Summary: The Apache Longbow helicopter program needs to be reassessed because the helicopter does not meet two key user requirements. First, the Army's 227 radar-equipped Apache Longbow helicopters will be too heavy to achieve the required 450 feet per minute in the combat mission configuration when carrying a full fuel load and 12 missiles. As a result, the helicopters will lack the maneuverability and agility needed to operate successfully in combat. The Army's plans to modify the helicopter will add weight, aggravating the problem. Second, the Apache Longbow lacks a radio that will allow it to transfer target data between helicopters when concealed or not in the line of sight. Unresolved technical issues have delayed the radio's development. More importantly, the Army plans to install the non-line-of-sight radio on only half of the Apache Longbow helicopter fleet. The 50-percent reduction in planned radio procurement quantities will (1) reduce the Apache Longbow's lethality because of the inability to transfer target data between helicopters and (2) decrease the Apache Longbow's survivability because of its greater exposure to hostile forces.
