2008
APACHE NEWS
n keeping the PEACE n international updates n focus on the future
APACHE NEWS
2008
the apache team
it begins with a
on the
Whether keeping peace around the globe, protecting national interests or ensuring
future GROWTH OF APACHE CAPABILITIES, the worldwide Apache Team had its hands full in
2007. This annual review of the team’s successes illustrates what Apache operators have
always known: Apache Longbow is the world’s best multi-role combat helicopter . . . and it
just keeps getting better.
O
ver the past several years, I’ve
watched amazing aviators and dedicated maintainers operate Apache
helicopters in demanding environments
from field training operations to combat
operations. I am inspired by their courage, fortitude, and innovation – courage to
do the right thing, fortitude to stick it out,
and innovation to adapt and improve their
conditions.
The Apache program has the best customers in the world! Our customers are our
number one focus, and will always be. We
conduct business with the soldier as our
top priority. Apache Team members appreciate the contributions and sacrifices that
our customers make for freedom.
In today’s worldwide defensive posture,
industry is also in a heightened state of responsiveness. Though we don’t share the
challenges of repeated deployments and
dangers faced by our customers, we listen
to the information they share, we understand their objectives and we are committed to their goals. We take pride in our
customer “welcome home” ceremonies
worldwide, and Apache leaders actively
participate in after action review meetings. Strategic planners and engineers
work with integrated product teams and
program managers to keep improving the
Apache. And we use the input from the
focus
customer
Vice President of Apache Programs
Al Winn encourages Apache teammates to ensure customers’ needs are
met and expectations are exceeded
– fulling the credo “Promises Made.
Promises Kept.”
commanders and soldiers in the field as
valuable sources on how to best do that.
With an eye to the future, using internal research and development funding,
Boeing’s Apache program is leading the effort, in cooperation with Army Aviation, to
integrate Apache into Future Combat
Systems and other joint forces operations.
The Apache has proved its relevance to
current force operations. And we’re working to demonstrate that technologies of
today’s helicopter, and the network-centric
capabilities of the Block III Apache that will
begin service in a few years, are essential
to Army and joint operations.
Working with the Team Apache suppliers, Boeing Apache teammates take pride
in building and delivering our product – the
world’s best combat, multirole helicopter,
the AH-64D Apache Longbow. Our customers can be assured that they have a
solid commitment – promises made, promises kept – from me and the Apache Team.
Enjoy this newest issue of this awardwinning, annual magazine, which recently
received another Communicator Award for
creative excellence. As you thumb through
this issue of Apache News, you can read
the thoughts and comments of our U.S.
Army and international customers as they
share personal experiences in the line of
duty with this awesome helicopter. n
APACHE NEWS
2008
CONTENTS
U.S. Army Apaches continue to
deliver the capabilities needed by
commanders and aviators
The international Apache community expands as defense forces
choose this multi-role helicopter
With new technologies, the Block
III Apache brings new capabilities
to Joint Force missions
INTERNATIONAL
FOCUS ON THE
DEFENDING
FREEDOM
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first to the fight
Apache Versatility
soldiers share combat stories
fighting terrorism 24/7
FUTURE
UPDATES
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30
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36
38
40
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44
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apaches prove their mettle
british crews train in the desert
aviation training international ltd
performance-based logistics
Kuwait air force fleet
boeing support systems
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58
60
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new technologies
analysis modeling & simulation
Apache modernization
block III is on the horizon
new contracts, new technology
news Briefs
Olympic apaches revisited
new sales efforts
Apache delivery center
worldwide supply network
APACHE news
BOEING ROTORCRAFT SYSTEMS
for the UNITED STATES ARMY
is published by
AND THE WorldwidE apache team
editor hal klopper
rotorcraft systems editorial staff (mesa) lisa dunbar, carole thompson
other contributors edwin de greeuw, dale macpherson, larry plaster, brad rounding
photography team bob ferguson, mike goettings, hal klopper, jan stuve
DESIGN CASS WEAVER
director of rotorcraft communications joe lamarca
Vice President, apache programs al winn
Vice President, general manager rotorcraft systems chuck allen
address correspondence to: editor, apache news, the boeing company, 5000 e. mcdowell road
m510/a387, mesa, az 85215 or e-mail [email protected] or visit our web site at http://www.boeing.com
4
FOUR
5
FIVE
DEFENDING
FREEDOM
Apache milestones were almost commonplace
over the past year, with new helicopter deliveries, more deployments and battlefield roles
reported regularly. Apache helicopters logged
thousands of hours performing peacekeeping
missions, supporting national defense initiatives
and completing essential training missions. The
brief summaries of the U.S. Army’s successes
on these pages offer just a sampling of
achievements over the past year.
6
SIX
7
SEVEN
DEFENDING
FREEDOM
first to the fight
arizona
national guard
takes apache
longbows
into combat
T
he Arizona Army National Guard is using leading-edge Apache technology in
Afghanistan to fight the Global War on
Terrorism.
The 1st Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, an Apache unit of 450 citizen soldiers
known as Task Force Desert Hawk, deployed to Afghanistan in January 2007, and
took along the first 24 Apache Longbows
ever used by a guard unit.
“This is the first guard unit to use leading edge technology of the Apache Longbow
to keep soldiers safe,” said Major General
David Rataczak, adjutant general for the
Arizona National Guard.
Their stories will be told on video next
year in another installment of the “Back
from Afghanistan” series done by The
Boeing Company in Mesa, Ariz.
Karen Schaler, a reporter from KNXV
Channel 15, the Phoenix, Ariz., ABC television news affiliate, was embedded with the
unit for two weeks and shared stories of the
soldiers with television viewers.
Trained at Fort Hood, Texas, with the
21st Cavalry Brigade, the 1st Battalion,
285th Aviation Regiment, was certified
combat ready near the end of 2006.
In 2007, The Arizona National Guard
became the first Reserve Component to
take its Apache Longbow helicopters into
combat. And the Arizona Guard won’t be
the last.
“The soldiers love what they do,” Rataczak said. “They are fighting for democracy
and the people of Afghanistan appreciate it.
Morale is good. One of the soldiers is on his
third tour. He volunteered to go back.”
The Apache Longbow is a survivable,
intimidating aircraft, Rataczak said.
“When Apache Longbows are overhead, soldiers feel safer and insurgents
are intimidated,” he said. “Often just their
presence can frighten insurgents without
even having to fire a round. And the aircraft
can stand up to the tough conditions of the
region, such as sand, dust storms and high
altitudes.” More than 1,600 soldiers from
the Arizona National Guard are stationed in
Afghanistan fighting for freedom.
Having Apache Longbows makes life
easier for both Guard and active Army pilots. “Because this unit now has the same
equipment as active duty Apache units,
they can fly together with the same capabilities, communicate on common equipment,
and share parts if necessary, and maintainers know how to work on all the aircraft,”
Rataczak said. n
RIGHT: Apache rocket pod tubes . . .
from a rocket’s viewpoint.
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DEFENDING
FREEDOM
“The men and women of the Army National Guard and U.S. Army
Reserve Apache units continue to distinguish themselves in
combat. Consider the actions of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kevin
Purtee (Texas National Guard) and Chief Warrant Officer 2
Allen Crist (Missouri National Guard) who risked their lives
in an unorthodox casualty evacuation by transporting a
critically wounded soldier in the AH-64A during a firefight in
Ramadi, Iraq. With the wounded soldier in the co-pilot seat and
Crist tethered to the aircraft as he sat on the wing, Purtee
flew the wounded soldier to safety for much-needed medical
attention. “We have seen the tragedy of watching soldiers on
the ground waiting for medevac . . . There is no more hopeless feeling than watching the guys who need help not get
it, and I’m tired of that and that’s why we made our choice to
go in and do what we did,’ said Purtee. When we see that type
of dedication and selfless service by our Citizen Soldiers, we
should all be proud of their patriotism and service to this
great country.”
– Mike Burke, Director, Apache Business Development, The Boeing Company
“The Apache is a great product. I stand by the awesome Apache for I can personally testify, as can
many of my aviators, to the fact that she takes a beating well while still pouring steel on target,
destroying evil while protecting our soldiers on the ground in the fight.”
– Captain John P. Wietrick, AV, Commanding, Tennessee National Guard, Task Force Nighthawk,
Operation Enduring Freedom VII
ARIZONA
1-285
A-Model Training Base
Western Army Aviation Training Site
Marana
IDAHO
1-183
Gowen Field – Boise
MISSISSIPPI
C Company 1-151
Hawkins Field – Jackson
MISSOURI
1-135
Whiteman Air Force Base
NORTH CAROLINA
1-130
Raleigh-Durham Airport
PENNSYLVANIA
1-104
Muir Army Air Field – Fort Indiantown Gap
SOUTH CAROLINA
1-151
McEntire Air National Guard Base – Eastover
TENNESSEE
E Company, 1-230
Jackson
U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve units continue to support the Global War on Terrorism by
flying their AH-64A Apaches and AH-64D Apache
Longbows in combat.
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ten
LEFT: 70mm rocket pods . . . fully loaded on an Apache
KENTUCKY
8-229 (USAR)
Fort Knox
TEXAS
7-6 (USAR)
Conroe
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TEXAS
1-149
Ellington Air National Guard Base – Houston
UTAH
1-211
Army Aviation Support Facility – West Jordon
DEFENDING
FREEDOM
Apache Adds
New Element of Versatility to its
wartime role:
extraction of Injured
Soldiers
Right: British soldiers prepare for a daring rescue mission aboard their
Apache AH Mk1 helicopter.
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®crown copyright images
Photo by U.s. army sergeant first class rick emert
T
he Apache helicopter is reTwo pilots from the 1st Cavalry
Apache Longbow pilots from the 1-227 Aviation Regiment
nowned for its survivability,
Division, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade and
stand by one of the AH-64D Apache Longbows they used
lethality and dominance during
their wingmen were recently honored
to evacuate two downed helicopter pilots in Baghdad.
wartime, but lately the aircraft has
with Distinguised Flying Crosses in
From left are Allan Davison, Micah Johnson, Seung Choi
July 2007 for evacuating two downed
added a new element of versatility to
its resume: extracting and rescuing
OH-58 Kiowa pilots in Iraq. (See reand Troy Moseley.
injured soldiers from the battlefield in
lated story on page 63.)
the Global War on Terrorism. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Allan DaviIn recent months, several efforts
son rescued two downed Kiowa pilots
have been recorded – a new Apache
and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Micah
first, logged by the British and their
Johnson allowed one of the Kiowa
Apache AH-Mk1 helicopters – folpilots to take his seat on the Apache
lowed by a rescue of downed pilots by
Longbow while he and the other
a U.S. Army Apache Longbow.
