So this is from the “Weekend News” yesterday concerning Apache…
'We are nearing completion of the DCS: AH-64D external model, and we’d like to share our progress. Visible on the wingtip is one of the Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) sensors that can passively detect surface-to-air and air-to-air missile launches using in-band ultraviolet detectors. It can then manually or automatically engage the Chaff and Flare dispenser as part of the Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) suite"
So I guess no stingers on this block. Apache?
We are also working on the external stores and pylons that can articulate to provide launcher elevation. When landing, the pylons automatically translate to ground stow mode, so that they are parallel with the level terrain.
Several skins will be provided for the U.S. Army and several other countries. During the Early Access period, functionality of the Fire Control Radar (FCR) that sits on top of the main rotor will be made available.
Casmo is pretty great. Mentioned elsewhere here plenty of times but, never hurts to repeat, his podcast is a great place to learn the training, mindset and standout missions of combat helicopter pilots from all services and generations.
Yeah, I also enjoy the videos where he and his cohorts do a mission and you get to see the teamwork and communications involved. Pretty neat stuff. It’s going to be fun to watch him and his group play together when the Apache and the Kiowa are paired together for missions.
Casmo: A quick vid showing what makes the Longbow… spoiler, if you keep telling people on social media that the “dome” on top is what makes it a Longbow, you’re not helping. So sit back and and learn in about 3 minutes
No, basically you would have legacy Alpha model, which is non-Longbow, then you would have Delta Apache which is "Longbow " but it can be fitted with FCR - in Janes Longbow 2 the 2 types would be called Longbow (R) and Longbow (NR) - for Radar / Non-Radar. While flying NR you could still download targets from Longbow (R) in your flight, or from other ABCCC (Airborne Battlefied Command and Control Centers) assets.
Let me rephrase this - if Apache has FCR (Fire Control Radar) it has to be a Longbow, if it doesn’t have it it still may be a Longbow, most notable difference between Delta (Longbow) and Alpha are the avionics bays on the sides of the fuselage - Delta is more “bulky” in that area.
