Israeli modernization AH-64A Apache

Israeli Air Force began negotiating with the "Boeing" to hold the upgrade previously purchased four helicopters AH-64AS to an improved configuration AH-64D "Longbow" in 2009. Simultaneously, the Air Force sought from the government for additional funding for the purchase of six new helicopters. However, in 2010, both programs have been frozen due to budget constraints.


However, as reported in the present, three AN-64A are in the U.S. in the company of "Boeing" and must return to Israel later this year. How many machines will be upgraded, not reported.


To date, the Israeli Air Force operated about 50 helicopters "Apache", 18 of which are new or upgraded to version AH-64D.

Since 2005, Israel bought three lots on 6 machines "Apache Longbow", including new and upgraded "Apache," the first versions. Three attack helicopters were lost in 2006 in the Lebanese conflict, two collisions in the air and one of the failure of the rotor.


As previously reported, in addition to improving the armament of helicopters to the version of the "Longbow" they plan to install anti-missile "Spike-ER". Representatives of the Israeli Air Force, "Boeing" and "Raphael", which is the developer of "Spike-ER", conducted a series of talks on integrating the Israeli missile with radar detection and fire control Millimeter "Longbow", mounted on the helicopter.

"Spike-ER" - this is a multi-purpose high-precision missile fourth generation of a class "fire-and-forget" that can hit a high probability of armored vehicles and reinforced structures of the enemy at ranges from 400 to 8000 m with minimal side-destruction. Weight of the rocket in a container - 34 kg, the weight of the helicopter launcher - 55 kg. The newly developed explosive-penetrating warhead anti-tank version of the "Spike-ER" (PBF - Penetration, Blast and Fragmentation) is able to penetrate the walls of bunkers, and then explode inside, causing maximum damage on the intended purpose and the minimum - the surrounding buildings.

ATGM "Spike-ER", designed for helicopters, equipped with two-way fiber-optic communication line, allowing the operator to get the video, the recorded GOS before starting and during the flight. Thus, the operator is able to control the missile and target choice for her after the launch. The missile can carry a flight as a stand-alone mode as well as receiving signals from the operator adjustment using the image. This method also allows you to withdraw the guidance of a missile target in the case when approaching an object is identified as friendly.

The company "Raphael" has already conducted work on the installation of "Spike-ER"  on board the helicopter "Tiger" of "Eurocopter" and A-129 of "Agusta / Westland" and, upon successful completion of negotiations with the U.S., set it on an American helicopter.