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The United States Army has a long history of pioneering the mobility of rotary-wing aircraft to maximize the tactical movements of its troops on the battlefield. The US is one of the first military forces in the world to truly invest in the potential that helicopters bring to the fight.
As a result of that early investment, the Army now has a vast armada of utility, strike, and specialized helicopters that not only move soldiers from A to B in rapid fashion but can also support them with weaponry of ever-increasing complexity and capability. The next evolution set to take the Army’s helicopters to the next level is a cutting-edge AESA radar system (Active Electronically Scanned Array).
US Army attack helicopters have advanced significantly since the days of WWII. Integrating AESA radar technology is expected to improve the performance of several platforms, particularly in adverse environmental conditions. Unlike mechanical radar systems, AESA radars can steer their beams electronically, allowing for faster, more accurate detection and tracking of targets.
As the Army’s research division on radar integration states, AESA radars are central to the Army’s efforts to improve situational awareness, target acquisition, and overall mission effectiveness.
Apache integration
The Boeing built AH-64 Apache is known for its lethal precision in combat. As the premier gunship and anti-armor aircraft of the Army’s helo fleet, it is armed to the teeth with the best weapons the US has to offer. AESA radar will be a powerful upgrade for Apache weapons and targeting capabilities. It will also be a very useful tool for the aircrews to navigate with more precision at nap-of-the-earth flight profiles.
Photo: US Army | DVIDS Hub
The inevitably dangerous low-level flight that Apaches execute on many of their attack profiles requires incredible skill and an exceptional machine to do safely and effectively. The Apache’s primary role as an attack helicopter requires operating in complex, cluttered environments in dangerously close proximity to enemy forces.
Photo: US Army | DVIDS Hub
A wing-mounted AESA radar is being tested to equip the Apache’s outrigger-style pylons carrying rockets and missiles. The War Zone reported that testing of AESA radar systems on the Apache is focusing on close air support and reconnaissance mission applications.
As a spokesperson for the Army’s radar integration program noted, the improved radar system will give Apache crews an enhanced capability to detect and target adversary forces in both day and night operations.
Black Hawk AESA radar
The UH-60 Black Hawk is the versatile, do-it-all, utility helo that serves as the workhorse of the Army’s Air Cavalry and mobile units. The missions of the SikorskyBlack Hawk include troop transport, medical evacuation, and logistics/cargo airlift. Integrating AESA radar will enhance its mission capabilities across the board and light a new fire in the old bird. AESA radar will offer several advantages, including improved target tracking, better terrain mapping, and superior capability in bad weather conditions.
Photo: US Army | DVIDS Hub
One of the key advantages of AESA radar is its ability to operate effectively in environments with high levels of electronic interference. This will be a significant system augmentation for the UH-60, as its role is in hostile and degraded environments where electronic warfare (EW) can seriously threaten air ops. As noted by Raytheon, AESA radars can detect and track threats in environments where traditional radar would struggle, giving helicopters the ability to survive and execute missions in contested airspaces.
Related 50 Years Of The Black Hawk Helicopter The Black Hawk’s rotors are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including medics & direct arms fires, making it a powerful lifeline in combat.
Chinook upgrades
The Boeing C H-47 Chinook is an iconic, classic, heavy-lift helicopter that has been in service with the Army as a transport, gunship, and air ambulance since Vietnam. The old workhorse has proved time and time again that it has what it takes to take the fight to the enemy and bring the boys back home in one piece. The Chinook is being increasingly outfitted with new technologies as its value on the battlefield remains as strong as ever.
Photo: US Army | DVIDS Hub
The AESA radar upgrade aims to improve its capabilities in environments where traditional radar systems are less effective or vulnerable to EW effects. On the Chinook, it would provide better detection and identification of targets and obstacles, improving operations in complex, cluttered, or degraded conditions.
Photo: US Army | DVIDS Hub
The technology is expected to enhance the Chinook’s ability to operate in adverse weather, such as fog, rain, and snow. Northrop Grumman says the integration of AESA radar into platforms like the Chinook offers enhanced situational awareness, allowing operators to detect threats or obstacles in real-time.
US Army Helo Spec’s
Maximum speed: 227 mph (365 km/h)
Range: 300 miles (483 km)
Payload capacity: 2,000 pounds (907 kg) of external cargo
Weight: 22,000 pounds (9,979 kg)
Crew: 2 pilots
Maximum speed: 183 mph (295 km/h)
Range: 360 miles (579 km)
Payload capacity: 9,000 pounds (4,082 kg) of external cargo
Weight: 22,000 pounds (9,979 kg)
Crew: 4 crew members
Maximum speed: 170 mph (274 km/h)
Range: 400 miles (644 km)
Payload capacity: 24,000 pounds (10,886 kg)
Weight: 50,000 pounds (22,680 kg)
Crew: 3 crew members
Photo: US Army | DVIDS Hub
Global Defence News (Turdef) received expert commentary to the effect: AESA radars will be a key enabler of the Army’s vision for future operations, providing a level of operational superiority that was not previously achievable. As the Army continues refining its strategy for modern conflicts, the Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook, all stand to benefit from the power that AESA radar offers. The system will improve the Army’s ability to perform a wide range of missions in contested and degraded environments, ultimately increasing the survivability and effectiveness of its rotary-wing fleet.