IRCM, Laser Designator

40m

+4

20mm M-197 Autocannon, 4 Hardpoints

750x20mm

AH-1G

Secure Radio

40m

+1

M-134, Mk19, 4 Hardpoints

2000x7.62mm and 150x40mm

AH-1J

Secure Radio

40m

+1

20mm M-197 Autocannon, 4 Hardpoints

750x20mm

AH-1P

Secure Radio, Flare/Chaff Dispensers

40m

+2

M-134, Mk19, 4 Hardpoints

2000x7.62mm and 150x40mm

AH-1Q

Secure Radio

40m

+2

M-134, Mk19, 4 Hardpoints

2000x7.62mm and 150x40mm

AH-1R

Secure Radio

40m

+1

M-134, Mk19, 4 Hardpoints

2000x7.62mm and 150x40mm

AH-1S

Secure Radio, Flare/Chaff Dispensers

40m

+2

M-134, Mk19, 4 Hardpoints

2000x7.62mm and 150x40mm

AH-1T/T+

Secure Radio, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, Helmet Sight Interface, Laser Designator

40m

+3

20mm M-197 Autocannon, 4 Hardpoints

750x20mm

AH-1W

Secure Radio, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, Helmet Sight Interface, Laser Designator, RWR, ECM

40m

+4

20mm M-197 Autocannon, 4 Hardpoints, plus 2 AAM Hardpoints

750x20mm

AH-1Z

Secure Radio, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, Helmet/Sight Interface, Laser Designator, ECM, RWR, LWR, Auto Track

40m

+5

20mm M-197 Autocannon, 4 Hardpoints, plus 2 AAM Hardpoints

750x20mm

*The cockpit is more armored than the rest of the aircraft and has AV5.

**The cockpit is more armored than the rest of the aircraft and has AV6.

***The cockpit is more armored than the rest of the aircraft and has AV7.

 

AH-64 Apache

     Notes: The AH-64 Apache is the US Army's primary attack helicopter, first used in combat in the 1989 conflict in Panama, and used to great effect during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. The Apache has also been exported to several NATO countries, to Kuwait, and to Israel.  The helicopter has no ejection seats and is not capable of in-flight refueling.  European Apaches are often armed with Mistral missiles.  It should be noted that while there have been sales of the Longbow to Israel, in 2010 sales of the Longbow to Israel were suspended by the US Congress, in a bid to ease Middle East tensions.  However, in 2017, the Trump Administration approved the sale of Guardians to Israel, and IWI is more than capable of building their own Longbows or upgrading them to the Longbow standard.

 

AH-64A/B/C Apache

     The AH-64A is the first model, and the US Arm, Israel, and some other countries using the Apache intend to update their existing AH-64s to the AH-64D or AH-64D Longbow configuration.  The primary armament of the Apache is the Hellfire missile, along with the M-230 Chaingun. 

     The AH-64B is an AH-64 with a few modifications to make it more suitable for Desert Storm; these include an improved autopilot, and more powerful and compact radios. The pylons have four hardpoints, and addition the wingtips can carry four Stingers or four Mistral AAMs, or 1 AIM-9X Sidewinder on each wingtip.  Alternatively these wingtips may carry ECM pods, IRCM pods, flare or chaff dispensers, AGM-122 Sidearm ARMs, or 19-shot Hydra 70 pods or APKWS pods. (Though not usually armed so, the Apache can also carry four Starstreak missiles on their wingtips.) Israeli AH-64s are often armed with Spike-LR ATGMs in lieu of Hellfires.  The total of their engine power of the A and B is 3000 horsepower. It has the vehicle state computer of the AH-64D. The AH-64Bs were mostly upgraded AH-64As. The AH-65B upgrades were first installed during Desert Storm, and include improved dust screens for the intakes  and stronger rotor blades/

     The AH-64C is called a “near AH-64D standard.”  They have an engine upgrade, and the airframe upgrades of the AH-64D, but not the radar or the fire control upgrades.  They use a pair of 3380-horsepower engines. 

 

AH-64D Apache Longbow

     The AH-64 Longbow version of the Apache adds a mast above the rotor blades for sensors, and interfaces for reporting information and receiving information from higher headquarters.  An additional 490-liter fuel tank may be added at the expense of 880 rounds of 30mm ammunition.  It has a fully glass cockpit.  The Longbow uses a pair of 3600-horsepower turbofans.  The radar can detect 128 targets, classify, and prioritize up to 16 targets, and it is a pretty good judge of which of the targets present the greatest threat.  Radios are data-capable in addition to being secure.  Location is provided by a transponder as well as the Longbow’s ability to interact with its unit’s intranet.  A vehicle state computer is installed, along with a mapping module.