Kiowa pilot strapped themselves to
In January 2007, U.K. Marines atthe outside of the aircraft and sat on
tempted a daring Apache rescue of a
the wings.
comrade during an Afghanistan operaDavison then headed the aircraft to
tion while fighting the Taliban. It was
Baghdad International Airport where
the first time soldiers had been carried
the injured pilots were dropped off.
into combat aboard an Apache heliWhile this was taking place, their
copter. U.K. Task Force spokesman
Apache wingmen – Chief Warrant OfLieutenant Colonel Rory Bruce said:
ficer 2 Seung Choi and Chief Warrant
“It was a leap into the unknown. This is believed to be the first
Officer 3 Troy Moseley – circled to provide security.
time U.K. forces have ever tried this type of rescue mission.”
In 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, soldiers from the
1-227 Aviation Regiment rescued two downed pilots in Bagdad
When they discovered Lance Corporal Ford was missing they
with an Apache Longbow. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Justin Taylor
flew back, strapped to Apaches, to find their fallen comrade in a
and Captain Ryan Welch hooked one pilot to the outside of the airunique rescue mission attempt.
An initial plan was to use Viking vehicles, but they eventually
craft and put one in the front seat. Then Welch strapped himself to
concluded that the AH-Mk1 attack helicopters would provide a
the outside of the Apache and all were evacuated to safety.
And as early as 1991, the 1-227 Aviation Regiment soldiers
quicker and safer means to get him out.
The troops were strapped to the small side wings of two
used their A-model Apaches for a daring rescue during OperaApaches. A third Apache provided aerial cover, and further units
tion Desert Storm in Iraq. Two pilots in an Apache were downed
laid down a mass of covering fire while the other two Apaches
by a ground missile. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ed Sanderlin and 1st
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Johnston rescued two downed pilots by
landed.
All four men got off, as well as some of the aircrew, to provide
propping them against the Apache’s wings and bracing their legs
additional firepower and to assist with the recovery of the soldier.
against the pylons. n
DEFENDING
FREEDOM
4th infantry division
soldiers
share combat stories
with apache
T
hinking back on it, recalled Lieutenant Colonel Mike Rapavi, 81,000
combined combat flight hours in a
year was an impressive number for any
combat brigade in Iraq. When half of those
hours are for Apache Longbow helicopters,
the numbers take on more meaning.
And when Rapavi, battalion commander, 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment,
4th Infantry Division, and four pilots from
the division recently visited The Boeing
Company’s Apache facility in Mesa, Ariz.,
to talk about their missions, stories they
told reinforced the belief that Apache is an
unmatched combat weapon.
Rapavi and four pilots from battalions
in 4-ID visited Mesa to discuss missions
in Operation Iraqi Freedom between November 2005 and November 2006. Joining
Rapavi were Captain Erik Sparks, Chief
Warrant Officer 4 Scott Small, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Steven Boehm and Chief
Warrant Officer 2 William Jones.
The Combat Aviation Brigade flew more
than 81,000 hours in Iraq. The 1st Battalion flew just under 20,000 as did the 4th
Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment.
teammates
Five members of the 4th Infantry Division
visited Boeing in 2007 to tell about their successes with the Apache helicopter in Iraq.
“My greatest satisfaction
was in growth that I saw in
my young leaders.”
Collectively about half of the total hours
the brigade flew were logged by Apaches.
“Twenty thousand hours is about
four times what we would normally fly
in the United States with our 24 Apache
Longbows,” Rapavi said. “It’s an impressive achievement. And we were able to
maintain an 88 percent operational readiness rate. Those are both significant accomplishments for the soldiers and for
contractors that were over there. Everyone
did a great job making sure aircraft stayed
flying 24 hours a day.”
“The operational tempo and the number of lives we saved changed many young
soldiers in our battalion,” he added. “They
left Iraq knowing they made a difference.”
Rapavi said one of his greatest satisfactions came when young ground soldiers
thanked them for keeping them safe while
under attack or for protecting convoys
on the road. “I believe our mission was a
great success from that perspective.” n
– Lieutenant Colonel Mike Rapavi
Lieutenant Colonel MIKE RAPAVI
My greatest satisfaction was in growth that I saw in my young leaders. During my junior years as an officer, it took a lot of time to gain the
same experience that these young guys developed during a one-year deployment in war. Captain Erik Sparks is a good example . . . he came
to the unit straight out of flight school and flew more than 700 hours in Iraq. His performance was magnificent. He served as an Air Mission Commander on the majority of his missions and completed each superbly. Not only did he grow technically and tactically as a pilot, but
the maturity he developed and the leadership experience he gained is going to make him one of the finest aviation leaders of the future. He
earned the Air Medal with V-device for a security mission in which several U.S. soldiers had been taken captive. While performing a combat
air patrol, he was called in to assist ground forces that had been taking direct and indirect fire. Shortly after arriving in the area, he identified the point of origin and made several passes suppressing the hostilities, even though his own aircraft was taking fire. He was on station
for many hours, refueling several times and returning to this hostile environment to support the mission. From the time that his air weapons
team arrived on site, there were no other friendly casualties, and on departure from the area his team provided aerial security to the medevac
as it evacuated a seriously wounded soldier to safety. This is just one example of many that illustrates the level of responsibility we place on
these young leaders. n
continued on page 16
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DEFENDING
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continued from page 15
Chief Warrant Officer 3
Steven E. Boehm
On July 13, Chief Warrant Officer 2 William Jones and I had
been performing combat aerial
patrol in the southern region
of Baghdad. We were the lead
ship for our team and responded
to a request for help in a zone
known to have enemy activity.
Apaches were providing aerial
support to the ground unit and
looking for insurgents that had
attacked their vehicles. U.S.
troops had taken enemy fire
15 minutes prior to us arriving. Once we were on station,
we assumed aerial patrol to
provide security and search for
the enemy personnel. At about
300 feet and traveling 100
knots in an easterly direction we
received small arms fire. It hit
the number one engine on the
left side of the aircraft, causing
it to catch fire. More rapid fire
ruptured the aft fuel cell. We had
fuel and fire streaming down
the tail boom. My wingman was
telling me we’re on fire. At that
point as pilot in command, I
was looking for an area suitable
to put the aircraft down. Then
a rocket tore through the aft
fuel cell and hit the number
two engine. Along with multiple
aircraft system failures, smoke
coming into the cockpit and the
number one engine already out,
the second engine then failed
on us. We had taken so much
damage flames were burning
part of the stabilator all the way
at the end of the aircraft. At
about 50 feet off the ground the
aircraft yawed and the tail rotor
separated from the vertical stabilizer as we were auto rotating.
We struck an aqueduct, rolled
and ended up upside down with
the canopies blocked. We still
had communications between
16
sixteen
the crew stations. I jettisoned
the canopies and we got out of
the aircraft. Luckily neither one
of us had severe injuries. I used
my survival radio to contact
our wingman. He advised me
that he’d called our battalion
over Baghdad Radio, one of the
patrolling agencies in the area
letting us know what aircraft
are operating in what zones.
And a Blackhawk company from
the Maryland National Guard
unit was in the air conducting a separate mission. Within
15 minutes they picked us up.
After the crash, I was checked
out and later flew another 300
of my 600 total combat hours
in Apaches during my stay in
Iraq. n
Chief Warrant Officer 2
William Jones
Chief Warrant Officer 4
Scott Small
Captain Erik Sparks
After our aircraft was on the
ground and I had assessed the
damage that we’d received
– and looking at the aircraft as it
was burning I was pretty thankful that I was in the Apache
because of the impact, the
structure, the cockpit, and the
crash survivability. I was very
happy to actually have been in
the Apache because when earlier aircraft were shot down in
Iraq, it never seemed that most
people walked away. n
When you’re getting shot at
your first response is “Are they
really shooting at me?” Then
you realize that we were in an
Apache Longbow. It never failed;
it brought me home. So I had
the highest confidence . . . I
felt like we made a difference
to the ground troops when we
were able to arrive on scene
and support them in their time
of need . . . When you’re flying
a combat mission your training
kicks in and you respond within
your ability with the training that
you’ve had. Your focus is intense
and you’re ready to do the job at
hand . . . I wouldn’t fly any other
aircraft but the Apache Longbow
in combat. n
The mission that earned me the
Air Medal for valor was my first
engagement in Iraq. We’d been
there for five months in support
of troop operations when we got
the call while we were helping
recover two soldiers who had
been taken captive in Baghdad.
We had been flying for 6½ hours
when we got the call to respond
to a unit being engaged with
small arms and mortar fire that
had one soldier wounded. When
we arrived, we knew where
the friendly position was. The
first pass we could not find the
enemy. On the second pass we
started the engagement – small
arms fire and approximately
10 different points of origin. At
17
seventeen
that point we started engaging
and suppressing the enemy.
That engagement lasted about
an hour. We released over 200
rounds of 30mm, and fired
multiple rockets. When I left for
Iraq I had 250 flight hours. When
I got back from Iraq I had over
1,000 hours. I logged over 750
hours of combat time. Everyone
I served with was amazing. They
laid their lives on the line every
day for people they don’t even
know. If I had to go back to Iraq,
I would absolutely go back in an
Apache Longbow. n
DEFENDING
FREEDOM
U.S. ARMY AND RESERVE COMPONENTS
FIGHT
Army Reserve Components continue
to join active U.S. Army units on the
front lines in their Apaches. The list of
citizen soldiers continues to grow.
TERRORISM
24/7
At of the end of 2007, the U.S. Army
had 15 active units, nine guard units
and two reserve units flying Apache
helicopters. Of the 10 international
customers that have selected Apaches,
two – The Netherlands and the United
Kingdom – have operated helicopters in
support of the Global War on Terrorism. Other Apaches are deployed for
national security and peacekeeping
missions, demonstrating the versatility of the helicopter. And the helicopter
is durable – the United States fleet of
Apaches has logged more than two
million flight hours.
A
s American soldiers fight in Afghanistan and Iraq, they continue to depend on AH-64D Apache Longbow
helicopters for protection.
Units flying Apache helicopters are
needed to suppress aggressors, protect
troops transporting people and equipment,
support coalition forces, respond to ground
commanders’ urgent needs and even to
evacuate downed and injured pilots from
battle zones.
And Apache Longbow’s performance
in combat continues to be stellar. Apaches
have logged more than 400,000 combined
combat flight hours while maintaining high
mission capable rates. From senior Army
leaders to soldiers on the ground, confidence is high in the Apache’s ability to get
the job done.
“The aircraft is healthy and performing
well in combat,” said Colonel Derek Paquette, U.S. Army Apache project manager.
Army units with Apaches have been deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan since early
2002 with many battalions serving two
or even three tours of duty. At the end of
2007, there were more than 100 Apaches
deployed, with equipment moving in and
out of theater for upgrades, modification
or repair.
“No battalion comes back from the
warfight and returns in the same configuration,” said Colonel Mark Hayes, Army
Training and Doctrine Command capability manager, Reconnaissance/Attack.
“Because the warfighter brings back lessons learned – he brings back additional
requirements. We’re always looking for a
way to make force protection and survivability the cornerstone to protecting our
crews.” n
National Guard and Reserve
Component soldiers regularly play
important roles in the defense of
freedom.
U.S. Army Active and Reserve Component Units
Back from Afghanistan
3rd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment – Fort Campbell, Ky.
1st Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment – Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
3rd Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment – Fort Bragg, N.C.
