Oct-Dec 2006: AH-64Ds Receive Replacements, Spares, Upgrades

AH-64D Longbow(click to view full) 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 […]