Radar Unit Flies On Block III Apache

Longbow Limited Liability Co., a joint venture of Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, recently achieved the first successful powered flight of the Radar Electronics Unit (REU) configuration of the Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR) on an AH-64D Apache Block III prototype.

The Longbow Fire Control Radar system enables the Apache Longbow to search, detect, locate, classify, prioritize and engage both moving and stationary targets. The advanced REU improves power ratios and provides built-in processor expansion growth for new operating modes that will expand the Apache's role and missions.

The REU will be integrated on all Apache Block III aircraft. One of its design features is that it may be installed to operate on Apache Block I or Block II aircraft with appropriate modifications, in addition to the Block III aircraft.