1st Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, North Carolina National Guard – Morrisville
Company B, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Florida National Guard – Jacksonville
1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard – West Jordan
1st Battalion, 183rd Aviation Regiment, Idaho National Guard – Boise
C Troop, 7th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Reserve – Conroe
R Troop, 4/278th, Tennessee National Guard – Jackson
2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment – Illesheim, Germany
And in Afghanistan as of October 2007:
1st Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, Arizona National Guard – Marana
U.S. Army Active and Reserve Component Units
Back from IRAQ
1st Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment, South Carolina National Guard – Eastover
1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Texas National Guard – Houston
8th Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment, Kentucky Reserve – Fort Knox
B Troop, 7th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Reserve – Conroe
1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment – Fort Hood, Texas
1st Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment – Fort Riley, Kan.
2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment – Illesheim, Germany
3rd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment – Fort Campbell, Ky.
4th Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment – Fort Hood, Texas
1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment – Fort Campbell, Ky. *
6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment – Illesheim, Germany
2nd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment – Fort Campbell, Ky. *
3rd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment – Fort Campbell, Ky.
4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment – Fort Hood, Texas *
1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment – Fort Hood, Texas *
3rd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment – Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
Company C, 1st Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment, Mississippi National Guard, Tupelo
Company A, 1st Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, Missouri National Guard, Whiteman
Air Force Base
And in Iraq as of October 2007:
1st Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment – Fort Bragg, N.C.
4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment – Fort Hood, Texas
1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment – Fort Hood, Texas *
1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment – Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. *
2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment – Illesheim, Germany
*Denotes multiple deployments under unit designation
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INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
International Apaches logged their most visible
worldwide presence in 2007, with international
operators stepping up their support of peacekeeping operations, accepting new aircraft and planning for the future. International Apaches were
kept busy with peacekeeping missions, national
defense initiatives and vital training activities.
The stories on the following pages illustrate
the global presence the Apache is maintaining in
defense of freedom.
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twenty
21
twenty-one
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
The Egyptian Air Force has already logged more than 5,000 hours in its
AH-64D helicopters. Deliveries were completed at the end of 2006.
EGYPTIAN AIR FORCE MOVES FORWARD WITH
REMANUFACTURED AH-64D APACHES
With all 35 AH-64D Apaches for the Egyptian Air Force delivered by
the end of 2006, the Apache Team turned its focus to sustaining
the newly modernized fleet. In April 2007, Boeing hosted the 19th
Egyptian Air Force Program Management Review (PMR) in Mesa
Arizona. “By the time the PMR was held, the EAF had already flown
more than 5,000 hours in its AH-64Ds,” said Tom Haynie, manager
of the Egyptian Air Force Program for Boeing. “Everything we’ve
heard from the Egyptian Air Force has been extremely positive.”
Haynie added that during the PMR General Omer Sabana, the 119th
Helicopter Division commander, expressed satisfaction on behalf of
the Egyptian Air Force Apache unit commanders with the AH-64D
Attack Helicopter and Boeing overall support of the EAF. The meeting resulted in an action to extend Boeing’s post-production support
contract, including contractor field service representatives, and Dmodel-unique in several areas. The meeting also reviewed progress
on a new Longbow Crew Trainer being manufactured at Boeing-St
Louis. Delivery to the Egyptian Air Force is scheduled for January
2009. “The additional of the LCT will provide another avenue for the
EAF Apache helicopter crews to hone their individual flying and fighting capabilities,” Haynie added.
GREECE
RNLAF APACHES – 10 YEARS OF SERVICE
All AH-64D new-build aircraft were delivered to Greece on time and will complement the current AH-64A fleet.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force celebrated its 10th anniversary of service with AH-64 Apache helicopters recently with the world watching
the RNLAF continue to support peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. With the activation of the first Dutch Apache squadron (301
Redskin squadron) in January 1997, the AH-64 Apache helicopter officially entered service with the RNLAF. At that time the service started
operations with 12 AH-64As leased from U.S. Army surplus stock, which later were replaced by 30 brand new AH-64Ds. The first AH-64D was
officially delivered in a ceremony at Boeing’s Mesa plant in May 1998. With the arrival of the first aircraft at home base, Gilze-Rijen, in July
1999, a second Apache squadron (302 Hawkeye squadron) was formed. The first deployment for Dutch Apaches started in 1998 when two AH64As were attached to a U.S. Army Apache unit in Bosnia as part of Stabilization Force peacekeeping duties. In 2001 the RNLAF became the first
service to deploy the AH-64D. Four aircraft were sent to Djibouti to protect Dutch soldiers operating in Ethiopia and Eritrea. In 2004, Apaches
were deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and returned home a year later without having to fire a single shot in combat operations in 2005. Dutch
Apaches were sent again to Afghanistan for a two-year stay. RNLAF Apaches have been involved in various peacekeeping operations. In the
past 10 years the squadron has flown more than 20,000 hours, including about 4,000 in The Netherlands and 6,000 for operations and training
abroad.
Report from Edwin de Greeuw of the Apache Research Group in The Netherlands.
Japan
Japan’s Apache program is continuing to move forward, with production flight testing under way in Japan. Japan’s
Fuji Heavy Industries and Boeing are working together on production of new helicopters for the Japanese
government.
Kuwait
Six Boeing-built AH-64D Apache Longbow multi-role combat helicopters for the Kuwait Air Force debuted in Kuwait
in 2007. The helicopters are part of a 16-aircraft order signed in 2002 between Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense and
the U.S. Department of Defense. Kuwait is the seventh international defense force to select the AH-64D and the
11th Apache customer worldwide. See related story on pages 38 and 39.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is working on upgrades for its AH-64A fleet and is expected to be under contract in 2008 through a
Foreign Military Sales agreement. Saudi Arabia is the final member of the original five international AH-64A Apache
operators to elect to upgrade to the AH-64D or order new ones to supplement their fleets.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Work was under way in 2007 for the United Arab Emirates’ Apache fleet to be upgraded to the Apache Longbow
configuration after the contract was signed as part of a combined U.S. Army contract for 96 remanufactured
Apaches. The upgraded helicopters are expected to be delivered over the next several years.
UNITED KINGDOM
INSET PHOTOS BY JAN STUVE
The United Kingdom’s successes with its Apache AH Mk1 aircraft are encapsulated on pages 24-37.
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UPDATES
BRITISH soldierS &
APACHES
METTLE
PROVE THEIR
IN AFGHANISTAN
British Army photos on Pages 24-37 by Bob Ferguson
A
s Apache soldiers from the British
Army’s 9 Regiment marched across
the historic bridge in Boroughbridge,
U.K., for the last time in July 2007, local
residents cheered for their returning
heroes.
The soldiers of 656 and 664 Squadron, 9 Regiment, many who had been to
Afghanistan with their Apache AH Mk1
helicopters multiple times in the past year,
were moving the Apache unit from Dishforth Airfield in the north England town of
Boroughbridge to its new headquarters at
Wattisham Airfield to the southeast.
Their march across the bridge, where
the Battle of Boroughbridge was fought in
1322, was a symbol of pride for the community. The bridge has changed and is no
longer wooden as it was when King Edward II’s army battled rebel forces, but the
emotion for the soldiers remains.
While 9 Regiment has completed two
tours of duty in Afghanistan, Apache soldiers from 3 Regiment were in Afghanistan
in late 2007 with plans for more soldiers to
stay in the country for many more months.
U.K. Apache units have logged thousands
of hours in Afghanistan. Their optempo has
exceeded expectations and their presence
has been welcomed by the soldiers on the
ground they are helping to protect.
Their Apaches, produced by prime contractor AgustaWestland and lead subcontractor Boeing, have served these soldiers
well.
British Apache AH Mk1 aircraft are the pride
of the British Army, which is continuing to
expand the role of the combat helicopter.
“our performance in
Afghanistan was a team
effort.”
– Lieutenant Colonel Neil Sexton
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Their stories, told on the pages that
follow, are typical of the success stories
from Apache units in the U.S. Army and a
growing number of international defense
forces that have served in Afghanistan.
Once again, they tell the tale of a powerful
combat tool – the Apache – that is making
a difference in peacekeeping operations.
And while tensions mount, the soldiers in
the air who protect soldiers on the ground
are gaining confidence in their abilities to
make a difference.
Of particular pride in the U.K. is that
soldiers were trained by Aviation Training
International Limited. That story is told on
pages 32-35.
And field training efforts, many conducted in Arizona in terrain like that in
Afghanistan, are providing unique benefits
for Apache units going to Afghanistan. See
story on pages 30 and 31.
Gary Bishop, director of U.S. Apache
Programs for The Boeing Company, and
the first U.K. Apache Program manager,
traveled to Dishforth to honor returning
soldiers. At a special ceremony, he said:
“The world remains an uncertain place.
Both of our countries have troops in harm’s
way and probably will have for some time.
Thank you for your professionalism, your
courage, your bravery, your sacrifice, your
steadfastness and your willingness to support an ally. This is a special relationship
between our countries.” n
British Apaches ventured into the field for the first time in 2007, joining an international defense force keeping the peace in Afghanistan.
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The Soldiers’ Stories: A Remarkable Aircraft Performs
Editor’s note: For security reasons, some of the soldiers from 9 Regiment are identified only by their ranks and first names.
Lieutenant Commander David, an Apache pilot said that during one of his four-month tours Apaches provided security for the rede-
velopment of the Helmand province of Afghanistan. “While we did some firing against insurgents, most of the missions were successful because Apaches were there. We often didn’t encounter enemy action. We were impressed by the Apache’s performance in Afghanistan. It did
all that we expected and more. The squadron, all agreed, benefited from the unit’s close working relationship. Everybody relies on teamwork,
especially during operations where you have to trust the man next to you to do his job under stress. I think people do their jobs in the military
for the person next to them because they have established that relationship and they know they cannot let the other person down.”
Captain Rory, an Apache pilot in 9 Regiment, called the Apache’s performance “second to none.” “I don’t think anyone in the squadron
would have wanted to fly another helicopter in theatre,” he said. “One mission stuck out in my mind as a testament to what the Apache is
capable of doing. It was 4 o’clock in the morning, pitch black, no moonlight, low clouds and extremely heavy rain. We managed to lift off on
time and fly low-level without any lights in formation across the desert. We were over our target area at exactly the right time . . . to support
troops on the ground. It was an exciting morning with some punchy flying, but the aircraft allowed us to achieve that mission
successfully.”
Corporal Mark, a maintainer who served in Afghanistan, recalled one particular mission that drew a response from ground troops. “Three
weeks after the mission, I was talking to a couple of Marines and when they found out I was with the Army Air Corps, they shook my hand
and said, ‘Thanks for what you’ve been doing.’ They were thankful and it showed.”
Captain Adam, an Apache pilot, recalled the historic rescue attempt by a British Apache just a week before his 2007 deployment. “The
rescue attempt by the British Apaches in January was a high point for us as an Apache unit,” he said. “It just shows how flexible we can be
with aviation, and modern attack aircraft doesn’t always have to be used in an attack role.”
