Boeing has delivered the first AH-64E Apache Version 6, or v6, Apache helicopter featuring improved performance, sensors and software to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).
28 AH-64 Apache D-model Apaches will be upgraded with multiple enhancements to the aircraft’s sensors, software and weapons performance
As part of a Foreign Military Sale through the U.S. Department of Defense, Boeing received a contract in 2019 to remanufacture 28 RNLAF AH-64 Apache D-model Apaches to the advanced AH-64E Apache v6. Delivery for the final E-model Apache to the country is targeted for 2025.
«The Apache is the most advanced and proven attack helicopter, and demand for it continues to increase worldwide», said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and Senior Mesa Site Executive at Boeing. «By upgrading from the D-model to the E-model Apache, the Royal Netherlands Air Force will gain a significant increase in attack power, versatility and situational awareness for decades to come».
The Dutch have operated D-model Apaches since 1998. Deliveries of remanufactured E-model Apaches represents the next step in the long-term partnership between Boeing and the country. Apaches continue to be an important element of European defense, and are currently operated by several European allied nations.
«It is an honor to receive the first remanufactured Apache Echo. This updated attack helicopter is a great improvement and gives the Royal Netherlands Air Force more combat power and situational awareness. This first delivery is an important step in modernizing our entire Apache fleet», said Vice Admiral Arie Jan de Waard, the Director of the Defence Materiel Organisation.
The AH-64E Apache v6 is the most modern configuration of the Apache attack helicopter. Since 1984, over 2,600 Apaches have been delivered to the U.S. Army and 17 international customers. Currently, there are more than 1,260 Apaches operating worldwide with more than 665 representing the E-model.
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of AH-64E Apache Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on June 3, 2021.
S. Government and contractor technical assistance;
technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of program and logistical support.
The total estimated value is $3.5 billion.
The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats, and will enhance interoperability with U.S. forces and other allied forces. Australia will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these Apache aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors involved in this program will be Boeing, Mesa, Arizona; and Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Florida. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s).
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of eight (8) contractor representatives to Australia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of AH-64E Apache Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.0 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 29, 2020.
AH-64E Apache Helicopter
The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy eight (8) AH-64E Apache Longbow Attack Helicopters and remanufacture sixteen (16) of their AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopters to the AH-64E configuration consisting of:
eight (8) AH-64E Apache Helicopters (new procurement);
sixteen (16) Manned-Unmanned Teaming International (MUM-Ti) (UPR) Air to Air to Ground Data Link Systems;
twenty-four (24) MUM-Ti (Ground) Air to Air to Ground Data Link Systems;
twenty-four (24) 100 gallon Internal Auxiliary Fuel Systems (IAFS);
twenty-four (24) 125 gallon Reduced Capacity Crashworthy External Fuel Systems (RCEFS); two (2) IAFS Spares;
two (2) IAFS Publications; six (6) IAFS Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Apache Magazine and Auxiliary Tank Transfer Systems (AMATTS);
five (5) IDM Software Loader Verifiers (SLV);
training devices;
helmets;
simulators;
generators;
transportation;
wheeled vehicles and organizational equipment;
spare and repair parts;
support equipment;
tools and test equipment;
technical data and publications;
personnel training and training equipment;
S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services;
other related elements of logistics support.
The total estimated cost is $4.0 billion.
The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The proposed sale of the AH-64E Apache helicopters will supplement and improve Kuwait’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing Kuwait’s close air support, armed reconnaissance, and antitank warfare mission capabilities. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors associated with this sale will be The Boeing Company, Mesa, AZ; Lockheed Martin Corporation, Orlando, FL; General Electric, Cincinnati, OH; Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, NY; Longbow Limited Liability Corporation, Orlando, FL; and Raytheon Corporation, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the temporary assignment of approximately three U.S. Government personnel and five contractor representatives to Kuwait to support delivery of the helicopters and provide support and equipment familiarization. In addition, Kuwait has expressed an interest in a Technical Assistance Fielding Team (TAFT) to provide in-country pilot and maintenance training. Execution of a TAFT will require a team of twelve additional personnel (one military and eleven contractors) to be deployed to Kuwait for the period of approximately three years.
