AH-64D Apache Block III Level 4 electronic drone driver

Boeing, the general contractor for the US Army for the AH-64D Apache, is testing the next version of the helicopter. The modification will provide for the transmission of a video stream in real time and accompanying metadata from UAVs of type: Hunter, Raven, Reaper and Shadow B to AH-64 Apache helicopters.

All changes are supposed to be made based on proven technologies: OSRVT MUMT-2 and VUIT-2.
The LOI-4 compatibility level allows you to view video data from a UAV camera, monitor its payload, and have a certain impact on the UAV flight path in certain situations.

The estimated final stage is the 5 level (LOI-5), after which Apache will have full control of the UAV at all stages of the flight, including take-off and landing.

Updates include an improved fire control radar (FCR) processor for target detection, tactical data transfer control system (TCDL), meteorological conditions sensor (IMC), UAV control point

The prototype of the UAV flight control station was tested on MD 530F during tests in Utah and field trials in Afghanistan.

MUMT-2 components on OH-58D helicopter - Kiowa, OSRVT by AAI Corp. when receiving video from small unmanned aerial vehicles using a digital data link (DDL) - Programs: GCSM-UGCS.

VUIT-2 is based on a computer from Quantum3D and a mini tactical common data line (M-TADS)

AH-64D The Apache Block III L 4 is not the first American helicopter in an open system architecture.
There are already CH-47F cargo and MH-47G Special Operations Chinooks helicopters with a common architecture system (CAAS), which can be combined with the Apache system.

The ability of the AH-64D Apache Block III Level 4 to directly control the UAV and receive real-time data greatly expands the capabilities of the helicopter in four directions.

1. Access to a UAV (UAS) will allow the pilot to see more zones on the battlefield than he can today. UAV operates at a higher altitude than Apache and, as a rule, are placed at some distance from the helicopter. Thus, the pilot sees not only the area around his position, but also the second position around the UAV, at a considerable distance from his location, so-called. multi vision.

2.Pilot and operator weapons can view potential threats and targets from a different angle. Apache has an upgraded target designation system (designation Sight (M-TADS)), located in the module on the nose of the helicopter. This turret contains a television camera and an infrared sensor with a choice of zoom levels, as well as a laser to illuminate the target.

Using TADS, Apache can survey the battlefield, choose a target and light it up with a laser to strike. But if the target is hidden behind the terrain or building, the pilot or the gunner does not see the target, nor can they assess the threat from the target. However, having sent the UAV along the trajectory (route), which allows seeing the target behind the obstacle, it seems to “transfer” its sensors to the other side, while remaining in place. Then, having gained access to the video channel from the UAV cameras, the pilot and the gunner can now see which targets and threats are hidden from them, and everything happens in real time.

3. Many of the UAVs have onboard a DL laser (target illumination). Their DG laser systems are fully compatible with helicopter gunship rocket propulsion systems. The Apache helicopter uses this opportunity to attack targets remotely, using target designation from UAVs, while remaining hidden from them, not falling under the target’s air defense weapons or infantry fire covering the target.

Targeting their Hellfire missiles occurs via a laser data center from a UAV transmitted via a metadata channel. Sensor data, illumination and target location are automatically transferred between UAVs (UAS) and Apache, synchronized in time and geographic location: helicopter, UAV, AIM, adjustments are made according to the conditions of the launch zone and the target zone. Start is in progress. The UAV can evaluate the result of the attack and if there is a blunder, it is almost instantly possible to repeat the blow.

4. Apache will be able to receive a video image from a UAV and send it to other platform elements taking part in attacking the target: to another Apache, infantry, UAV or will be transferred to the command structure.

Test equipment components were carried out in real conditions of the desert and mountainous areas (Utah, Afghanistan), then to assess the impact of bullet storms and maximum temperatures.

Comments

[snek]

Very interesting and promising. The only, in my opinion, DLRO aircraft is more suitable as a flying command post for UAV control.

[tronin.maxim]

I would not do on the basis of DLRO, it flies slowly. Better based on the exterminator!

[leon-iv]

but will not it be greasy to drive such engines?
The helicopter is just right.

[Rustam]

good apache !!! when will we finally create something similar (I mean the ability to control blah)

[leon-iv]

First you need to create and run in UAVs on a commodity scale

[Fidain]

V ideale eto konechno kruto, no ne budem zabivat chto elektronika vsegda dayot sboi a amerikanci zaciklelis na etom.Na moi vzglyad luchshe dlya komandovo punkta (iz ix arsenala) i bistri i bole udobni dlya peredachi danix yesho mozhet vzyat dopolnitelnie baki, bolshe avtanomnosti i mesto dlya operatorov.