Airtrooper Jonathan, an Apache ground crewman, noted that the Apache was essential in supporting troops on the ground. “If it wasn’t
for the Apache they could have had more casualties and maybe not succeeded in completing some of their missions.”
Major Paul, an Apache maintainer based previously at Dishforth Airfield, said, “The most important thing about the Apache is redundancy.
You can use systems on every part of the aircraft and know there is a backup. That is the greatest level of confidence that you could possibly
hope for. The Apache rescue generated an awareness of the aircraft’s capabilities and of the efforts of our unit in fielding it. And with it came
a widespread respect for what the aircraft was capable of in its traditional roles and for the flexibility and courage of the crews who were
operating it. Climbing into an aircraft, which is so capable and so well protected is a tremendous asset to my team and to our families. You
can go about your business knowing that there is hardly anyone in the air or on the ground who has a greater sense of confidence in the
system that they’re operating.” n
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27
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THOUGHTS ABOUT AFGHANISTAN: Lieutenant Colonel NEIL SEXTON
Commanding Officer of 9 Regiment, british army Air Corps
British soldiers from 9 Regiment march through the streets of
Boroughbridge, United Kingdom, bidding farewell to their home in nearby Dishforth Airfield. All Apaches are now based in Wattisham Airfield
to the east.
P
erformance of the Apache in Afghanistan demonstrated that
it did exactly what it was advertised to do. It is a fantastic
aircraft. It reacted and performed as we expected.
Training in Arizona involved 3 Army Air Corps. Arizona is an
even better location than earlier sites in the Middle East and has
become the model we’ve adopted for pre-deployment training.
All of the pilots will go through this six week exercise in Arizona,
which is exactly what we need to take people into the operation
in Afghanistan. And they almost think that it’s training continued
because the operation is so similar to the training they’ve just
completed.
We’re working alongside our colleagues in the international
security assistance force in the regional command south which is
a North Atlantic Treaty Organization command part of the organization in Kabul. We’re in Kandahar Air Field and the U.K. Apache
organization makes up part of the Joint Helicopter Force Afghanistan, which is a British helicopter force with Chinook, Apache and
Lynx helicopters. And the JHFA headquarters is in Kandahar but
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twenty-eight
most of the U.K. Apaches are in Camp Bastion in Helmand
province, which is the busiest and the most kinetic part of
operations in southern Afghanistan.
Operating alongside the Apaches from the Dutch and the
American forces in southern Afghanistan has been great because
it’s a new deployment for us with a new aircraft and we are
learning all the time. Beside us on the pad at Kandahar Airfield
we had the American Apache force, but most importantly we had
their technicians with all the experience they had. They gave us a
great deal of assistance, in terms of the knowledge and contacts
in the industry.
We operate our Apaches in Afghanistan in a similar fashion to
the way the Dutch operate theirs, but we operate differently from
our American colleagues for a number of reasons. When I was
there as the commander of the joint helicopter force in Afghanistan we operated on two major missions alongside task force
Corsair and the U.S. aviation task force and completed two battalion level air assault operations where we had U.K. and the U.S.
Apaches operating in the same battle space supporting U.K. and
U.S. Chinook aircraft depositing soldiers and equipment for Task
Force Fury, the American theatre reserve, into the Sagan Valley,
in an immensely difficult environment; it went very successfully.
I think the most telling comment came after the Apache rescue attempt last year. The action resulted in four of my aircrew
receiving national awards in 2007 – Distinguished Flying Crosses
and Military Crosses. After that mission I was walking around
Camp Bastion and I was approached by a Warrant Officer in the
Royal Marines who said to me, “What on earth did we do before
we had the Apache?” I think that says it for me. This is an aircraft
which is now part of our inventory and it is busy all the time; everyone wants more of the Apache. When we use it, it has an immediate effect on the morale of the troops we’re supporting.
The training we’ve had through Aviation Training International
Ltd. (ATIL) and the contacts with AgustaWestland and Boeing
have been first rate, and it’s been fantastic having here on my
regimental base an ATIL organization with the field deployable
simulator in a building next to two squadron locations. I think they
feel quite proud that they’ve delivered good training to us.
Our performance in Afghanistan was a team effort. We’re
580 people in this regiment and there are 16 Apache pilots in the
theatre at a time. The ground crews who support in a technical
sense and in arming, reloading and refueling, getting it airborne
in a very austere environment in Camp Bastion, 50 degrees
Celsius temperature in the middle of the summer . . . those individuals have delivered on operations exactly as I had hoped and
I’m immensely proud of them. They’ve working hard and they’ve
come back from the operation with no losses and no damage to
any aircraft, and most importantly no damage to people.
Returning from Afghanistan after such a successful tour, having deployed the U.K.’s first operational Apache squadrons, this
regiment is immensely proud of what it has done – and especially
since it comes at the start of the Army Air Corps 50th anniversary
year in September 2007. n
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UPDATES
arizona desert
offers british
surrogatE
for
T
he punishing, mountainous terrain
of Afghanistan may be thousands
of miles from Mesa, Ariz., but just
70 miles down the road from the Boeing
Apache production facility in the tiny desert community of Gila Bend, the British
Army has found an acceptable surrogate
landscape for training.
Not exactly “home away from home,”
but dust and heat were exactly what the
British Army wanted.
It’s there, at the Barry M. Goldwater Range, the British Army has trained
Apache AH Mk1 combat helicopter air and
ground crews for potential service in
apache crews
LANDSCAPE
training
Afghanistan and other hot spots around
the world. British Apaches and their support crews are already on a peacekeeping
mission in Afghanistan.
To prepare for ongoing deployment in
that region, the British Army sends AH
Mk 1 Apaches – the equivalent to AH-64D
Apache Longbows with only minor differences in the basic design – to Arizona for
training duty.
The helicopters are among 67 produced by AgustaWestland in the United
Kingdom as prime contractor and Boeing
Rotorcraft Systems in Mesa, the home of
Boeing’s Apache production programs.
Fate, or simply the high/hot appeal of Gila
Bend, brought the British Army Apaches
back to Arizona where they began.
The production program ended a few
years ago, but Boeing continues to support the British Apache program with a
team in the United Kingdom and program
office employees in Mesa who help keep
their Apaches maintained and keep spares
flowing.
“Apache is an evolving aircraft and
working closely with AgustaWestland and
the British Army helps to ensure they have
the right systems in place and that we
have a solid understanding of what’s need-
ed in future upgrades,” said Jerry Horgan,
manager of the U.K. Apache program at
The Boeing Company. “Having actual British Apaches in Arizona makes it that much
easier to build strong relationships for the
future.”
The terrain surrounding the Goldwater
Range has given British Army pilots and
maintenance crews a chance to train in
an environment similar to the one experience in Afghanistan. Typically, around 250
soldiers are in the training process at one
time.
The soldiers spend three months at
the Western Army Aviation Training Site in
Marana, Ariz., 30 miles south of Gila Bend.
There, they train with the National Guard
experts and prepare for the firing exercises
The terrain surrounding the Goldwater Range in arizona has given British Army pilots and
maintenance crews a chance to train in an environment similar to the one crews experience
in Afghanistan.
British Apache AH Mk1 aircraft have found a
home training in Gila Bend, near the Boeing
Apache factory where their production
began.
Working in the Arizona desert heat helps prepare
British soldiers for similar weather in Afghanistan.
30
thirty
that take them into the field for days at a
time. In the summer, the weather passes
100 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to the
temperatures in Afghanistan, making the
entire package in Arizona the ideal spot for
training. n
The Union Jack on the helmet of British Army
pilots shows off their pride to be associated with
the Apache.
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UPDATES
AVIATION TRAINING
INTERNATIONAL LTD
PUTS ITs stamp on
BRITISH
APACHE SUCCESSES
S
uccesses in Afghanistan by British Army Apache AH Mk1
crews have Aviation Training International Limited (ATIL) instructors beaming with pride.
After all, the training for British Army pilots and ground crews
began at ATIL’s U.K. facilities in Middle Wallop, Arborfield, Wattisham and Dishforth.
And whether they’re talking about the famous mission where a
British Apache was used to deploy soldiers for an historic rescue
attempt or simply ensuring that flight and ground crews are successful when crews lift off or land, the sense of accomplishment
remains the same.
“It’s as if a part of me were there with them,” said Stewart
Burgess, chief instructor at ATIL’s Middle Wallop facility. “They
began their Apache training right here in our training center. I think
they learned their lessons well.”
ATIL is a 50-50 joint venture company between The Boeing
Company and AgustaWestland. The company was formed in 1998
to support the Apache AH Mk1 by providing a fully integrated
attack helicopter training service for the British Army.
A range of equipment, simulators and trainers at ATIL facilities is used to represent the Apache’s sophisticated systems. The
equipment is based on full-size aircraft systems and provides a
high degree of fidelity, offering the necessary tactile and visual
cues, greatly reducing the need to use operational aircraft. Constant investment by ATIL in technology insertions ensures the
training system remains one of the most up to date in the world.
ATIL Chief Instructor Stewart Burgess gives
an on-board lesson from the pilot’s seat of the
Apache Full Mission Simulator at Middle Wallop.
continued on page 34
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UPDATES
Whether it’s in classrooms, simulators or part-task trainers, the ATIL experts put their students through their paces with unmatched expertise. Most are
former aviators or maintainers with years of experience that is being shared with young aviators preparing for assignments around the world.
continued from page 32
“ATIL holds a unique position in being
able to provide fully integrated classroom
and synthetic training for air crew, ground
crew and maintenance personnel,” said
Michael O’Donoghue, head of Business
Acquisition. “There are a small number of
Apache flying instructors who teach on the
live aircraft.
“ATIL is the only provider of Apache AH
Mk1 training services in Europe and is well
placed to exploit its experience in providing
total training solutions for complex military
systems to a wider audience,” he said.
“Many of ATIL’s instructors have extensive operational experience, meaning that
our training comes from first-hand experience and is not based on theory alone,” he
added.
“ATIL offers a range of courses designed to provide aircraft, avionics and
armament engineering staff with the skills
to keep the Apache flying,” said Burgess.
“We use a combination of advanced instructor led classroom media, computer
based training, a full emulation of the
aircraft and a range of sophisticated main-
Successes in
Afghanistan by
British Army Apache
AH Mk1 crews have
Aviation Training
International Ltd.
instructors beaming
with pride.
tenance training devices. The students are
trained to understand the aircraft systems,
diagnose and repair faults and carry out
functional tests.”
Engineering training is centred at ATIL’s
purpose built Maintenance Training Center at Arborfield, but all elements of the
training, less the use of the maintenance
training devices, can be delivered at each
of ATIL’s other Training Centers. The Maintenance Training Equipment comprises a
number of devices, designed to represent
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thirty-four
the complex systems that reside within the
Apache.
From weapons to avionics, each device
allows maintainers to familiarize themselves with some of the most advanced
technology in the world. They can carry out
a range of functional test, diagnostic routines and removal and replacement tasks,
using the Interactive Electronic Technical
Publications and special tools in a realistic
maintenance environment. The suite of
equipment has been designed to support
theory training and to allow assessment
of those essential skills required by an
Apache maintainer.
