AH-64 Apache Photographs

Photomaker,

Great pictures!  I'm especially interested in the Dutch D model.  What is that pod on the right wingtip, and is there another like it on the left one?  I am currently working on the AH-64 Walkaround book for Squadron/Signal and would love to have the most up to date information on the Dutch equipment as well as US.  There will be a color profile of one of the Dutch Apaches that served in Afghanistan, along with 11 others (9 US, one British and one Israeli).

Cheers!

Cobrahistorian,

The Dutch D models are being equipped with AMASE-pods, they were developped by the Danish company Terma. They each contain Northrop Grumman AAAR-54 sensors and 2 flareboxes. They serve to divert infrared ground air missiles.

Here you can find a photograph showing the pod on both stub wings:

http://www.ah-64d.freewebtools.com/

All my photographs are taken as full resolution Raw images so if I can help let me know.

Here is another view of the pod on another website:

http://members.home.nl/cyriel.stassen/Military%20Heli's/Attack%20heli/Apache%20_technische_info_Nederlands.htm


Here is the text from the Terma website:

http://www.terma.dk/index.dsp?page=823#

AMASE
In February 2004, Terma signed a quick reaction contract with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) to supply self-protection equipment for Apache AH-64D helicopters. From contract signing to development, production, and installation, it took only four months. This was primarily possible due to commonality with the already delivered Chinook self-protection system. The Apaches were deployed to (Iraq) in June 2004.

AMASE (Apache Modular Aircraft Survivability Equipment) is an advanced Electronic Warfare self-protection solution against Infra-Red (IR) missile threats. The Stub Wing Pods, placed on the tips of the Apache stub wings on each side of the helicopter, contain the Missile Warning and Flare Dispensing systems. This position of pods has two major advantages; it is an ideal location for missile warning sensors as there is very little shadowing from the aircraft structure and there is no operational restrictions on weapons deployment. In addition, the pods may be shared between helicopters, thus lowering overall costs.

AN/ALQ-213(V) EWMS
The system was originally developed for the Danish Air Force F-16 aircraft in 1992/93. In a number of updated versions, the system was later certified and selected by the USA, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Australia, Germany, as well as other countries. It has been deployed on fighters, transport aircraft, and helicopters.

Hope this helps

Photomaker