[Kars]

Simply put, the Apache sighting and navigation device, according to the Americans themselves, does not guarantee its survival on the battlefield and the use of their super-duper Helfirov .. shot-forgotten ... at the maximum distance.

REB and MANPADS for shooting down UAVs are becoming more and more relevant.

[leon-iv]

And at maximum speed only in Murzilka and at the Discovery shoot.
EW is interesting, but small things from MANPADS are very problematic to shoot down.

[Enjoy]

Normal EW troops with the support of air defense will smash such air forces. On any small flying device, the transmitter is, by definition, weaker than on the ground at the same level of development. Although of course, UAVs in the future will occupy an increasingly large niche, especially against the Papuans

[Ares]

Quote: Enjoy

Normal EW troops with the support of air defense will smash such air forces. On any small flying device, the transmitter is, by definition, weaker than on the ground at the same level of development. Although of course, UAVs in the future will occupy an increasingly large niche, especially against the Papuans

If only you knew how difficult it is in reality to deal with such an informed adversary. Experience shows that situational awareness, superiority in reconnaissance, communications and data transmission plays a key role on the battlefield.

[Tirpitz]

100%. In this regard, they have no competitors.

[Tirpitz]

And where are these normal troops. The Russian army has a few modern complexes, everything else is the last century. Yes, now there is a rearmament and over time, the proportion of modern systems will increase. It would be very interesting to experience all this in the North Caucasus. Contactless wars are the future, as are drones.

[leon-iv]

How would you tell EW have always been purchased from us. Just little is known about them. For example, you can tell a lot about Mi-8 jammers. I have little. It is interesting how similar the system is resistant to such sides.
PS The idea is excellent for the most part to drive the very thing.
ZYY Apache I consider the best attack helicopter in the world (while I'm waiting for new versions of Mi-28NM and new Ka-52A with hermes)

[schonia06rus]

I was present at the launch of our blp, a whatnot ((((, and I liked the idea of ​​the Americans)

[B_KypTke]

One good electromagnetic impulse and all this will fall from the sky like autumn foliage.

[snek]

Well, so will modern manned equipment.

[755962]

Quote: snek

One good electromagnetic pulse

The Canadian company Eureka Aerospace will be able to do this using a high-power electromagnetic system - High-Powered Electromagnetic System (HPEMS). This is an electromagnetic gun (EMP) the size of a small suitcase that instantly destroys a car or truck from a distance of 200 meters without damaging the driver or others.

The developers plan to reduce the device to the size of a gun. This will allow the system to be installed in police helicopters, automobiles, and military vehicles, potentially putting an end to dangerous high-speed pursuits, and allowing neutralizing suicide bombers from a safe distance.

[vylvyn]

In fact of the matter. With the use of electronic warfare, electromagnetic pulses and RF emitters, absolutely everything that has electrical circuits and electronic circuits will sprinkle. I wonder what arms developers think about this? And when everything mechanical and electronic stops functioning, what will remain on the battlefield? That's right - a soldier with AK versus a soldier with M-16. And here neither their exoskeletons, nor calimators, nor any other crap stuffed with will help the Americans, and from the century of high technologies in conducting modern combat operations between two developed powers that have effective electronic warfare and RFI tools in their arsenals, the Americans will return to the good old the times of the 20th century and the tactics of maneuvers, bypasses, sweeps and attacks on the rear. I wonder if they are ready for such a turn of events. And then they are used to sitting in the bushes, and to send drones and robots into battle.
In short, all of these NATO and US strategies based on manned and unmanned aircraft strikes are only suitable for third world countries that do not have EW, RFI, and other weapons in their arsenal. In this regard, NATO Russia is too tough.

[ICT]

it’s not worth relaxing, it’s not so simple (like turning on the microwave and everything’s dead, it’s not the main word in the EW abbreviation for IT is fighting), and

Quote: vylvyn

I wonder if they are ready for such a turn of events.

I think that they are all the same ready, and they have enough simple weapons

[postman]

vylvyn,

Quote: vylvyn

absolutely everything will fall

Not sure. saw (in 1998-2000) demilitarized equipment (medical equipment for field hospitals): siemens, telefunken, gruendig - everything had quite a serious protection against emy.
the same vehicles (G, MAN, etc.) are the same.
all this was supposed to be exported to the CIS countries.
The customs did not pass until there was a complete dismantling of dual-use products, and only then the mark:
"Nicht in der Liste der Gueter mit doppeltem Verwendungszweck (anhang I der EG-Dual-use VO) aufgefuehrte Gueter"
The EMP pulse is very short and effective at a short distance and in focus.
All military equipment provides protection, backup, shutdown, reboot, recovery.