“It’s easy to understand how our trainers feel about their students,” Burgess
added. “They feel as if a part of them goes
into the field with each soldier.” n
Right: Andy Wheatley, ATIL’s Groundschool senior
instructor at Middle Wallop, discusses key messages with his students.
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UPDATES
Peformance-based logistics INItiative
Offers LONG-term
future support
for the
u.k. Apache ah mk1
T
o AgustaWestland’s Dave Vincent, future plans to maintain
training operations under one integrated program,” he said. “This
the United Kingdom’s Apache fleet is a “phenomenal opporapproach could prove effective for other Apache customers who
tunity for responsiveness.”
have been contracting more traditional support approaches for
And Vincent’s counterparts at Boeing’s AgustaWestland office
decades.”
in Yeovil, U.K., agree; a long-term Future Support Arrangement
Don Brubaker, who leads the current Boeing team at
being proposed to the Ministry of Defence will benefit the British
AgustaWestland, sees the value in the international team effort.
Army, AgustaWestland, Boeing and the rest of Team U.K. Apache.
“The Boeing U.K. team provides technical assistance services
Boeing, AgustaWestland and other Apache program compaand engineering design support with a dedicated team of enginies have formed an industrial alliance to offer the British Army a
neers and logistics specialists,” he said. “The team provides criticomprehensive Performance Based
cal design authority support to both
Logistics program that will ensure
AgustaWestland and the Ministry of
Boeing’s Apache team at the AgustaWestland facility in Yeovil
consistent availability of the U.K.’s
Defence, which operate the U.K.’s
includes, back row from left, John Wilson, Don Brubaker and
Apache AH Mk1 helicopters for the
Apaches. The team continues to
Brad Flippin. In front from left are Mark Bertsch, Bryan Dusek,
next two decades. A decision on
develop and integrate its processes
Sylvia Bates and Randy Lennox.
the future support arrangements is
with those of the MoD and Agusexpected in the next few months.
taWestland to provide an improved
“This long-term, full-service
service to the customer.”
program gives the team more opBrad Flippin, a member of the
Boeing team in Yeovil, adds, “Our
portunities to enhance the value
and responsiveness of aircraft supgreatest contribution to the future
port,” said Vincent, AgustaWestof the program is maintaining cusland’s head of Customer Service for
tomer satisfaction and upholding the
Apache. “It reduces delays associreputation that Boeing has estabated with our current processes,
lished in the U.K.
Mario Gerardo, a Boeing contract
and many other processes.”
Like other Boeing Support Sysfield service representative located
tems efforts for Chinook and C-17,
at Wattisham Airfield and a memthe Apache program is part of a
ber of the program since the U.K.
new wave of efficient and effecApache was fielded at the School
tive Performance Based Logistics
of Army Aviation in Middle Wallop,
operations.
provides field service represen“With this new Performancetative support to all U.K. Apache
Based Logistics operation, AgustaWestland and Boeing employees Regiments and civilian contractors to, including squadrons on deare playing equal leadership roles, an approach that allows Boeing ployed operations.
and AgustaWestland to use their collective expertise to meet the
“Our interface with the Boeing U.K. Engineering team has
British Army’s needs,” Vincent added.
proven effective in helping the British Army solve field mainteJohn Wilson, who is leading the Boeing U.K. Apache Future
nance issues and aircraft discrepancies,” he said.
Support Arrangement Program, recently moved to the U.K. from
Vincent noted that the teaming effort is bringing changes to
Arizona to demonstrate the company’s commitment to the project. the Yeovil operation. “We’re applying lean processes and forming
Wilson said this significant commitment will ultimately employ
a seamless operation that will ensure the British Army has the use
more engineers and logistic support personnel who will be colof Apaches when needed, whatever the call to duty.
located with the British Army and AgustaWestland teammates in
“It truly is a phenomenal opportunity for responsiveness,” he
the U.K.
added. “And this team is ready for the future.” n
“We will combine technical support, repair and overhaul,
spares, manufacturing licensing, modifications and ultimately,
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kuwait air force
puts new apache longbow
FLEET
Into service
38
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A
ll 16 Boeing-built AH-64D Apache
Longbow multi-role combat helicopters for the Kuwait Air Force have
been delivered and are in service.
The first Apache Longbows, which debuted in Kuwait on March 6, 2007, during
a rollout ceremony, were quickly followed
by the remaining aircraft. The U.S. Army
delivered the aircraft to the Kuwait Air
Force over the past several months through
a foreign military sales contract. Twelve of
the aircraft are in Kuwait while four remain
in the U.S. for training of pilots and ground
crews.
The helicopters are part of an order
signed in 2002 between Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of
Defense. Boeing is working closely with
the Kuwait Air Force on maintenance of
the new Kuwaiti fleet. A team of Support
Systems maintenance technicians are providing in-country support to ensure that the
Kuwaiti pilots are ready for their flight assignments every day. (See related story on
pages 40 and 41.)
Boeing Vice President Al Winn meets with
Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah
during the Kuwait Apache delivery ceremony.
39
thirty-nine
Kuwait was the seventh international
defense force to select the AH-64D and the
11th Apache customer worldwide.
“Delivery of these Apache Longbow aircraft on schedule for the Kuwait Air Force
reinforces our ‘Promises Made – Promises
Kept’ commitment to our customers and
further strengthens the long-term customer
relationships we have in this region,” said
Tommy Filler, director of Boeing International Apache Programs. During the rollout
ceremony in Kuwait, Boeing Vice President
Al Winn presented an oil painting featuring
a rendering of a Kuwait Air Force Apache
Longbow to Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister of Defense and Minister of Interiors.
“It is Boeing’s goal to ensure that our Kuwait customer has the support it needs to effectively operate and maintain this important
asset,” he said. “We remain committed to
fulfilling that promise.” n
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
Boeing support systems
readiness
ensures
for kuwait APaches
F
rom the beginning, the Kuwait Air
Force wanted more-than-typical support from Boeing in maintaining its
new AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters.
Boeing saw this need as a way to get
an important customer up to speed on
maintenance of its Apaches while creating
expanded Support Systems opportunities
throughout the Apache program. The result
is helping both the Kuwait Air Force and
Boeing.
Work is under way in Kuwait, where the
first six of Kuwait’s 16 Apache Longbows
debuted in February 2007 at Ali Al-Salem
Air Base, home of the KAF Apache fleet.
The Kuwait Apache plan marks new capability for Support Systems. The remainder
of the Kuwaiti fleet was in place last year.
“We’re enabling a new customer to
achieve its defense goals without the
growing pains usually associated with
fielding a new aircraft,” said Dave Coon,
Support Systems program manager for
Kuwait. “And we’ve added a new capability
to our portfolio.”
What makes this effort unusual? Typically, Boeing provides a mix of contrac-
The Boeing support team in Kuwait is
working closely with the Kuwait Air Force
to ensure that the new Kuwait Apache
Longbows are ready for operations when
needed.
40
forty
tor field-support representatives and
logistics experts, who help Boeing’s 10
other Apache customers with maintenance
needs. Some customers, such as the U.S.
Army, perform maintenance themselves or
contract with companies to do it.
In Kuwait, a total package was created
to ensure that Kuwaiti Apaches are ready
to fly when needed. Since the Kuwaitis are
new at Apache maintenance, an augmentation team has been created to meet the
KAF’s needs while its soldiers gain the
expertise to maintain the world’s most capable combat helicopter.
“We have brought together our standard support package, including spares,
repairs and technical support, with our
highly skilled Maintenance Augmentation Team (MAT) and Sustainment Data
System,” said Coon. “We’ll be training
the Kuwaitis to do the maintenance and
understand what it takes to support the
Apache. But for a long time, we’ll be taking the lead on just about every aspect of
maintenance.”
Success in Kuwait could mean opportunities on other Apache programs.
“The next time a maintenance contract is opened to competition, Boeing will look seriously at competing,” said Brad Actipis,
who manages the overall Boeing Support Systems Apache efforts
worldwide. “As the original equipment manufacturer, we provide
unique capabilities such as engineering, supplier management and
maintenance expertise that other companies will never have. We
have the ability to directly affect change in all areas if something
is needed quickly.”
The people handling the work are looking forward to meeting
the challenge. “I always enjoy new experiences,” said Thomas McManus, the MAT Operation Manager in Kuwait. “This one promises
to be extremely satisfying because we’re doing something for the
Boeing Apache that has never been done before.”
Joe Belin, an AH-64D Flight Line Technician on the MAT, has
been working on the Apache for more than eight years, including
a year as a soldier in Iraq in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“This is the best attack helicopter in the world,” he said. n
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OLYMPIC APACHES REVISITED
HELLENIC ARMY
ANOTHER EPIC TALE
IN THE MAKING
Greek Apaches are champions in the eyes of the soldiers who fly and maintain them.
Over the past 12 years, I’ve watched with pride as the Hellenic
Army took possession of the aircraft and successfully incorporated
them into their defense structure.
– George Philips, Boeing Hellenic Army Apache Program Manager
F
or more than a decade, the Hellenic Army has been flying
combat-proven AH-64A Apaches, logging a flawless record
that qualifies the soldiers who fly and maintain their Apaches
for championship status.
And that’s a fitting tribute to the land where the Olympics were
born and where the Greeks’ national pride ranks high in importance every day.
As one Greek Apache pilot said recently, “If the Apache were a
competitor in the Olympic Games that started thousands of years
ago here in Greece, the Apache would be a gold-medal winner.”
The Hellenic Army put its skills to work flying key missions during
the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, quietly protecting the nation
without much fanfare.
Those who fly Apaches know what it’s like to be number one in
your category, whether you’re an athlete, a pilot or a maintainer.
One unit commander recalled, “When we started flying
Apaches back in 1995, most of us thought it would be a big step
and wondered if we would succeed. It took a lot of effort and our
training helped us succeed.”
George Philips, the Boeing Hellenic Army Apache program
manager, agrees.
42
forty-two
“I have the privilege of being the Boeing program manager for
the Hellenic Army’s Apaches,” he said. “Over the past 12 years,
I’ve watched with pride as the Hellenic Army took possession of
the aircraft and successfully incorporated them into their defense
structure.
“Since my father, grandfather and grandmother were Greek
and because I still have a strong family presence in Greece (Mytylene, Patmos, and Athens). I wish the Hellenic Army the best of
luck and look forward to the upgrading of their A-Models to the
newer, more capable and robust configuration in the near future.”
Andy Callaway, a Boeing Field Service representative, agrees
that the Greek Apaches are champions.
“The Greek Army has been fielding Apaches for more than a
decade,” he said. “They’ve been flying for years without an accident, a record I know they are extremely proud of that record.
They do great work and they’re very aware of what needs to be
done. The pride they have in their aircraft is amazing. They’re constantly looking at them, checking them out, making sure things
are OK. The Hellenic Army is very focused on making sure that
its aircraft are in the best shape possible. That’s the epitome of a
winner in my book.” n
43
forty-three
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
international business development
launches
new sales efforts
globally
D
elivery of the first new AH-64D
Apache Longbows to defense forces
in Kuwait and Greece in 2007 capped
another outstanding year for Apache, and
2008 is shaping up for more great
opportunities.