Boeing has completed delivery of all new AH-64E Apache and CH-47F(I) Chinook military helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters were handed over to the IAF at Air Force Station, Hindan. Earlier in March, Boeing handed over the last five of 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the IAF.
Boeing Completes Helicopter Deliveries to the Indian Air Force
«Customer centricity, commitment to the modernization and mission-readiness of India’s defence forces are key values to our partnership with India», said Surendra Ahuja, managing director, Boeing Defence India. «With this delivery of military helicopters, we continue to nurture this partnership and are fully committed to working closely with India’s defence forces to deliver the right value and capabilities to meet their operational needs», Ahuja added.
India is one of 17 nations to select the Apache and has the most advanced variant, the AH-64E Apache that is also flown by the U.S. and many other countries. The AH-64E Apache is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture including the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It has an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System that provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. In addition to classifying air and ground targets, the Fire Control Radar has been updated to operate in the maritime environment. It is uniquely suited to meet a commander’s needs, including reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, and lethal attack, across myriad environments – without reconfiguration.
Twenty defence forces around the world either have Chinooks in service, or are on contract to receive them. The iconic tandem-rotor helicopter has been the world’s most reliable and efficient heavy-lift helicopter for more than 50 years, allowing customers to operate in climatic (hot), altitude (high), and crosswind conditions that typically keep other helicopters from flying. The CH-47F(I) Chinook contains a modern machined airframe, a Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit, and a Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS). Those innovations and technologies will help the Indian Air Force meet evolving mission demands, maximize interoperability, and reduce lifecycle costs.
The Indian Ministry of Defence finalized its order with Boeing for the production, training and support of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters in September 2015. Earlier this year, India and the U.S. signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apaches for the Indian Army during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to New Delhi.
Boeing’s joint venture in Hyderabad, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) has been producing aero-structures for the AH-64 Apache helicopter for both US Army and international customers. TBAL marks a major step towards the co-development of integrated systems in aerospace and defense in India. Boeing’s suppliers in India are manufacturing critical systems and components for the Chinooks, including the crown and tailcone assembly by Tata Advanced Systems and the ramp and aft pylon by Dynamatic Technologies. Boeing today works with over 200 suppliers and partners in the country in support of «Make in India» and «Skill India».
Boeing Defence India provides holistic lifecycle solutions for government and defence customers in the country. Boeing delivers services that ensure high availability and mission-readiness of platforms to its defence customers at competitive costs through its investments in services infrastructure and building local capabilities and partnerships. With the induction of the Apaches and Chinooks, Boeing anticipates additional opportunities in rotorcraft training and sustainment.
Production, flight test and deliveries of the AH-64E Apache helicopter continue at the Boeing site in Mesa, Arizona. With 500 AH-64E Apaches in service with the United States Army and defense forces around the world, the «Echo» model provides enhanced performance; joint digital interoperability; situational awareness and survivability with reduced operational and support costs.
Production, flight test and deliveries of the AH-64E Apache helicopter continue at the Boeing site in Mesa, Arizona, with 500 AH-64E Apaches since 2011 and now in service with the United States Army and defense forces around the world (Boeing photo)
First delivered in 2011, the AH-64E Apache has been used in combat operations and peacekeeping efforts. Planned modernization of this multi-role combat helicopter ensures it is ready to fulfill operational requirements globally.
Boeing continues its role as the United States’ leading provider of attack helicopters with a contract to remanufacture 117 AH-64D Apaches to the new, more capable AH-64E model. The agreement, which also includes the acquisition of Longbow Crew Trainers, logistical support and spares, carries a total contract value of about $1.5 billion.
The AH-64E Apache continues to provide U.S. Army soldiers and allied defense forces with capabilities to meet combat and peacekeeping requirements with extended range sensors and weapons, off-board sensors and increased aircraft performance (Boeing photo)
The U.S. Army has stated it plans to acquire 690 AH-64E Apaches, 290 of which are now under contract with this latest award.