Quote: vylvyn

dress only for third world countries

And you might think they are fighting (or will be able to) against the Russian Federation?
If (suddenly) such a situation arises, then missiles, UAVs, electronic warfare, e-bomb, etc. will quickly end and everything will be at the level of the Vietnamese conflict.
and the advantage will be given to the one who has more stocks of these expensive 2 toys, or who has better production and has WHAT to produce

[AK-74-1]

Interesting article. UAVs in the future will ensure the execution of a large number of functions.

[wolverine7778]

Americans are moving to a new level of quality))

[warrior]

It looks tempting, but as the Yankees themselves say, let's put the dots over and.
1. The Apache platform for the drones is not - it does not carry it, does not release it, controls it for short periods and does not accept the ego back.
2. The digital information exchange system has been in the NATO armies since the early 90s. The new one is much more perfect and this is a significant insight, but it is not a qualitative leap. Here the drone is just another source of information.
3. "Protocol" for the launch of Helfires with exposure is old. You can illuminate it from a tank, another helicopter, there is also a lighting device for the infantry. Such flashes were carried out in the first Iraqi war. The drone is another spotter, great but nothing new. It is not clear from the information that the Apache co-pilot is leading the drone for illumination by the playstation, or (and what is more likely) the drone operators are leading the base.
4. All this works on the helicopter MD 530F. The car is four-seater, two pilots are driving, two operators in the back seat are busy with new equipment. We’ll see as soon as two Apache pilots can do this in the air defense zones or just in the mountains.

[postman]

Quote: warrior

let's put the dots over

1.AH-64D-IMPACT helicopter, not a UAV-"carrier". If you hang a UAV (at least one) on it, it will lose its characteristics. For this, perhaps the C-130 is better?
This is 381 CCAS
And while there are no air carriers that "release" and "take back" other aircraft
Takeoff / landing will be controlled after the modification of LOI5 (2015)
2. It was, but not for these purposes and neither more perfect.
Did not provide real-time video stream and accompanying metadata (then there were no such concepts)
GCS / U-GCS "started" in 1998 (end)
STANAG 4586 protocol adopted in 2007
Everything for joint integration in C4ISR
They were "played" with UCS and SMS control teams via commercial communications satellites.

Quote: warrior

a qualitative leap is not.

/ No is, look at the pictures. This is a single platform of open architecture, and since 2017 it has been integrated into C4ISR
3.

Quote: warrior

You can illuminate from a tank, another helicopter

.
But from another UAV with real-time video transmission, it wasn’t.
The tank will not be able to move so quickly beyond the target, and even more so in height from the target.
Sending another helicopter is like flying yourself: the danger of destruction.
The operator leads, and the pilot and operator both receive a picture from the UAV camera.
4.

Quote: warrior

All this works on the helicopter MD 530F.

And on it the same on NN-60, etc. This is a single platform of open architecture.
But on MD 530F, some of the components of MUMT-2 were tested (tested)
BOB GRADLE, EXPERIMENTAL FLIGHT TEST PILOT BOENG:
"The fourth aircraft, a militarized version of the MD 530F helicopter owned by Boeing, unofficially dubbed the" Unmanned Little Bird (ULB), "has been modified with two new systems that allow that helicopter to fly as either a manned or unmanned aerial system (UAS). The ULB has a prototype flight-control-system capable of controlling the air vehicle through an entire surveillance flight without the need for human interaction. It can also be fitted with any current operational sensor package. This assemblage of rotary-wing aircraft, following initial systems evaluation at the company facility, deployed to the Yuma Proving Grounds to demonstrate operational capability in the scorching heat of the desert Southwest. "

[warrior]

