Apache M261 Hydra-70 question

[ingsoc75]

Does anybody know in what order the Apache helicopter's M261 launcher fires it's Hydra-70 rockets (if there is one)?

For instance, of the 19 rocket tubes, do the top ones launch first?

Also, can the launcher fire one at a time or must they be fired all at once?

Thank you in advance

[The Dane]

Does anybody know in what order the Apache helicopter's M261 launcher fires it's Hydra-70 rockets (if there is one)?

For instance, of the 19 rocket tubes, do the top ones launch first?

Also, can the launcher fire one at a time or must they be fired all at once?

Thank you in advance

There is a order, but dont know which.
They cant be fired at once, but in rapid bursts.

[Alpheus]

Wow, what an obscure question. If you don't mind me asking, but why do you want to know? I'm just curious.

[scrybe]

I'd never really thought about it, but now that I have, I want to know too.

[ingsoc75]

I'm doing a 3D animation demo of the m261 and I would like to get it accurate.:)

[2495]

Hi there.

The hydra fires from 19 down to one. Heres a cutting from the manual thats shows the numerological sequence and pattern.

Hope that helps.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/411/hydrafirers4.jpg

Don't know if this interests you at all, but the Apache and other aircraft that carry this system will soon get a laser guided version
APKWS II: Laser-Guided Hydra Rockets to Finish SDD Phase (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/apkws-ii-hellfire-jr-hydra-rockets-enter-sdd-phase-02193/)
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/cat/projects/project-methodologies/http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/7897/laserht7.jpg

[2495]

The rocket can be used in single fire, pairs or salvo (rockets will fire as long as trigger is depressed in salvo mode and it takes a second to shoot all 19).

[ingsoc75]

Thanks 2495! :)

[2495]

No problem at all.

Aircraft tech and the like is some thing I have a passing interest in :)

[WKD]

I'd never really thought about it, but now that I have, I want to know too.

Crap, me too now.

[lt tahoe]

Don't know if this interests you at all, but the Apache and other aircraft that carry this system will soon get a laser guided version

Wait--I thought the whole point of the 70mm FFAR was that it was cheap and simple....kind of defeats the purpose to turn it into a LGM. Some lobbyist earned his commission on that one...

[WKD]

Wait--I thought the whole point of the 70mm FFAR was that it was cheap and simple....kind of defeats the purpose to turn it into a LGM. Some lobbyist earned his commission on that one...

I think it turns it into a cheaper simpler guided weapon without the need to procure a whole new system and with the option of not having to convert the entire inventory; kind of an as-needed basis. It might also not be so precise, the sensor could have a 'good enough' accuracy.

Not sure of course, just speculating.

[2495]

BAE, Northrop and Lockheed Martin all have a 2.75 inch guided munitions program.

Lockheed Martins DAGR is deadly accurate - inches of accuracy, has a M151 warhead and a range of 12,000 meteres from 6000m AGL.

Uses alot of shrunken down Hellfire technology and for losing two hellfire spots they can carry eight DAGR missiles.

The whole point being that its good for close support of ground troops in a built up area where even a Hellfire may be too much too close.

[2495]

BAE have the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) see the above image, and this has already undergone testing with the US MArine Corp at China lake, and has demonstrated that a 19 shot pod will be able to laser designate via a ground crew and guide these munitions in without the airframe needing to expose itself for the entire flight duration.

In short, where as Lockheed Martin are saying we can give you an 4 to 1 ratio if you replace Hellfires, BAE are saying that their system is totaly without the need to lose any weapons, but instead you gain 19 guided missiles.

Thats BAE FTW. woot

[2495]

I think it turns it into a cheaper simpler guided weapon without the need to procure a whole new system and with the option of not having to convert the entire inventory; kind of an as-needed basis. It might also not be so precise, the sensor could have a 'good enough' accuracy.

Not sure of course, just speculating.

Its deadly accurate, a great system for urban warfare where you may need to lay down fire for friendlies at close proximities.

Oh and the sheer brilliance is that long loiter UAVs will be getting kitted out with it, and their weapons load is going to be hugely more effective due to the sheer weight of fire it will be able to bring to the fight.

Just think of a Reaper sat at 8000 feet, dropping rockets off for multiple designated targets 8 km away - ten different fights in ten locations could all get laser guided air support...

[lt tahoe]

Good point--I hadn't considered the UAV aspect. Probably ideal for something like that...