Boeing [BA] celebrated delivery of the first AH-64D Apache Block III multi-role attack helicopter to the Army yesterday in Mesa, Ariz.
The Block III Apache delivers advanced technologies and capabilities to benefit soldiers and battlefield commanders.
Program Executive Officer- Aviation Maj. Gen. Tim Crosby said the aircraft and its abilities are all to aid the soldier: minimize the burden, increase capability and protect them.”
Apache Block III is part of the Army modernization strategy and the focus within Army aviation on “giving our soldiers what they need when they need it and reducing their burden as they carry the mail to our enemies.”
“It’s a successful development program that’s been on schedule and on cost since the beginning,” said Col. Shane Openshaw, Army Apache project manager, in a video teleconference. The improvements keep Apache “ready today and relevant for tomorrow.”
The Apache is the most agile, flexible, and capable aircraft and has no peer, he said. And, the program is a remarkable achievement by the Army-industry team.
Boeing will produce 51 AH-64D Apache Block III helicopters for the Army under Low Rate Initial Production.
Lt. Col. Dan Bailey, Army Apache Block III program manager, said the standardization instructor pilot from what will become the first unit equipped with Apache Block III aircraft at Ft. Riley, Kan. told him the unit was already building the techniques and procedures in preparation for receiving the aircraft.
Openshaw said the unit will be receiving their aircraft over the next several months.
The two helicopters delivered yesterday in Mesa will replace developmental prototypes there and keep working on developing the next production configuration, Bailey said.
The Army’s acquisition objective stands at 690 Apache Block III aircraft. In addition, a growing number of defense forces worldwide have contracted for, or are considering, upgrading to or adding the Apache Block III to their rotorcraft fleets.
There are 26 new technologies in the Apache Block III, designed to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities.
“The control of UAV aircraft and their sensors from the cockpit of an AH-64 is just an amazing game changer that we’ll see in combat,” Crosby said.
The improved drive system features a new split-torque face gear transmission that increases power capability to 3,400 shaft horsepower. The new composite main rotor blade accommodates that power increase, resulting in improved aircraft performance with increased payload.
The new Block III has an increased hover ceiling altitude at a greater gross weight on a 95-degree Fahrenheit day, though the integration of the T700-GE-701D engine with the enhanced digital electronic control unit and other drive system technologies.
“To have this program that was envisioned six years ago when you lay out a cost and schedule baseline and you get six years later delivering the first aircraft about a week early and the second aircraft about a month early, with a schedule performance of .98 and a cost performance of .99 on the original baseline with the capabilities that were intended, it is just a remarkable tribute to the Army team and industry partnership,” said David Koopersmith, Boeing vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs. “We pledge to continue our efforts to ensure that our customers have enduring capabilities today and tomorrow.”
Mike Burke, Boeing director of Attack Helicopters Business Development said he thinks the company will see a great demand for Block III by international forces. Representatives of some of those forces attended the Block III roll out and will be receiving demonstration rides.