Apparently a misunderstanding occurs. Basically, I criticize tactical concepts, technical execution at a rather high level, nothing can be said.
1. What is the thought. One point suspension Apache takes over 200 pounds. (4 Hellfire of 50 kg plus guides for them). In this weight range and from the acceptable volume there are several UAVs that can be suspended on Apache in containers with folding wings without losing the dynamic characteristics of the machine. And so the quoted Raven can even be disposable for particularly important purposes (weight 2kg, 10 km total, costs 35 thousand usd). I can imagine the tactics of using this UAV. Apache approached the target, Grach “released”, the second pilot of the Grach helicopter aimed at the target - additional reconnaissance, target illumination, anti-aircraft defense. If Grach after this is intact, he can also control the work of the missiles on the target and if it is not otherwise, you can direct the Grach kamikaze to the target. In contrast, the raising, control and landing of the UAV of the Apache co-pilot does not really imagine. UAVs have a range of up to 200 km. i.e., there is no one to accompany Apache to 450km. Some UAVs are slow and high-altitude. One crew member to mess around with the goal while the second bird on the drive leads 200 km to the rear - this is very irrational, to say the least.
And what does HKyu 138 have to do with it? How did the ego combine with Apache?
2. I wrote that the new information exchange system is more perfect than the old and that is a significant achievement, but from a tactical point of view it is not new, only a new source of information has been added.
3. I agree, the video stream in real time nebylo. Video raises situation awareness. But the video is not a laser target illumination. Goal light is a goal light. And the flare operator is always substituted for air defense, anti-aircraft defense, and generally for everything that shoots.
4. My idea that such a stream of information is a big additional load for the crew. The two can handle it. There is a place for additional operators on test helicopters; it was HN-60 or MD 530F. Then you can take full advantage of the system. But two Apache pilots will not be able to do this. Need an extra operator.

The bottom line is the fulfillment of the good, the ideas are not sure.

[postman]

Quote: warrior

Apparently misunderstanding

No, everything is clear.
1. by suspending the UAV, you will lose the main armament.
What is it for? UAVs are already circling the battlefield (their autonomy is great, but there will be even more).
I flew out on a combat mission, there is a need: I sent a request, the nearest free one "responded", helped to complete the combat mission, was free, flew further.
138 not with 64 but with a transporter. I will write an article with pictures, 6 refueling in the air. uterus - with bumblebees
2. There is generally a different principle and other bandwidths.
It’s the same as comparing Altai and Motorola handsets with LTE (G4)
the same because the phone and the functions are the same.
3. Here the backlight is made by the PLA, which is VERY far from the operator, who does not even approach the target’s air defense zone.
A video (real) makes it possible to accurately, on a specific target, inform the operator of the possible factors to counter the attack before a shot, see the attack itself, evaluate the result of the attack and if you need to repeat the attack.
4. No. everything goes to the next model (I will give an example for a unified car traffic control system - a project, but the approximation to a single C4ISR system is easy to transfer)
All vehicles
you go to the car, near a stream of the same car, networked, on a single platform and with open architecture.
They (SU a / m) constantly exchange m / y coordinates and parameters of movement.
Departure to the lane (connected, "talked" and in 0,2 seconds, synchronized their tasks, split priority, someone slowed down, someone accelerated), entered the stream without slowing down the movement.
Also a congress.
Parking: a car drove up (connected, "talked", "found out" where the free space is, found out which car is going to leave, who is reversing, synchronized their tasks, split priority, drove up, parked)
While parking, the signal for the Security Council of the destination went away from the SS: who drove up, for what purposes, priority, tolerances. the driver went out, the door opened, he went through.
Well, etc. etc.

This is not an idea, this is a stage in the evolution of mankind.

[warrior]

You, dear, look at the situation too positively.

1.Of course, carrying the UAV Apache will lose part of the strike weapons. It's always like that. But this is so scary, typically these machines are used in pairs, either 2x2, or 2 + Kaiova or 2x2 + Kaiova. Why carry it with you? You describe the situation as if over the battlefield UAV herds will fly. Catch what you want, use and release. While the combat radius of the UAV is half the radius of the Apache. At the limit of the combat radius, Apache is alone. And the opposition should not be forgotten. The percentage of UAVs will lose if not on the way to the target area.
HKu 138 is an interesting idea. If there is any info, be sure to write, we will be all thankful.
2. Here I do not intend to object.
3. How much is VERY. Helfaires on the strength of 5 km. coverage. Shine for him in dust, rain, smoke, clouds, etc. etc. from 10 kilometers you cannot. Again, the boys will have to crawl along the snags in order to set the backlight. Real-time video was described very well. Here I completely agree with you - the thing is necessary.
4. Let's not talk about cars and heifers. These systems already exist, but in a "friendly environment" - near the cafes of Paris or on the autobahns of the State Fund of the Russian Federation. You have a hostile environment. The pilot has to make many decisions in a time limited from death. This can be clearly seen in the illustrations. Switch several sources of information, lead the UAV to the target with the playstation, all this information must be analyzed in the head and decisions must be made, then these decisions must be communicated back through all other information channels. These are additional loads. And this is not a shock case. This is a commander's business. So the existing system - shock Apaches with Kyovs - to be commanded and commanded or Ka50 with Ka52s cannot yet replace any scientific and technical revolutions. Now, if this system is installed on Kiowa or K52, so that the command is engaged - wow.