«The AH-64E Apache continues to meet the requirements of aviators, battlefield commanders and soldiers deployed on missions worldwide», said U.S. Army Apache Project Manager, Colonel Jeff Hager. «The Army, Boeing and Team Apache suppliers continue a valuable collaboration that ensures soldiers have the latest technologies to succeed in defending freedom with this outstanding weapons system».
«With our integrated production, services and training teams, Boeing is able to affordably support the Army through each phase of the Apache’s lifecycle», said Kim Smith, vice president, Attack Helicopter Programs, Boeing Vertical Lift. «The dedication and commitment to first-time quality by Boeing teammates and suppliers combine to deliver an Apache that is ready to meet the rigorous demands of the men and women who depend on it».
The agreement modifies an existing contact among Boeing and the U.S. Army for the full-rate production of lots 5 and 6 Apache helicopters. The Army will return 117 AH-64D Apaches to Boeing’s Mesa, Arizona production center to be remanufactured into the AH-64E configuration. The Army followed a similar model when the AH-64A Apaches were remanufactured into AH-64Ds.
The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter and is used by the U.S. Army and a growing number of international defense forces. Boeing has delivered more than 2,100 Apaches to customers around the world since the aircraft entered production. The U.S. Army Apache fleet has accumulated (as of Jan 2015) more than 3.9 million flight hours since the first AH-64A was delivered to the U.S. Army in 1984.
The India Ministry of Defence has finalized its order with Boeing for production, training and support of Apache and Chinook helicopters that will greatly enhance India’s capabilities across a range of military and humanitarian missions. India will receive 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. Both are the newest models of those aircraft.
The India Ministry of Defence has finalized an order with Boeing for 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. The contracts provide for production, training and support that will greatly enhance India’s capabilities across a range of military and humanitarian missions (Boeing photo)
«This is a milestone in Boeing’s expanding commitment to India», said Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India. «This acquisition enhances the Indian Air Force’s capabilities and offers us an opportunity to further accelerate ‘Make in India.’ Large sections of the Chinook fuselage are already manufactured in India and discussions are ongoing with our Indian partners to make Apache parts».
The Apache is the world’s leading multi-role attack helicopter. The AH-64E Apache, the most modern variant also flown by the U. S. Army, features enhanced performance, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.
The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter operated by the U.S. Army and 18 other defense forces. The Chinook has proven its ability to operate in the range of conditions that typify the Indian subcontinent, including delivering heavy payloads to high altitudes.
«These new aircraft will provide world-class capabilities to meet the Indian Air Force’s missions today, tomorrow and well into the future», said David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift division. «This agreement represents another major step forward in our long and successful relationship with India».
India is the 14th nation to select the Apache and the 19th nation to select the Chinook.
«The Apache and Chinook represent the best of high-performing technologies that will modernize India’s defense capabilities», said Dennis Swanson, vice president, Defense, Space & Security in India. «We look forward to delivering the newest Apache and Chinook to our customers and remain focused on delivering on its commitments to the Indian Air Force and India’s Ministry of Defence».
AH-64E Apache
The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter and is used by the U.S. Army and a growing number of international defense forces. Boeing has delivered more than 2,100 Apaches to customers around the world since the aircraft entered production. The U.S. Army Apache fleet has accumulated (as of Jan 2015) more than 3.9 million flight hours since the first AH-64A was delivered to the U.S. Army in 1984.
A combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70-mm rockets, and a 30-mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds
Technical Specifications
Length
58.17 feet/17.73 m
Height
15.24 feet/4.64 m
Wing Span
17.15 feet/5.227 m
Primary Mission Gross Weight
15,075 lbs/6,838 kg
Vertical Rate of Climb
More than 2,000 feet/610 m per minute
Maximum Rate of Climb
More than 2,800 feet/853 m per minute
Maximum Level Flight Speed
More than 150 knots/172.6 mph/279 km/h
CH-47F Chinook
The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter for the U.S. Army and international defense forces. It contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Aviation Architecture Cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics.
The current CH-47F/MH-47G modernization programs will ensure this tandem rotor helicopter remains in the Army fleet through the 2030s
