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With the collapse of the RAH-66 Comanche program, and rededication of its funding into the ARH-70 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH), the UH-145 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and other programs, the AH-64 Apache will remain the USA’s primary attack helicopter for several more decades. That status has been getting the US Apache fleet a lot of use during the war as the most common escort option for helicopters in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. The US fleet has now accumulated over 2 million flying hours, with over 25% of that logged since 2001. American allies are also using their AH-64 fleets to support coalition efforts on ground, and countries like Britain and the Netherlands can field the AH-64D “Longbow” version, with substantial improvements to its radar, targeting, electronics, and missile set.
Recent contracts include a $152 million order for war replacement AH-64D Longbow helicopters (probably about 8-10 machines) from the USA, plus a number of ongoing upgrades requested during October 2006. DID covers them all below.
Unless otherwise specified, all contracts are issued by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL to Boeing subsidiary McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co. in Mesa, AZ.
Nov 1/06: A $152 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for war replacement AH-64D Apache Longbow Aircraft. Boeing’s November 20th release set the number of helicopters at 11; the appropriation is part of the FY 2006 Supplemental Budget. Work will be performed in Mesa, AZ and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 19, 2006 (W58RGZ-05-C-0274).
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Oct 6/06: Lockheed Martin in Orlando, FL received an $18.2 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for target acquisition designation sight (TADS) electronic display and control for the Apache aircraft. Work will be performed in Orlando, FL and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2010. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2005 (W58RGZ-06-C-0024).
TADS is part of the Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (TADS/PNVS) system on older Apaches, mounted in the helicopter’s nose. They enable the AH-64 Apache Helicopter to fly at low altitude in total darkness and adverse weather, and designate targets with laser beams. The targeting sub-system, TADS, is directed by the head movements of a crewmember who targets what he sees in his monocle. More recent versions use the new “Arrowhead” system, the successor to TADS/PNVS.
Oct 4/06: The full delivery order amount of $5.3 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for AN/APX-123 common transponder integration and installation into the AH-64D helicopters. These are good things to fly with; they’re “Mode 5” Identification Friend or Foe Transponders and an upgrade on the previous AN/APX-117; they are used used in US Army AH-64Ds and US Navy aircraft.
Work will be performed in Mesa, AZ and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2010. This was a sole source bid solicited on July 7, 2006 (W58RGZ-05-G-0005).
Oct 3/06: The full delivery order amount of $26.1 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for integration of the latest improved data modem and elimination of all Army software blocking test limitations on the AH-64D Apache Extended Block II Aircraft. Block II upgrades include enhancements to the helicopter’s digital communications systems to improve communications within the “tactical internet”. With the JTRS slowed and then restructured, the main component used in the effort is the AN/ARC-231 Skyfire radio set.
Work will be performed in Mesa, AZ and is expected to be complete by Oct. 31, 2007. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 15, 2006 (W58RGZ-05-G-0005).
Oct 3/06: The full delivery order amount of $37 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for integration of the aircraft survivability equipment system onto the Extended Block II AH64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter Aircraft. Work will be performed in Mesa, AZ, and is expected to be complete by May 10, 2010. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 12, 2006 (W58RGZ-05-G-0005).
This GlobalSecurity.org excerpt from US Army Field Manual 1-114 (Appendix H) offers an excellent overview of the key aircraft/helicopter threat types that defensive systems and design need to counter, as well as an overview of the sets of “survivability equipment systems” installed on various American helicopter models.