WASHINGTON — Boeing has flown a new edition of the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter with upgraded capabilities, the corporate announced Oct. 11 on the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference.
The Version 6.5 attack helicopter, which Boeing went under contract to supply with the U.S. Army in December 2021, includes software updates and enhancements to the pilot interface, Boeing said in a press release.
Some upgrades are an optimized route and attack planning capability, enhanced Link 16 features, and an open-systems architecture that can allow for simple technology insertion in a while, the corporate noted.
“We’re very excited in regards to the ongoing development of the V6.5 software because it paves the way in which for Apache modernization,” Col. Jay Maher, the U.S. Army’s Apache project manager, said within the statement. “V6.5 aligns the complete E model fleet under the identical software, streamlining training and maintenance while providing a pathway for sensor/capability parity, and enables the Army to handle mandates and important technologies. Ensuring relevance into the longer term is a top priority.”
The corporate can also be now working with the Army to integrate the brand new T901, the engine for the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program, built by General Electric Aerospace, Boeing said. The T901, which is meant to switch the engines in Apaches and UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters and can be utilized in the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, was delayed by greater than a 12 months on account of issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The ITEP engine together with drivetrain and tail rotor improvements will allow the aircraft to fly 135 nautical miles to an objective and stay there for an hour or more and return. The present Apache would likely have the ability to remain out at an objective for roughly half-hour, Boeing has said.
The Army fielded Apache Version 6 helicopters to units starting in 2021.
Boeing can also be taking a look at upgrade options beyond what’s currently on contract. Earlier this 12 months, the corporate displayed an Apache model on the Army Aviation Association of America’s annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, with an extra wing pylon to offer additional weapons in a greater variety onboard.
The corporate also showed an idea for a directed-energy capability on certainly one of the pylons.
Jen Judson is an award-winning journalist covering land warfare for Defense News. She has also worked for Politico and Inside Defense. She holds a Master of Science degree in journalism from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kenyon College.