Integrated flight/fire control for attack helicopters

The author shows that integrated flight and fire control modes, analogous to those used in fixed-wing applications, can be implemented to enhance an attack helicopter´s air-to-air and air-to-ground combat effectiveness. With fly-by-wire active flight controls and state-of-the-art technology in target acquisition and tracking, integrated flight/fire control can increase firing opportunities, improve weapon accuracy and enhance survivability. Two typical applications are illustrated, using detailed simulations of the fly-by-wire controlled helicopter and associated weapons systems. The author also describes the avionics architecture needed to implement an integrated system and shows that it is achievable with a straightforward extension of designs already in place for advanced versions of the AH-64 aircraft