The Commonwealth has announced it has selected the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter to replace the Australian Army’s fleet of 22 Airbus Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters under Project LAND 4503.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_AH-64_Apache



In July 2019, Australia's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group issued a request for information to replace the Tiger helicopters, despite the 2016 White Paper suggesting all problems with the Tiger to be resolved and were to receive a $1–2 billion Mid Life Upgrade.[288] As a part of the Australian Army's Land 4503, Boeing has offered Australia 29 AH-64E Helicopters that would reach full operating capability by 2029.[289]





Formerly known as AH-64D Block III, in 2012, it was redesignated as AH-64E Guardian to represent its increased capabilities.[308][309] The AH-64E features improved digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with upgraded face gear transmission to accommodate more power,[310] capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), full IFR capability, and improved landing gear.[311][312] New composite rotor blades, which successfully completed testing in 2004, increase cruise speed, climb rate, and payload capacity.[313] Deliveries began in November 2011.[314]

Full-rate production was approved on 24 October 2012,[315] with 634 AH-64Ds to be upgraded to AH-64E standard and production of 56 new-build AH-64Es to start in 2019/20.[316] Changes in production lots 4 through 6 shall include a cognitive decision aiding system and new self-diagnostic abilities. The updated Longbow radar has an oversea capacity, potentially enabling naval strikes; an AESA radar is under consideration.[317] The E model is to be fit for maritime operations.[318]

The Army has expressed a desire to add extended-range fuel tanks to the AH-64E to further increase range and endurance.[137] AH-64Es are to have the L-3 Communications MUM-TX datalink installed in place of two previous counterparts, communicating on C, D, L, and Ku frequency bands to transmit and receive data and video with all Army UAVs.[319] Lots 5 and 6 will be equipped with Link 16 data-links.[320] As of April 2020, 500 AH-64E have been delivered

Should've had 'em years ago.  Same as when the Guv bought F/A-18s - heavy on the juice and half the payload was taken up in fuel tanks..... for the same price could have had the same number of F-16 squadrons and the same number of A-10s again - dedicated ground attack aircraft.

But the 18s had two engines....... and were sexy...

Brian Ross wrote on Jan 18^th, 2021 at 5:49pm:



Brian -
let me educate you -


The f-16s carried a huge payload to bomb the Iraqi reactors.


A flight task force of Israeli F-16s deliver an airstrike to Iraq's nuclear reactor in Operation Opera, 1981.

Brian Ross wrote on Jan 18^th, 2021 at 6:11pm:



I think they were guided smart bombs but
there is no information I can find about what they used.
I read a report once that said they came from France.

Brian Ross wrote on Jan 18^th, 2021 at 8:28pm:



I'm not sure if that source is true?
The fact that all 16 bombs landed right on the target
is not normal for dumb bombs. 

Bobby. wrote on Jan 18^th, 2021 at 9:25pm:


Quote:
Source

That is a 50% failure rate, Bobby.