 

AH-64E Apache Guardian

     The Guardian is even more optimized for the ground support; the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have revealed some deficiencies in the AH-64D, and Boeing and the Army wanted to add some new bling to help in this ground support role.  Deliveries began in 2011, and Boeing plans to eventually upgrade 634 Longbows to the Guardian standard, replacing almost the entire Longbow fleet. The name was finalized in 2012; until then, it was known as the AH-64D Block III, but as development continued, it was decided to give it it’s own type standard.  The Guardian has been approved for export, and deliveries began in 2019 to India, Soudi Arabia, and Taiwan; and the South Koreans., In addition to these sales, Qater, and the UAE have also placed orders for the Guardian. Indonesia will operate a small contingent.  The deliveries began in 2019. The British have ordered 50 Guardians, nearly replacing its entire WAH-64 fleet.  Most Guardians are upgraded Longbows; few will be new-build helicopters.  South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Britain manufacture the Guardian domestically under license The pylons have four hardpoints, and addition the wingtips can carry four Stingers or four Mistral AAMs, or 1 AIM-9X Sidewinder on each wingtip.  Alternatively these wingtips may carry ECM pods, IRCM pods, flare or chaff dispensers, AGM-122 Sidearm ARMs, or 19-shot Hydra 70 pods or APKWS pods. (Though not usually armed so, the Guardian can also carry four Starstreak missiles on their wingtips.) Israeli AH-64s are often armed with Spike-LT ATGMs.

     The Guardian has an updated version of the Longbow’s mast-mounted radar, optimized for fire control than general radar surveillance (though it also has this mode).  It has more powerful GE T700-GE-701D turbofans, generating 3988 horsepower as opposed to previous engines of 3600 horsepower total.  (Reportedly, the Army was mildly embarrassed when it was discovered in Iraq and Afghanistan that the Chinook was actually faster than the Longbow.) There are also new and upgraded sensors, avionics, and night vision devices,  The rotor blades are stronger, and the transmission is upgraded to cope with the new engines’ power.  The rotor blades are also of composite materials instead of aluminum.  The crew is inside a boron/aluminum shell to increase crew survivability; this includes the canopy, which is infused with boron (not enough to affect visibility), and a shield between the pilot and gunner. The gunner has flight controls, generally not used unless the pilot is injured by ground fire and cannot control the the Guardian. Cannon armament has been replaced to a 30mm M230 autocannon.  The radar has longer range, and also has an AAM mode. The radar can detect 128 targets, classify, and prioritize up to 16 targets, and it is a pretty good judge of which of the targets present the greatest threat.  The Guardian is capable of using the new AGM-114 Hellfire 2 missiles, which gives the Guardian a fire-and-forget capability; alternatively, the Guardian can carry Brimstone AGMs instead of Hellfires. For the most part, the Guardian’s FLIR and day/night long range CCTVs can see through most smoke, fog and clouds, things that would normally foil night vision devices.  The Guardian has a high level of redundancy in its flight systems, and can continue to fly with considerable damage to the tailplanes, rear rotor, and fuselage. The Guardian is largely a fly-by-wire aircraft.

     Perhaps the most dramatic upgrade is used by the WSO, who can control 2 UAVs up to 30 kilometers away.  This includes receiving data from the drones, and the firing of their weapons (if any).

 

WAH-64

     The WAH-64 (more properly called the Apache AH1 or AH Mk.1) is a British variant that is based on the AH-64D. The WAH-64 has much more powerful engines (4540 horsepower between the two); they are the most powerful Apaches, engine-wise. They have a strengthened airframe and rotor blades to take the extra power.  The WAH-64 has folding rotor blades, allowing it to be used on assault ships, and the main rotor, tail rotor, and canopy have anti-icing features to give it better operation in areas like the North Sea, north of Scotland, Arctic climes, etc. The WAH-64 is fitted with the HIDAS Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System, which not only detects missile launches, but automatically ejects flares or chaff (as needed) upon detection of a launch against the WAH-64.The WAH-64 has, in addition to its standard cockpit protection, panels of a composite material as well as a further-strengthened canopy. The British have also integrated the Arrowhead sensor system upgrade into their Apaches; this was completed in 2010.  WAH-64s often carry external drop tanks for additional range; they use an advanced sort of tank which is self-sealing and has carbon-fiber armor. (Though these4 particular tanks are in British use only, they can be fitted to other countries’ Apaches.)  In addition, internal tanks totaling 400 liters may be removed if range to the target is short, and the weight of the fuel and tank may be used to carry additional munitions, cannon ammunition, sensors, or EW pods.