That’s the view of Tom Cunningham,
manager of International Rotorcraft Business Development for Boeing, who is looking forward to a series of new sales prospects around the world.
“With 10 international defense forces
flying Apache helicopters, the aircraft’s visibility is impressive,” he said. “New customers are on the horizon along with upgrades
for current Apache operators.”
Saudi Arabia, which has flown AH64A Apaches since the 1990s, is the next
Apache operator to move to modernized
AH-64Ds.
Saudi Arabia is the fifth and final AH64A Apache operator to convert to D-Models or order new Ds to augment their fleets.
Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are
upgrading, while Greece has ordered new
Ds. Israel has ordered a combination of new
and upgraded next-generation Apaches.
“There are opportunities for many more
Apache helicopters around the world,”
44
forty-four
There are opportunities for many more
Apache helicopters around the world, says
Tom Cunningham, manager of International
Rotorcraft Business Development for Boeing.
45
forty-five
Cunningham said. “The Apache has been
developed with the future in mind. Those
flying earlier versions have a built-in roadmap to future upgrades. Those who join
the Apache family know that enhancements now and in the future will ensure
dominance for all missions for decades to
come.”
Although new Apache Longbow helicopters will outperform current models,
which already offer features unmatched
by competitors, Cunningham encourages
customers to see their aircraft as “works in
progress.”
“Apache Longbow is the world’s most
advanced attack helicopter,” he said. “And
the Apache Longbow Team, which brings
together our industrial and military partners, is working daily to ensure that the
aircraft remains the best.”
Being a part of the future today is critical
to long-term success for Apache operators
worldwide. Planning for the future today will
ensure success for years to come.” n
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
APACHE
DELIVERy CENTER TEAMmates
TRAVEL THE
to service the
WORLD
APACHE HELICOPTER
The Apache Delivery Center team prides itself on fulfilling the program’s popular credo,
“Promises Made. Promises Kept.”
46
forty-six
Team members do quality inspections and retrofits, break
down and set up Apaches for air shows and often follow aircraft to
foreign countries to continue maintenance and safety checks until
they are handed over to their buyers.
“This team is invaluable to the upkeep of the Apaches,” said
Delivery Center Manager Michael Burke. “They are out on the
road, and able to live and stay in any conditions. They have to
pack up and leave at a moment’s notice, often staying places for
weeks.
“They operate and maintain the aircraft the same way a military unit would, doing everything from software installation to
sheet metal work and wire repairs,” he said. “They know how to
work as a team and are some of the best mechanics I have ever
seen.”
Two team members stayed with troops on a base in Iraq recently to provide maintenance and modifications on some aircraft,
Burke said.
“I love this job,” Lange said. “I never know from day to day
what I will be doing.”
One challenge for Allen included working an air show in Dubai.
The crew, including a team from Engineering Flight Test, packed
an Apache into a C-17 for transport, stopped in Saudi Arabia on
the way home for an Apache demonstration for the government,
which required unpacking the aircraft, readying it for flight, performing the demonstration then packing it up again all within 24
hours.
“It’s a unique job and always exciting,” Allen said. n
A
pache helicopter flight technician and crew
chief Chris Allen’s job recently took him to
England, Korea, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Japan
and the Middle East.
Allen can be called upon to go anywhere at any
time. His teammate Bill Lange, an Apache flight line
technician, spent a month overseas maintaining
Apache Longbows for one customer prior to acceptance of the new aircraft.
There’s never a dull moment for Boeing’s 24member Apache Delivery Center team at the
Boeing Rotorcraft Systems site in Mesa, Ariz.
“They are an awesome, incredible team ready
and willing to go anywhere, any time,”
said Aircraft Maintenance & Modifications Manager
Jeff Paulik. “I can tap any of them on the shoulder
and tell them they need to be in Iraq servicing an
Apache tomorrow and they do it.”
The Boeing team is a flexible, talented group
of aircraft mechanics, sheet metal repairmen and
technicians responsible for Apache maintenance,
aircraft rollout ceremonies and VIP and media
flights to foreign and domestic leaders.
47
forty-seven
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
TEAM APACHE
WIDE
NETWORK
WORLD
SUPPLY
Alabama
Colorado
Nebraska
Washington
International Enterprises
PPG Industries
Sanmina-SCI Systems
Manes Machine & Engineering
RMB Products
General Dynamics Armament
Royal Plastic Manufacturing Inc.
Alaska
Connecticut
New Hampshire
Exotic Metals Forming Company
Smiths Aerospace
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics
Corp.
Fenn
Hamilton Sundstrand
Purdy
Times Microwave
BAE
Timken Aerospace
West Virginia
Air Glass Inc.
Arizona
Acme Electric Corp.
Armor Holdings
Armor Works
ATK Ordnance
Butler National
Com Tech
D-Velco Manufacturing
Excaliber Precision
Honeywell Aero
Honeywell International Engines
Honeywell International Equipment
IMC Magnetics
Phoenix Logistics
Prescott Aerospace
Robertson
Service & Sales
Simula Safety Systems
Systems 3 Inc.
Treffers Precision
Trio Precision
Walters Precision
California
I
n order to deliver a superior helicopter, the Apache Team must
work together with a focus on efficiency, productivity and the
fiscal bottom line. Maintaining customer satisfaction is a commitment Boeing and its worldwide network of suppliers continue
to honor.
In today’s global economy, the relationships forged between
Boeing and its suppliers facilitate the company’s ability to exceed
customers’ expectations.
Team Apache suppliers are a diverse group scattered across
the United States and around the world. In addition to providing
parts, components and specialty items to ensure that new and
remanufactured Apaches are delivered on time, Boeing and these
suppliers support urgent needs for spares and repairs so the U.S.
Army can keep pace with wartime operational tempo and so international customers can meet their nations’ defense objectives.
Many suppliers have been part of the Apache program since
before production of the first AH-64D Apache Longbow and others are coming on board to provide technologies to be incorporated on the Extended Block II and Block III Apache Longbows.
Each Apache supplier is valued for its unique contributions to the
success of the Apache program. n
48
forty-eight
Adams Rite Aerospace
ADB Industries
Aztec Components
BAE Systems Controls
Chadwick Hemets
Ducommun Aerostructures
Eaton Sterer Corp.
Esterline Mason Technologies
Corp.
Glenair Inc.
Globe Dynamics International
H.R. Textron
IT Aerospace Controls
Jaco Engineering
Klune Industries Inc.
Meggitt Airdynamics
Metric Precision Machine &
Engineering
Northrop Grumman
Parker Hannifin Control Systems
Parker Hannifin Customer Support
RBC Transport Dynamics
Standard Armament
Survival Systems International
Swift-Cor Aerospace
TEAC Aerospace Technologies
Tempco Engineering Inc.
TFC Manufacturing
Universal Propulsion Company
Venture Aircraft
W Machine Works
Western Design
Western Methods
New Jersey
Honeywell International Inc.
Valcor Engineering
Florida
Harris Corp.
Honeywell
Lockheed Martin
Longbow LLC LBL
Pall Aeropower Corp.
Smiths Industries
Parker Hannifin
New York
Cox & Co.
Goodrich Corp.
Lockheed Martin
Moog Inc.
Georgia
Aid Corp.
Engineered Fabrics
Illinois
Borg-Warner Transmission
Systems
ITW Spiroid
SKF Aerospace Sealing Solution
Indiana
Iowa
Carleton Life Support Systems
AAI Corp.
Fairchild Controls Corp.
Perkin Elmer Fluid Services
Service Engineering Company
Minnesota
Aerospace Systems
Honeywell DSES
Rosemount Aerospace
Stremel Manufacturing Company
TSI Plastics
Mississippi
Eaton-Vickers
Missouri
GKN Aerospace
Patriot Machine Inc.
Meggitt
SELEX
Aerocontrolex
BF Goodrich Company
Canton Drop Forge
Goodrich Landing Gear
Honeywell International Inc.
Smiths Aerospace
Great Britain
Israel
Cyclone Carmiel Composite
Korea
Korean Aerospace Industries
Precision Machine Works Inc.
The Netherlands
Oregon
Stork Fokker
Stork SP
Thales
Kearflex Engineering Company
Magnetic Seal Corp.
Chomerics
General Electric Aircraft Engines
Parker Hannifin
L3 Communications
Northstar
Ohio
Rhode Island
Massachusetts
Canada
Thales Communications
Allegheny Ludlum Corp.
Eaton Aerospace Tedeco
Fraccaro Industries
Lord Corporation
Precision Defense Services
Maryland
Worldwide
France
Pennsylvania
Air Technics
Ducommun Aero
Nobles Manufacturing Inc.
Kidde Aerospace
Kearfott Guidance & Navigation
Meggitt Silicone Products
Kansas
Wisconsin
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Raytheon
BE Aeropsace
Texas
EFW Inc.
Merritt Tool Company
Utah
Klune Industries Inc.
Moog Inc.
Vermont
Fuel & Utility Systems Goodrich
Corp.
Virginia
Innovative Concepts
Moog Inc.
49
forty-nine
FOCUS ON THE
FUTURE
While fielding of the first Block III Apache
Longbow is rapidly approaching – first
deliveries are in 2011 – Apache engineers,
designers and innovators are targeting
enhancements and new technologies that
will support the Apache fleet for decades
to come. The stories that follow the
importance of Block III as well as the need
to look beyond today to ensure the Apache’s
leadership well into the future.
50
fifty
51
fifty-one
Improved Situational Awareness
Based on current operations in Operation
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
and the projected future increases in crew
work load associated with operations in the
information-rich, network-centric operations
(NCO) environment of the future – the need to
improve the Apache’s crew station environment
by presenting information in a more precise and
easily actionable format is vital. Some of the key
technologies with the potential to address needs
include
- Advanced head-down and head-up display
systems,
- Advanced sensor and data fusion, and
- Advanced Cognitive Decision Aiding Systems
(CDAS).
FOCUS ON THE
FUTURE
new
WORKING TO
technologies
for future
C
PROVIDE
ontinuous improvement of the Apache Longbow is essential
to maintaining Apache relevance and effectiveness in the
future.
That’s the view of U.S. Army Apache Project Manager Colonel
Derek Paquette and key representatives from the U.S. Army and
industry who participate in the Apache Modernization Working
Group that is continuing to define needs and develop solutions for
insertion of new technologies into the Apache Block III upgrade
program.
The solutions include an advanced crew station that offers
improved situational awareness, enhancements that reduce crew
workload and new technologies that improve air vehicle
performance.
apaches
“Apache Longbow is a perfect example of an integrated system that has continued to evolve and improve over the years,” said
Larry Plaster, manager of Apache Modernization Programs at The
Boeing Company. “Our working group is focused on continued
success that meets out customers’ needs for decades to come.”
