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| Indonesian AH-64 Apache Helicopter VS Malaysia's MD-530G Helicopter |
International Military - Malaysia has six light attack helicopters, namely the MD 530G which will be used by the Malaysian Army Aviation (PUTD). It is known that currently the six helicopters are undergoing a pre-delivery check (PDI) before entering official service. Not only that, the PDI process for these six MD helicopters was also used to ensure technical aspects and specifications for future operations. This was done to strengthen the air mobility of the army.
Quoted from Military Leak, in 2016, Malaysia ordered this helicopter. The estimated contract is $76.4 million. Meanwhile, under the procurement contract, all helicopters are expected to be delivered to Malaysia by the end of 2022.
Referring to this, there is a helicopter that is almost identical to the Malaysian one. This is the Apache AH-64, which Indonesia currently owns. However, of course there are some different aspects between the two helicopters.
Quoted from Army Technology, the MD 530G is the next generation armed scout attack helicopter developed by MD Helicopters. In general, these armed aerial reconnaissance helicopters can be deployed with any rotary wing unit. It is used to provide comprehensive battlefield command and control coordination.
Not only that, this is also intended for the successful implementation of attack, reconnaissance and security missions. MD 530G design and features The MD 530G armed aerial reconnaissance helicopter is based on the MD 530F airframe. Then, it is also engineered with advanced technology to deliver enhanced combat capabilities.
The MD 530G is 7.76m long and 3m wide and has an overall height of 2.88m. It also has five main rotor blades and two tail rotor blades. The main rotor diameter is 8.38m, while the tail rotor diameter is 1.55m.
The MD 530G helicopter has an empty weight of 885kg, a maximum gross internal weight of 1,520kg and a maximum gross take-off weight of 1,701kg. It can carry an increased useful load of 816kg to operate with added range and durability.
For weapons, the helicopter is equipped with Raytheon's 70mm TALON laser-guided rocket. Used to provide precision capability and firepower against soft and lightly armored point targets, the rocket also features a laser guidance kit that incorporates a digital semi-active laser seeker, three-axis control actuation system, guidance electronics and an optimized tail fin assembly. TALON roll.
In addition, the helicopter is equipped with a 7.62mm M134D-H (Hybrid) Dillon Aero mini Gatling gun which can store up to 3,000 rounds of ammunition. It is also equipped with an Arnold Defense M260 seven-shot rocket pod.
On the other hand, Indonesia has a popular attack helicopter, the Apache AH-64E. In general, this attack helicopter is very popular with many countries, including Singapore, Indonesia's neighbor.
Quoted from kemhan.go.id, in 2018, this attack helicopter was officially handed over from the US Government to the Indonesian Government. There are already as many as 8 Apache AH-64 attack helicopters which are expected to strengthen the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. The AH-64E Apache helicopter is a modern helicopter with advanced technology that can be operated in various terrain and weather conditions.
Quoted from Military Today, the AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the AH-64. It is also known as Apache Guardian. Apart from Indonesia, the Apache export operators are India, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan. The helicopter is equipped with the more powerful General Electric T700-GE-701D engine, developing 1,994 shp instead of 1,800 shp in the previous version.
In addition, the AH-64E has new composite rotor blades. It is this component that is designed to withstand attacks from 23 mm anti-aircraft guns. For its speed, it can reach a maximum speed of 300 km/hour.
This weapon system is also equipped with new sensors, avionics, and has improved night operation capabilities. Not only that, the AH-64E helicopter is projected to be able to control several UAVs. As for the features, there are many features to protect the crew and increase the helicopter's survivability.
In terms of armament, the AH-64E is equipped with a 30 mm M230 cannon with 1,200 rounds of ammunition. It also has 4 hardpoints on the stub wing and can carry a variety of missiles. In fact, the armament of the Apache AH-64E can be customized, depending on the requirements of the mission. However, normally it can carry up to 16 Hellfire 2 AGM-114R anti-tank guided missiles.
For self-defense against enemy helicopters, the Apache Guardian can carry up to two AIM-9 Sidewinder, four AIM-92 Stinger, or four Mistral air-to-air missiles.
Those are the specs between the Apache AH-64E and the MD-530G. Even though they are both light attack helicopters, but obviously, they have some things that are different