[postman]

Quote: warrior

You, dear, look at the situation too positively.

most likely realistic?
1. I think the UAV, in the very near future, will be like "dirt" and will cost a penny, cents, that is,
Production as cartridge. Example: chips GPS, PS, NB, Phone, Laser player, DVD and others.
The combat radius is a matter of months. The UAV engine is based on the same physical principle as all aircraft. SU = practically equal to the SU manned (by weight, dimensions).
BUT NO: 80kg pilot, 130 kg seat, catapult (HZ how much), Life support system with oxygen (150kg?), Place (Person volume + seat volume) - freely.
3. It is possible for 300 meters (behind the mountain, behind the forest, behind the building) the helicopter is located. A UAV fly in from the other side (from the rear)
It’s unlikely that anyone will be crawling now (in any case) (UAVs, high-altitude reconnaissance reconnaissance aircraft, satellite, sensors with LCs and they’ll finally disperse (disguised as something natural)
4. The principle is one. I used them for simplicity. Good military systems:
STANAG 4586 protocol in the AEHF C4ISR common network.
Combat conditions. Country X, city U
AEHF satellite discovered in X, Y object Z.
MILSATCOM has identified the exact coordinates.
on the C4ISR network, a signal went to the control unit about the appearance of Z. while the formation of the knowledge base is ongoing.
While "going", the system determined where the nearest UAV is (1n or several), the reserve of its flight time, where is the nearest AN-64, which meets the requirements of the BZ.
While the motors are warming up, takeoff is carried out and the launch point is reached: all the components 2 have contacted themselves, coordinated the sequence of actions.
The pilot sees in flight where the target is located, which makes it its security potential and the possibility of a hidden approach to the launch point. Information is transmitted from the nearest UAV. Weather conditions were issued at the launch point and at the target.
He flew up (behind the neighboring house), the UAV highlighted the target, the AN-64 launched, the UAV issued a picture of the result of the attack
If the control center does not come to another object of attack, the characters scatter about "their" business:
UAV- patrol, AN-64 to the base or where else.
While the system was flying, it reported its basing position: how much is needed to replenish the ammunition, fuel, if the pilot and pilot were processed (did they violate the Labor Code), pulse, frequency, sweat, whether medical assistance is needed. running hours, wear of the main mechanisms (is it necessary to replace the oil?)
etc.
you can go on ad infinitum.
I think we can’t even realize the full range of opportunities for the future.
The same as University of California students did not imagine
that their first connection will result on 29.10.1969/21/00 at 640:XNUMX between the two first nodes of the ARPANET network, at a distance of XNUMX km.
We (and others did not know about this in the 80s, and perhaps in the 90s)

[warrior]

I watched the second video. The matter is worse than I thought, respected ..
Vse pchukovina aimed at the tactical situation in Afghanistan today. This is the most typical military thinking - to get ready for the previous war, not for the future.
On roller, the target is 14 km. from Apache base is located. Air defense targets not indicated but assumed MANPADS. This is a group of 10 Taliban on motorcycles, nickname AK, PK, RPG, MANPADS. They were equipped with UAVs, called Apaches, UAVs were lit, Apache destroyed by a rocket. This is not applicable to a large air-ground conflict.
In a big conflict, the goal will be a column of armored vehicles with security, their own air defense, UAVs, REBs, helicopters and air shields. Then 14 km. - This is an artillery duel. Volley fire systems or self-propelled barrel artillery will smash the air base to shreds. Apaches will rise and will be operated on under conditions of loss of information and exposure (part of the UAV and other sources of information and exposure will be destroyed or their work will be disrupted), relying on over-bifurcated BRS, firing from behind obstacles and covert escape.

[postman]

Quote: warrior

warrior

This system (AN64 + UAV) is not intended for such operations.
It is a "thin" tool: a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.
For the situation you are describing, MLRS or an attack by an air assault aircraft will be used, which again can be induced by an inconspicuous UAV (the same open architecture) ..
For the most part (AN64 + UAV): for counter-terrorist operations (such as the destruction of Ben Laden in Pakistan), urban battles (a tank in the city, behind the ruins, destruction of other targets not covered by dense air defense)

[Honory]

What can I say American people rule