Plaster added, “The Apache Longbow is an outstanding helicopter. Recent demonstrations of new technologies being incorporated by the Block III upgrade program confirm that the Block
III Apache will be effective as the Army continues to transition
to a fully networked Future Force. Working together, the group
will ensure that the Apache will continue to be enhanced to successfully address the operational needs of all Apache customers
worldwide.”
52
fifty-two
Boeing has developed an Advanced RotorcraftRapid Prototyping Mission Simulator to facilitate
the ability to rapidly integrate and evaluate new
displays (including full visor helmet displays),
new CDAS behaviors, and other new work load
relieving technologies such as Voice Command
and Control.
In addition to the Advanced Crew Station work,
Boeing and the Army continue to evaluate the
potential for advanced, distributed aperture
sensors to improve crew situational awareness
including such advanced technologies as distributed aperture sensor fusion and enhanced/
synthetic vision systems which would allow the
crew to “see” threats and hostile forces as well
as friendly ground troop activity over a very wide
field of view around the aircraft – even in heavily
obscured visual conditions.
Continuous improvement of the Apache
Longbow is essential to maintaining Apache
relevance and effectiveness in the future.
– Colonel Derek Paquette
Reduced Crew Work Load
A key component of enabling the Apache Longbow crew of the future to function effectively
on the NCO battlefield is reducing the crew
workload by reductions in the effort required to
execute critical flight maneuvers in the heat of
battle. Boeing and the U.S. Army are working on several technology upgrades that will
dramatically reduce crew workload and improve
crew survivability when implemented. Future
enhancements include
- Modernized Control Laws to improve the
low-speed handling characteristics of the
current limited-authority Stability Augmentation
System.
- Helicopter Active Control Technology to
allow crews to know when they are
approaching an aircraft limit without having to
monitor the Multi-Purpose Display indicators
during high-workload operations.
- Fly-By-Wire capability to provide a full
authority flight control system for the Apache.
Full authority flight controls are necessary to
take complete advantage of work-load
reducing, advanced control laws. Development
work is focused on reducing the cost of
fly-by-wire technologies and on development
of advanced electromechanical main rotor
control actuators.
- Terrain Avoidance Warning System for
integration into the Apache as an aid to prevent
controlled-flight-into-terrain accidents. This
technology has the potential to significantly
improve crew safety and survivability in a high
workload environment – especially for
operations in obscured visual conditions.
53
fifty-three
Improved Air Vehicle Performance
On-going operations around the globe emphasize the need for improved Apache payload,
range and operational envelope capabilities
– especially in the hot temperature, high altitude
environment. Block III technologies offer a significant improvement in the aircraft’s performance.
Together, Boeing and the Army are developing
several new technologies with the potential
to decrease the current weight of the Apache
Longbow or increase the power available to lift
more weight. Enhancements include
- The Composite Aft Fuselage prototype design
constructed of advanced ballistic tolerant,
battlefield reparable composite material is a
key technology for weight reduction. The tail
boom, vertical and horizontal stabilizers
combine to produce a composite aft fuselage
for the Apache that weighs approximately 90
pounds less than the current metal fuselage. In
addition to the significant performance
improvement, this technology eliminates the
lowest life limiting components of the fuselage
resulting in an extended fuselage life for the
global Apache fleet.
- An upgraded Tail Rotor Drive System
including development of an improved tail rotor
blade is being developed by Boeing and the
U.S. Army to leverage the Block III performance
capability improvements achieved by upgrade
of the engines, the main transmission and the
main rotorblades. n
FOCUS ON THE
FUTURE
ANALYSIS
modeling and simulation
tools
future
of the
T
he U.S. Army of the future needs to
be agile and able to maneuver forces
into and out of warfighting
operations.
It needs to be versatile and capable of
rapidly transforming from a peacekeeping
force to a combat force. And for that force
to be lethal and survivable it must have the
latest technologies.
A way to advance this transformation
quickly and on budget is to use Analysis,
Modeling and Simulation (AMS).
Designing future combat systems using
AMS will give the Army systems greater
military worth. The concept of collaborative simulation environments also allows
stakeholders to contribute during the Concept and Technology Development Phase
and the Systems Development and Demonstration Phase, when inputs have the
most impact on the end product’s
capability.
Bringing the end user into a collabora-
tive simulation environment helps ensure
the design meets the needs of the soldier
in tomorrow’s battlespace. Mistakes can
be made, doctrine changed, and new requirements identified before soldiers are
put in harm’s way. This is the mission of
the Apache Analysis, Modeling and Simulation Team and the reason we are developing new models and simulations.
The role of AMS is to increase the
Apache’s capability to meet the needs of
soldiers in the future by defining the future
operational environment, articulating future operational concepts and conducting
capability analysis, technology assessments and mission effectiveness trade
studies. This “operational analysis” results
in the design concept definition, candidate
technological solutions and the system
requirements that will bring tomorrow’s
Apache to life.
The tools we employ to accomplish
the analysis are modeling and simulation.
54
fifty-four
Our models and simulations are becoming more complex and higher in resolution
which means the line between the virtual
world and the real world is becoming
blurred.
For example, our simulations allow us
to combine live and simulated assets in the
virtual world and enable simulated manned
platforms to control real world unmanned
assets. This capability allows analysts to
collect real time live data involving links
between the virtual and real world in ways
never before achieved. The result is faster
prototyping, a reduction in risk in bringing
new technologies to life and developmental
cost savings.
The primary tool for accomplishing
these tasks for the Apache Program is the
Advanced Rotorcraft – Rapid Prototyping
Mission Simulator (AR-RPMS). The ARRPMS is a mobile simulation device based
on a robust and highly re-configurable
open architecture. The open architecture
allows us to test and experiment with a variety of emerging technologies such as, virtual reality cockpit
devices, head-up and cockpit displays, flight control, voice activation, enhanced sensors and visual systems and advanced cognitive decision aiding systems.
The AR-RPMS is being used to prototype and demonstrate advanced concepts, technologies and
solutions in advanced crew station technologies and designs. Using a combination of Boeing-developed and commercial software and off-the-shelf hardware reduced development and operations
and maintenance costs of the device.
The AR-RPMS team employed many Boeing modeling and simulation tools while
developing the AR-RPMS. These innovations led to the development and use of a
Common Simulation Framework (CSF). The CSF enables the device to integrate
technologies in minimal time and without complex interface software or hardware devices. This approach proved successful recently when voice recognition software was integrated in a few hours, rather than days or weeks. The
open architecture approach will prove invaluable as we rapidly reconfigure
the AR-RPMS to test and evaluate new and innovative technologies.
It is through tools, such as the AR-RPMS, that the future capabilities
of Apache are honed. And required capabilities are tested and evaluated
before significant investments are made and perhaps lost in technologies that yield marginal performance.
Analysis, Modeling and Simulation will ensure the Apache of
the future meets the requirements of the Army of the future. n
Commentary by Dale Macpherson, manager of Rotorcraft Operations Analysis, and the Apache Analysis, Modeling and Simulation
Integrated Product Team
55
fifty-five
FOCUS ON THE
FUTURE
apache modernization
demonstrates
Future Combat Systems Experiment 1.1
At White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, an Apache Longbow test aircraft
configured with the Block III architecture demonstrated the benefits of network
connectivity with Future Combat Systems (FCS). The Apache “published and
subscribed” to information on the FCS network. The connection consisted of
Situational Awareness and Call-For-Fire data, and still and moving imagery from
sensors. Boeing worked cooperatively with the U.S. Army’s Applied Technology
Directorate on the effort.
value of technologies
A
pache modernization efforts are on track, integrating new technologies to maintain the Apache’s key role in support of current and
future combat operations.
Boeing and the U.S. Army have combined resources to facilitate Apache participation in key network-centric operation (NCO)
demonstrations to show the effectiveness of Block III NCO technology insertions.
The AH-64D Apache Longbow had an opportunity last year to
demonstrate the benefits of Block III network connectivity during
the Future Combat Systems Experiment 1.1 at the White Sands
Missile Range in New Mexico.
AAAA 2007 Demonstration
At the 2007 Army Aviation Association of America annual convention, with two
added network connectivity technologies – a Mini-Tactical Control Data Link
(MTCDL) and a Tactical White Board (TWB), were demonstrated on the convention floor. Successfully integrating a MTCDL tactical data link to facilitate the
capability for Level II UAS connectivity, would enable the Apache to receive
streaming video from a number of currently fielded unmanned aerial vehicles
and retransmit the received video (or video from the on-board Apache sensor
systems) to an FCS ground station. Additionally, TWB functionality was
integrated into the manned/unmanned common avionics program software
allowing ground commanders to make handwritten notations on video images
and transmit those images to the Apache displays.
On the Move Exercise
In 2007, Apache Longbow participated in the Communications and Electronics
Research, Development & Engineering Center’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance “On the
Move” exercise and VIP demonstration at Fort Dix, N.J., demonstrating key NCO
technologies required to support the Future Force Warrior (FFW) program. This
involved integration of a surrogate Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) radio into the
test Apache. The SRW provided direct network connectivity between Army Aviation (as represented by Apache) and the FFW Small Combat Unit.
2008 Joint Expeditionary Forces Experiment
Apache continues to integrate more Block III NCO functionality into the prototype
Block III test aircraft for demonstration at Joint Expeditionary Forces Experiment
’08 (JEFX 08). Key added capabilities include a more advanced version of FCS
System of Systems Common Operating Equipment software, and the hardware
and software required to receive and transmit H.264 (MPEG4) format video
directly to and from properly equipped unmanned aerial systems. Following
lab and flight integration demonstrations, the prototype Block III Apache is
scheduled to participate in JEFX ’08 Main Experiment at Nellis Air Force Base,
Nev., in April 2008. n
LEFT: Composite photo illustrates Apache network centric operations by
receiving sensor video and targeting data from a Micro Air Vehicle.
56
fifty-six
57
fifty-seven
FOCUS ON THE
FUTURE
BLOCK
III
the horizon
is on
T
he next major upgrade to the AH-64D Apache Longbow is still some time away, with first deliveries in 2011, but the technologies
that it will employ are real and ready for production now.
For now, the Block II Apache Longbow, the most advanced combat helicopter to ever enter production, leads the way. This outstanding aircraft will be in service for decades to come and will serve alongside the Block III model when it joins the service.
For nearly three decades, Apache operators have seamlessly moved from one version of the Apache to the next, gaining skills
on their current models while looking to the future when enhancements like the ones listed at right are available and supportable
in the field.
Take a look at what the Block III Apache Longbow will offer.
58
fifty-eight
Networking architecture with instantaneous data fusion and streaming video.
Open Systems Architecture and other related
enhancements make the Apache Longbow ready
for the network. Apache Longbow will connect
with the Joint and Army systems interface. The
Block III Apache will be the first U.S. Army aviation platform to have the organic capability to
be part of the network and connect to the Global
Information Grid.
Increased sensor range for extended
reconnaissance and target acquisition.
Along with new developments in the Fire Control
Radar (FCR), enhancements such as Maritime
Targeting Mode, Advanced Forward Looking
Infra Red/ night-time camera image fusion, and
a laser pointer compatible with Night Vision
Goggles, and Level IV unmanned aerial systems
control give the Apache Longbow the ability to
recognize and acquire targets at much greater
ranges under more varied conditions of visibility
and terrain.
