Dutch Upgrading Their AH-64Ds

AH-64D Blocks(click to view full) In August 2009, the US DSCA announced a request from the Netherlands to buy kits that would upgrade their AH-64D Apache attack helicopter fleet, which is seeing significant use in Afghanistan. Dutch AH-64Ds lack the mast-mounted Longbow millimeter-wave radar common on similar models elsewhere, but the requested “AH-64D Block II” upgrade would otherwise move them to the same configuration as the vast majority of the American fleet. It will also gives them more advanced Arrowhead MTADS sensors, color cockpit displays including moving digital maps, updated self-protection suites, and several features designed to improve maintenance and lower operating costs. That will make coalition operations and maintenance sharing easier in places like Afghanistan. There, the Americans operate their AH-64D fleet with Longbow radars removed, while the British WAH-64Ds have made good use of those radars thanks to their more powerful Rolls Royce engines. All are in high demand thanks to their flexibility, and their 30mm cannon. The question is whether the helicopter block type upgrades will be fielded in time to matter on the ground… Contracts & Key Events Dutch AH-64D,in Afghanistan(click to view full) March 14/11: Boeing receives an $11.1 million firm-fixed-price contract to upgrade 29 […]