Boeing Tapped For AH-64E Support | Puma UAVs Make Big Impact on HMS Tamar | C-130Hs Arrive in Philippines

Americas

Boeing won a $25.4 million deal to improve the quality of the Apache Attack Helicopter AH-64E and lessen the associated post production maintenance burden. The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform. With a tandem-seated crew consisting of the pilot, located in the rear cockpit position and the co-pilot gunner (CPG), located in the front position. With the addition of improved situational awareness, flight performance, and joint interoperability, the AH-64E has become the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world. Work will take place in Mesa, Arizona. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2024.

Sikorsky won a $10.6 million order, which provides for the development of Phase One structural repair manuals for the CH-53K aircraft. The repair manuals address organizational level repairs pertaining to airframe skins, doors and covers, tail cone, main and tail blade erosion repair, as well as non-destructive inspection procedures and standards. The CH-53K is the United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) heavy lift replacement for the CH-53E. Work will take place in Shelton, Connecticut, Stratford, Connecticut and Bohemia, New York. Work will take place in April 2023.

Middle East & Africa

French investigators released their report into the deadly collision between a Cougar and Tiger helicopters in Mali in 2019. The report said both aircrews “did not detect the presence of the other aircraft.” “Listening to the radio exchanges between the aircraft in the minutes preceding the event reveals a disorderly and degraded safety communication,” the report added. Both crews were from different bases and their security briefings were not the same.

Berry Aviation won a $179.5 million contract modification, which provides continued rotary and fixed-wing airlift support services, including passenger, cargo, casualty evacuation, personnel recovery, air drop and limited door-to-door services to US Africa Command. Work will be performed in continental Africa, African islands and countries supporting operations in Africa, such as Germany and Italy. Work will take place in continental Africa, African island and countries supporting operations in Africa, such as Germany and Italy.The option period of performance is from February 2, 2021 to February 1, 2022.

Europe

The British HMS Tamar has made extensive use of a small Puma remotely piloted aircraft during trials as the ship practices for ‘constabulary duties’ when she deploys for the first time this summer. According to the Royal Navy that constabulary duties – counter piracy/terrorism/smuggling – are a key role of the new batch of River-class ships. Puma is relatively cheap, easy to launch and recover, is difficult for foes to spot and keeps the ship out of harm’s way.

Asia-Pacific

The first of two C-130H cargo planes that the Philippines acquire from the United States has arrived home on January 29. Aircraft #5125 arrived at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City and the crew were greeted by vice commander Maj. Gen. Florante M. Amano. The aircraft, which came from Tucson, Arizona and had a tail number of 5125, was welcomed in a simple arrival ceremony in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City that was graced by PAF vice commander Maj. Gen. Florante M. Amano.

Today’s Video

Watch: USAF Hercules C-130H Takeoff – Power Back & Awesome Propeller Tip Vortices!

American AH-64D Apache: War Replacement Contracts

War takes its toll on equipment, as well as men. In some cases, it wears out. In other cases, enemy fire or accidents destroy equipment. The USA has recognized this fact by funding wartime replacement expenditures as supplemental funding, which is outside the normal budgetary process. The intent is that this money will be spent on replacing equipment that has been worn out, damaged or destroyed, or will be used to provide specialized capabilities like MRAP mine-resistant vehicles that are directly related to front-line demands.

Admittedly, this hasn’t always been true. Politicians are what they are, and so are large organizations like the military. One area where this ethic has undoubtedly been honored, however, has been the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter fleet. This article covers US Army Wartime Replacement Aircraft (WRA) AH-64D Longbow buys, which are the only truly new attack helicopters in the America’s inventory. That will change with the new Block III model, which is more advanced than the WRAs.

• AH-64D Program: Past and Present [updated]
  
• AH-64D WRAs: Program Contracts [updated]
  
• The AH-64’s Future
  
• Additional Readings [NEW]