     WAH-64s interoperate routinely with the Royal Navy (though they and their crews remain in the British Army). British helicopter carriers generally carry a brace of eight Apaches, as well as Britain’s two amphibious assault carriers. The Queen Elizabeth also carries an Apache squadron, and the QE class will also each have a squadron of eight WAH-64s.

     There has been some international controversy with the WAH-64s, as the British Army has elected to arm them with CRV7 rocket pods instead of the Hydra 70s used by other countries’ Apaches.  This controversy is related to one of the warheads a CVR7 pod can carry – the MPSM (MultiPurpose SubMunition) warhead, which has been classified as a cluster munition by the Hague Convention on War.  The MPSM is, in my mind, definitely a cluster munition, as it breaks up after the range programmed into it by the WAH-64 gunner into nine submunitions, each slightly larger than a grenade, and having AP/AT capability. (Two out three of the useable types of warheads are based on the warheads of the Hydra 70.)

     In 2016, the British MoD announce4d plans to upgrade 50 of their WAH-64s to the AH-64E Apache Guardian standard.  This work began on the first 38 WAH-64s in 2017.

 

Possible Future Iterations

     In 2014, the YAH-64F designation was assigned for advanced prototypes of the AH-64D with 3000-horsepower engines (each).  This increases speed and lifting capability.  Retractable stub wings would help offload some of the lift from the rotor blades.  The landing gear is retractable.  Finally, the tail rotor can turn up to 90 degrees, becoming a pusher propeller is speed is required.  Some other improvements were added. Unfortunately, the Army decided to forego any new updates in 2016, waiting instead for the results of the FVL (Future Vertical Lift) helicopter. (This does not exclude future Block modification packages.)

     After declining the YAH-64F, in 2016 the Army became interested in the AH-64D Block 2 Compound.  Like the YAH-64F, it has a pusher propeller at the rear and extended winglets.  Unlike the YAH-64F, the pusher propeller on the Compound does not swing into the pusher position; instead, it is a permanent fixture. In addition, during takeoff or in high-altitude operations, part of the exhaust is directed down to increase lift.  The Compound is being considered at an interim upgrade for the Apache AH-64D and E before replacement by the FVL (a program that is still testing initial prototypes.)

     Early in its career, the AH-64A was pitched to the US Marines.  This would have been called the Sea Apache.  The Marines used their preferred M197 rotary cannon instead of the M230, but for the most part, the Sea Apaches were stock AH-64As (It can also be assumed that the Sea Apaches would have seen the subsequent Apache upgrades if the Sea Apache went into service.  The Sea Apache also had folding rotor blades for storage shipboard.  They would have been carried on Amphibious Assault Ships and helicopter carriers, probably a squadron of eight on each ship.  The Marines tested the heck out of the Sea Apaches and really loved them, but in the end, the DoD said no, citing budgetary reasons, and the Marines set about modifying their AH-1s, eventually reaching the AH-1Z Viper standard.

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

AH-64A

$7,712,434

JP8

3.7 tons

9.53 tons

2

28

FLIR, Image Intensification

Shielded

AH-64B

$8,843,208

JP8

3.7 tons

9.53 tons

2

28

FLIR, Image Intensification

Shielded

AH-64C

$7,747,539

JP8

4.02 tons

9.74 tons

2

30

FLIR, Image Intensification

Shielded

AH-64D Longbow

$19,910,525

JP8

4.69 tons

10.13 tons

2

30

FLIR, Image Intensification, Radar (75 km)

Shielded

WAH-64

$33,225,813

JP8

6.3 tons

10.42 tons

2

33

2nd Gen FLIR,2nd Gen  Image Intensification, Radar (160 km)

Shielded

AH-64E Guardian

$28,512,385

JP8

5.09 tons

10.43 tons

2

30

2nd Gen FLIR, Thermal Imaging, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (150 km)

Shielded

YAH-64F

$36,541,865

JP8

7.81 tons

10.49 tons

2

32

2nd Gen FLIR,2nd Gen  Image Intensification, Radar (160 km)

Shielded

AH-64D Block 2 Compound

$43,403,028

JP8

7.56 tons

10.5 tons

2

32

2nd Gen FLIR,2nd Gen  Image Intensification, Radar (175 km)

