Apache upgrades

Strategy Page:

The prototype of the AH 64 Block III Apache helicopter gunship took its first flight. The army will be upgrading all of its 634 AH-64s to the new Block III standard, a process that won't be completed until 2020. The first Block IIIs won't enter service for another three years.

Block III has a more powerful and fuel efficient engine, as well as much improved electronics. Block III will also have Internet like capabilities with other aircraft and ground troops. Block III will be able to control several UAVs, and launch missiles at targets spotted by its UAVs. The Block III radar will have longer range and onboard computers will be much more powerful. The electronics will be easier to upgrade and maintain.

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The Apaches have been an effective weapon in the insurgency phase of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. They were not very effective in the earlier phase of the war when matched up against an Iraqi tank division on the way to Baghdad. The old A-10 has been a much more effective anti tank, anti armor weapon system. During the counterinsurgency phase in Iraq, they have been most effective when using data from UAVs to find and fix the enemy. The enemy fears giving away his position so the Apache does not draw the heavy fire that made it so ineffective against the tank units.