Mission systems evaluatin of the AH-64A helicopter

The purpose of this evaluation was to determine the suitability of the AH-64A helicopter systems for the helicopter escort and anti-armor missions. The evaluation consisted of three flights totalling 4.4 hours and eight hours of ground tests at the Army Aviation Developmental Test Activity (ADTA), Ft. Rucker, Alabama. The testing revealed a series of Part I, II and III deficiencies as defined in appendix B. Two of the most severe deficiencies (Part I) found must be corrected prior to operational deployment of the helicopter. These deficiencies were as follows:

a. The failure of the Image Auto Tracker to reestablish track of a target which is momentarily obstructed. This will permit targets to break lock of the Image Auto Tracker and prevent target kill.

b. The inability of the XM-130 countermeasures dispenser, as installed in the AH-64A helicopter, to use flares. This will result in a lack of defense against the destruction of AH-64A aircraft by infrared missiles.

In addition, 14 Part II deficiencies, which should be corrected as soon as practicable, and 8 Part III deficiencies, which should be avoided in future designs, were documented. The AH-64A helicopter also demonstrated two enhancing characteristics which should be incorporated in future designs. These enhancing characteristics were as follows:

a. The ability to slew the Target Acquisition Designation Sight line of sight to the pilot's line of sight. This will increase the target detection and identification range and provide for a greater standoff distance.

b. The color image provided by Direct View Optics will provide the Copilot Gunner with additional visual cueing. This will assist in detection and identification of targets and increase the AH-64A standoff range.

Overall, the AH-64A weapon system demonstrated excellent potential for the helicopter escort and anti-armor missions and should be satisfactory upon correction of the Part I deficiencies.