Shielded

AH-64A Sea Apache

$10,347,200

JP8

3.84 tons

9.77 tons

2

29

FLIR, Image Intensification

Shielded

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

Armopr

AH-64A/B

958

266

20/37

1420

713

4339

FF6, CF6  FF5  RB4  T4*

AH-64C

992

276

20/39

1420

755

3598

FF6, CF6  FF5  RB4  T4*

AH-64D Longbow

986

274

15/33

1420

803

3598

FF6, CF6  FF5  RB4  T4*

WAH-64

1243

346

15/35

1420

1031

3500

FF7 CF7  FF7  RB5  T4***

AH-64E Guardian

1092

303

13/30

1420

891

6400

FF7  CF6  FF6  RB6  T5**

YAH-64F

1624

451

15/33

1420

1340

6400

FF7 CF7  FF7  RB5  T4***

AH-64D Block 2 Compound

1569

436

15/33

1420

1294

6400

FF7 CF7  FF7  RB5  T4***

AH-64A Sea Apache

934

260

20/37

1420

713

4339

FF6, CF6  FF5  RB4  T4*

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

AH-64A

Flare/Chaff Dispensers (35/35), Secure Radios, Laser Designator, Helmet Sight Interface, RWR, Inertial Navigation, ECM 1, IRCM 1

48m

+3

30mm M230 Chaingun, 4 Hardpoints, 2 Wingtip Hardpoints

1200x30mm

AH-64B

Flare/Chaff Dispensers (35/35), Secure Radios, Laser Designator, Helmet Sight Interface, RWS, Inertial Navigation, IRCM 2, ECM 1

48m

+3

30mm M230 Chaingun, 4 Hardpoints, 2 Wingtip Hardpoints

1200x30mm

AH-64C

Flare/Chaff Dispensers (35/35), Secure Radios, Laser Designator, Helmet Sight Interface, RWR, GPS, IRCM 2, ECM 1

48m

+4

30mm M230 Chaingun, 4 Hardpoints, 2 Wingtip Hardpoints

1200x30mm

AH-64D Longbow

Helmet Sight Interface, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (45/45), Secure Radios, Intranet Access, Laser Designator, RWR, LWR, GPS, IRCM 2, ECM 1, Target ID, Auto Track

48m

+5

30mm M230 Chaingun, 4 Hardpoints, 2 Wingtip Hardpoints

1200x30mm

WAH-64

Enhanced Helmet Sight Interface, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (45/45), Secure Radios, Laser Designator, RWR, LWR, GPS, IRCM 2, ECM 1, Target ID, Auto Track, BMS

 

 

 

 

AH-64E Guardian

Enhanced Helmet Sight interface, HUD, HUD Interface, Laser Designator, UAV Interface, Secure Radios, Satellite Radio, GPS, IFF, RWR, LWR, BMS, ECM 1, IRCM 2, Target ID, Auto Track, Flares/Chaff Dispensers (45/45)

48m

+5

30mm M230 Chaingun, 4 Hardpoints, 2 Wingtip Hardpoints

1200x30mm

YAH-64F Apache

Helmet Sight Interface, Helmet Cueing System, HUD, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (45/45), Secure Radios, Intranet Access, Laser Designator, BMS, RWR, LWR, GPS, IRCM 2, ECM 2, Target ID, Auto Track

48m

+5

30mm M230 Chaingun, 4 Hardpoints, 2 Wingtip Hardpoints

1200x30mm

AH-64D Block 2 Compound

Helmet Sight Interface, Helmet Cueing Device, HUD, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (45/45), Secure Radios, Intranet Access, Laser Designator, RWR, LWR, GPS, IRCM 2, ECM 2, Target ID, Auto Track

48m

+5

30mm M230 Chaingun, 4 Hardpoints, 2 Wingtip Hardpoints

1200x30mm

AH-64A Sea Apache

Flare/Chaff Dispensers (35/35), Secure Radios, Laser Designator, Helmet Sight Interface, RWR, Inertial Navigation, ECM 1, IRCM 1

48m

+3

20mm M197 Autocannon, 4 Hardpoints, 2 Wingtip Hardpoints

1800x20mm

*The cockpit has additional armor and has an AV of 8.

