ARMY WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT
The 2006 Army Green Book Weapons and Equipment Directory continues its own transformation process.
Examples of the changes are evident in the consolidation of rocket and missile programs under a new heading, as well as the expansion of the section, established in the 2005 book, for Future Combat Systems (FCS).
Over the coming years, it is anticipated that the FCS section will continue to expand in parallel with the 18 system categories, all working within a single network in support of every soldier.
As in past years, program changes in this year’s reference reflect the invaluable support provided by various public affairs organizations in industry, the Army and various Joint Program Executive Offices.
Conversely, there were other areas where support was not provided. Moreover, there were even some areas where individuals expressed personal operational security concerns. The listings have remained largely unchanged in those instances.
As with past issues, the 2006 Weapons Directory remains a work in progress. It is not a complete listing of all equipment fielded but rather a selective listing of representative equipment capabilities. As with the successful transformation of the U.S. Army, the Weapons Directory will continue its own transformation in coming years.
Comments and suggestions regarding the reference transformation are always appreciated. .
AIRCRAFT
Rotary Wing
The AH-6/MH-6 Little Bird (Cayuse) Helicopter is in service with the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR). Following service in Vietnam, the Army’s fleet of OH-6 light observation and command helicopters (LOACH) was reassigned to Army National Guard units. With their excellent roll-on/roll-off mobility and extremely high power-to-weight ratios, however, the aircraft subsequently were tapped for special operations applications in 1980.
Capability upgrades include performance, avionics, navigation, communications, targeting, weapons and night operations. Although primarily equipped with the 7.62 mm minigun or Hydra 70 (2.75-inch) rocket system, the AH-6/MH-6 can accommodate a range of gun and rocket options.
The AH-6J/MH-6J mission-enhanced Little Bird (MELB) program is a major modification to the existing AH-6/MH-6 fleet. The modification is packaged as a kit that replaces existing components on the aircraft. The new MELB aircraft will have a six-blade main rotor system, a four-blade tail rotor, an improved drive train and the Allison 250-C30R3 full-authority, digital-engine control (FADEC). The MELB also incorporates an improved landing gear, crashworthy fuel cells, enlarged rear doors and external extended-range fuel tanks. The MELB modifications will change the look and performance of the AH-6/MH-6 aircraft.
The MELB program increases the performance and safety margins of the existing Little Bird aircraft. The modifications increase the maximum gross weight of the aircraft to 4,700 pounds; improve the high/hot performance capabilities of the aircraft; and move the extended-range fuel tanks from inside the cabin area, thereby increasing the cabin space available to the supported ground commander. In addition, there is a concurrent program to improve the weapon management system for the AH configuration. The MELB program boosts the performance and extends the life of the AH-6/MH-6 aircraft.
The AH-64A Apache Helicopter provides day, night and adverse weather attack helicopter capability. The Apache is the Army’s primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting, airborne weapon system that can fight both close and deep to destroy, disrupt or delay enemy forces. The Apache first entered service inventories in 1984.
The aircraft is designed to fight and survive throughout the world. It is equipped with a target acquisition designation sight and a pilot night-vision sensor that permit its two-man crew to navigate and attack in darkness and adverse weather. The Apache’s principal mission is to destroy high-value targets with the Hellfire missile. It also is capable of employing a 30 mm M230 chin-mounted automatic cannon and Hydra 70 rockets that are lethal against a variety of targets.
The Apache has a maximum speed of 145 knots. It has a maximum gross weight range of 240 nautical miles (A model) and 230 nautical miles (D model) with range extension capability using internal and external tanks. The Apache has a full range of aircraft survivability equipment and the ability to withstand hits from rounds up to 23 millimeters in critical areas. Apache ordnance consists of the Hellfire Missile (RF/SAL versions), 2.75-inch rockets (all versions), and 30 mm HEI rounds.
The AH-64D Longbow is a remanufacture program of the AH-64A, incorporating the fire-control radar (FCR), capable of being used day or night, in adverse weather and through battlefield obscurants. The AH-64D consists primarily of the integration of a mast-mounted millimeter-wave fire-control radar, a radar frequency interferometer and a radar frequency fire-and-forget Hellfire missile.