**The cockpit has additional armor and has an AV of 10.

***The cockpit is heavily armored and has an AV of 11.  If using British drop tanks, these tanks have an AV of 4.

 

 

UH-2C Tomahawk

     Notes: The UH-2C is the armed rescue version of the SH-2 Seasprite.  It began life as the “Interim Attack Helicopter,” and the UH-2A version saw very brief service in Vietnam.  It was one of the Vietnam-era forerunners of helicopters like the UH-60.  It carries four passengers, and is equipped with two M-60D doorguns, one M-134 Minigun in a chin turret, and armor plating.  In addition, these old CIA helos have been upgraded to include one missile hardpoint, which can mount an AIM-7 Sparrow, an AIM-9 Sidewinder, or AGM-65 Maverick.  The UH-2C does not have ejection seats, and is not capable of in-flight refueling.

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

$1,147,986

AvG

2.3 tons

6.12 tons

2+4

18

Radar

Enclosed

 

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

512

128

50/32

1800

1360

6128

 

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

Flare/Chaff Dispensers, Laser Designator, RWR, LWR

40m

+1

M-134, 2xM-60E2 Door Guns, 1xAIM-7, AIM-9, or Maverick Launcher

4000x7.62mm, 2000x7.62mm (Doorguns)

 

MD-500 Defender

     Notes: The Defender is a low-cost, no frills gunship sold to many third-world countries.  An optional 80-liter internal fuel tank may be installed at the expense of passengers.  The Defender is very nimble and accelerates rapidly.  The Defender is not capable of aerial refueling and has no ejection seats.

     The MD-500MD is the most basic version; it carries only a minigun in a nose sponson and has two hardpoints that may not mount missiles.  The MD-500E Scout Defender is similar to the MD-500MD, but has a wider choice of weapons.  The MD-500E TOW Defender is the same, but has the sighting and guidance equipment to use TOW missiles.  The engine on the Scout and TOW Defenders is a bit less powerful.  The MD-500MG Defender II is the “Cadillac” version; it has stub wings to allow two more hardpoints, and can potentially carry any sort of weapon or pod on its hardpoints. It has better sighting, optics, and avionics, and a more powerful engine.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

MD-500MD

$316,682

AvG

568 kg

1.36 tons

2+2

4

None

Enclosed

MD-500E Scout

$432,459

AvG

568 kg

1.36 tons

2+2

4

None

Enclosed

MD-500E TOW

$498,944

AvG

568 kg

1.36 tons

2+2

5

Image Intensification

Enclosed

MD-500MG

$1,104,102

AvG

672 kg

1.61 tons

2+5

5

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

Armor

MD-500MD

480

120

15/30

340

90

4275

FF3   CF2  RF2  RB3

MD-500E

490

123

15/31

340

80

4275

FF3   CF2  RF2  RB3

MD-500MG

518

130

15/32

340

106

4300

FF3   CF2  RF2  RB3

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

MD-500MD

None

32m

+1

M-134 Minigun, 2 Hardpoints

2000x7.62mm

MD-500E Scout/TOW

None

32m

+1

2xEX-34 Chainguns or M-134 Minigun or 30mm M-230 Autocannon, or 2xM-2HB, 2 Hardpoints

2000x7.62mm or 250x30mm or 500x.50

MD-500MG

Inertial Navigation

32m

+3

2xEX-34 Chainguns or M-134 or 30mm Chaingun or 2xM-60E2 or 2xM-2HB, 4 Hardpoints

2000x7.62mm or 250x30mm or 500x.50

 

RAH-66 Comanche

     Notes: The Comanche was not designed to replace the Apache is US service.  Instead, it was designed to supplement it on deep penetration and attack missions.  The landing gear and weapons racks retract into the fuselage for stealth flights, but weapon space can be expanded with add-on racks.  No ejection seats are provided, and the helicopter is not capable of in-flight refueling.  The Comanche is a stealth helicopter; all radar and radar weapons have a one level deficit against it, as do IR-based weapons and equipment.  The Comanche program was, unfortunately, killed in early 2004.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Comanche did not enter service until 1997, and is relatively rare.

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

$9,197,587

AvG

1.4 tons (Recon Mode), 3 tons (Attack Mode)

3.68 tons (Recon Mode), 5.27 tons (Attack Mode)

2

32

FLIR, Image Intensification, Radar

Shielded

 

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

637

159

15/40

1455

400

6400

 

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

Flare/Chaff Dispensers, Secure Radios, IR Suppression, Laser Designator, Helmet Sight Interface, RWR, Armored Cockpit, GPS, IRCM, ECM, Target ID, Auto Track, TFR

45m

+5

20mm M-197, 6 hardpoints (Recon Mode), 14 Hardpoints (Attack Mode)

500x20mm