Reduced lifecycle costs for continued
operational affordability.
To help keep the Apache reliable and effective
in the field, the aircraft offers System-Level Embedded Diagnostics providing real-time, in-flight
and on-ground, self-monitoring, self-diagnosing,
self-reporting, systems-level embedded diagnostics capabilities. These capabilities translate
to a Mean Time Between Failure of no less than
17 to 22 hours for a 3.5 hour mission (depending
on configuration).
Enhanced survivability for improved
operational effectiveness.
With improved electronic countermeasures, fully
integrated Aircraft Survivability Equipment, and
enhanced Instrument Meteorological Conditions/
Instrument Flight Rules, the Apache Longbow
offers new levels of survivability and durability.
The Block III Apache Longbow offers continued
safe operation for at least 30 minutes with
run-dry gear boxes and ballistic tolerance from
12.7 mm Armor Piercing Incendiary projectiles in
critical areas.
59
fifty-nine
Increased performance for greater
agility and maneuverability.
Improvements to the Apache drive system,
include a new 3,400-horsepower, split-torque
face-gear transmission and a new composite
main rotor blades with a redesigned airfoil
and lengthened by six inches for increased lift.
These enhancements, along with integration of
the -701D engine, combine to give the Block III
Apache Longbow significantly improved performance, greater agility and increased
maneuverability. n
FOCUS ON THE
FUTURE
new contracts,
new technology
spell success
for ageless
T
Apache
wo-thousand-seven was another
Acquisition Designation Sight hardware,
Apache teammates have delivered more than 1,600
great year for Apache programs.
integrated Aircraft Survivability EquipApaches to customers around the world. And more
The U.S. Army contracted for an
ment and the Common Missile Warning
aircraft are on the way.
additional 20 new-build AH-64D Apache
System as just some of the incorporated
Longbow helicopters. And just before the
platform enhancements.
close of the 2006 calendar year on Dec.
Completing production on the U.S. Ar21, the contract for 126 remanufactured
my’s second five year multi-year contract
D-models – 96 for the U.S. Army and
for remanufactured AH-64D helicopters
30 for the United Arab Emirates – was
in mid-2006 meant the delivery of the
signed. Deliveries to the U.S. Army and
501st AH-64D Apache Longbow.
Greece, Israel, Japan and Kuwait conWhile Boeing teammates worked to
veyed the clear message that Apache is
build Apaches for international customers, including Greece, Japan and Israel
achieving milestones and moving toward
future successes.
– an agreement to remanufacture an
“As the Apache program looks to
additional 96 AH-64Ds for the U.S. Army
2008 and the challenges and opportuand 30 AH-64Ds for the United Arab
nities ahead, it is evident that the sucEmirates was getting ready for signacesses earned are the direct result of the
tures in December 2006. With the first
continued dedicated efforts of
of these Army aircraft loading on the
Boeing teammates, Team Apache suppliproduction line in May 2007, the program
ers, government leaders and U.S. Army
will continue to remanufacture and deand customer country aviators,” says Al
liver helicopters through May 2010.
Winn, Boeing vice president of Apache
The Block III Apache Longbow is unprograms.
der contract with the first flight planned
The first production AH-64A Apache
for mid-2008. Designed to incorporate
was delivered to the U.S. Army in 1984
technologies that ensure network-centric
and the first Block I AH-64D Apache
capabilities and joint service connectivity,
Longbow was delivered in March 1997.
the Block III program has achieved sigToday, Boeing is in the midst of a remarkable production run of the nificant milestones since the award of the risk reduction contract
in June 2005.
AH-64 multi-role helicopter, continuing to deliver to the U.S. Army
and to the defense forces of multiple nations around the globe.
Teammates managing the program have successfully completed the System Requirement Review and Integrated Baseline
The Apache program has delivered more than 1,600 new and
Review in the fourth quarter of 2006. Then in April 2007, the
remanufactured helicopters and with the contracted orders and
anticipated contract agreements, Apaches will be in production for Preliminary Design Review with the customer in anticipation of
decades in the future. The company is proud to build a lethal, mathe Limited User Test was completed. In early 2008, the Critical
Design Review will be complete.
neuverable, sustainable, and survivable combat helicopter.
The first contract for wartime replacement Apaches was
Milestones achieved mark where the Apache program has
signed in September 2005 and the first delivery was in May 2007.
been thus far. It’s the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead
The initial contract was for 13 new-build AH-64D Apache Longthat capture the attention and enthusiasm of teammates working
bows for the U.S. Army. Over the last several years three more
on the program and current and future customers. With first Block
contracts have been signed for a total of 47 new-build helicopters
III delivery planned for mid 2011, continued production of the
that will be delivered between 2007 and 2010.
Apache helicopter will continue to positively impact Army Aviation,
In response to the lessons learned and shared from combat
international customers, the worldwide supplier base and Boeing
experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, these aircraft are being built
teammates for many years in the future. n
in the Block II configuration and include the Modernized Target
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APACHE NEWS
BRIEFS
AH-64D
IN THE NEWS
The Apache Longbow continues to log impressive new milestones.
Boeing delivers first new-build Apache Longbow helicopter for U.S. Army
Boeing Apache program teammates delivered the first new-build AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter for the U.S. Army in May 2007
during a small ceremony at the Rotorcraft Systems site in Mesa, Ariz. All other AH-64D model helicopters flown by the U.S. Army are
remanufactured Apaches that were delivered from 1997-2006 under two five-year, multiyear contracts. “This Apache is a milestone
achievement,” Colonel Mark Hayes, Army Training and Doctrine Command capability manager for reconnaissance and attack, said during
the event. “Apaches are in high demand by our soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. Battlefield commanders depend on
Apache to bring lethal force and responsive defense to troops on the ground.” This is the first new-build AH-64D Apache Longbow purchased by the U.S. Army. All other AH-64D model helicopters flown by the U.S. Army are remanufactured Apaches that were delivered
from 1997-2006 under two five-year, multiyear contracts.
General Recognizes Pilots for Daring Rescue Mission
The top U.S. general in Iraq presented awards to four Apache pilots for their part in the July 2 rescue of
two other pilots downed by enemy fire during a July 27 ceremony in the Victory Base Complex in Iraq.
Lieutenant General David Petraeus, commander of Multi-National Forces Iraq, honored the four pilots of the
1st Cavalry Division’s 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, and eight others who helped rescue the pilots. Chief Warrant
Officer Allan Davison and Chief Warrant Officer Micah Johnson, both AH-64D Apache attack helicopter pilots
for Company A, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, received Distinguished Flying Crosses. Davison
and Johnson landed their attack helicopter in a hostile area and evacuated the two downed OH-58 Kiowa
helicopter pilots of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade. Apaches have only two seats, so
Johnson, the front seat pilot, let one of the Kiowa pilots take his seat in the Apache while he and the other
Kiowa pilot strapped themselves to the outside of the aircraft and sat on the wings, said Johnson. Once
the pilots were strapped in, Davison, the pilot in command, took off and headed to Baghdad International
Airport where the pilots were dropped off. While this was taking place, their Apache wingmen were circling
above providing security. Those two pilots, Chief Warrant Officer Seung Choi and Chief Warrant Officer Troy
Moseley, received Air Medals for their efforts.
Boeing Training Systems marks success of Apache Longbow crew trainers
Boeing Training Systems and Services, since production started in 2000, has developed and delivered 23
Apache Longbow Crew Trainers to the U.S. Army and Dutch Air Force and is under contract for an additional
five trainers for both U.S. and non-U.S. customers. The trainers are deployed throughout the United States
and in four other countries, including Iraq. In 2007, the availability rate consistently remained greater than
95 percent, ensuring readiness levels for individuals, crews and maintenance test pilots.
Boeing awarded contract to test Advanced Helicopter Rotor System
Boeing was awarded a $3 million Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency contract in May 2007 to test
an innovative main rotor system that promises quieter operation, reduced vibration and potentially improved
performance for military helicopters such as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. Boeing will test the “Smart
Rotor” over the next year at NASA Ames Research Center’s 40-by-80-foot wind tunnel in California to study
the system’s forward flight characteristics and gather data to validate state-of-the-art aero-acoustic analysis
codes. The system, which incorporates several new technologies that make it more capable and quieter
than existing rotors, includes trailing edge blade flaps controlled by on-blade piezo electric actuators and
control electronics that optimize flap motions.
v-22 visits mesa
During a transcontinental flight, a Marine Corps MV-22 stopped in Mesa, Arizona, where Boeing employees
who build the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter got a chance to see the innovative tiltrotor.
Team delivers 5,000th ‘Fat Boy’ Strap Pack for Apache helicopter
An employee involvement team at the Boeing Rotorcraft site in Mesa, Ariz., produced the 5,000th “Fat Boy”
strap pack in July 2007, delivering it to the U.S. Army. The strap packs are parts used to hold the rotor
blades on the AH-64D Apache helicopters for domestic and international customers. The team began production on the “Fat Boy” version of the parts in February 2003 when they were enhanced from the thinner
versions with the upgrade of Apaches from the A to the D-model.
Boeing Magazines and Video Capture International Awards
Boeing Apache News and Chinook News, annual magazines that highlight success stories of the aircraft in
the field and a “Back from Iraq VI” video, telling the story of soldiers flying Boeing Rotorcraft, have earned
international awards for creative excellence. All three captured 2007 Communicator Awards of Distinction.
The Communicator Awards is the leading international awards program that recognizes creative excellence
in the communication field. Awards are presented for projects that exceed industry standards in quality
and excellence. The Back from Iraq VI video also received a Telly award in 2007. The two magazines and
the video are used by Boeing company leaders to inform industry, government and military officials, and
employees about milestones and accomplishments by AH-64 Apache and the CH-47 Chinook helicopters
around the world.
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U.S. GOVERNMENT BUDGET MANAGERS STUDY APACHE IN FLIGHT
A flight in an AH-64D Apache Longbow was the highlight of a visit
to the Boeing site in Mesa, Ariz., for two U.S. government Budget
Office officials in August 2007.
Director of Investment in the Army Budget Office, Judy
Guenther, and Chief Munitions and Aircraft Division – Investment
Directorate, Dale Hanson, who manages funding for the Apache
were at The Boeing Company to gather information and data to
answer questions in Congress about the Army budget. Their visit
coincided with the annual Apache Project Progress Review.
Judy Guenther, top, and Dale Hanson both had the opportunity to fly in
the Apache Longbow during their visit to the Boeing facility in Mesa,
Ariz., the home of the Apache helicopter program.
Medal of Honor recipient pilots
Apache Longbow helicopter
The latest Medal of Honor recipient flew as the co-pilot/gunner in an Apache
Longbow in June 2007. The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military
honor awarded by Congress for risk of life in combat beyond the call of duty. “It felt
so good, I didn’t want to take my hands off the controls,” said Lieutenant Colonel
(Ret.) Bruce C. Crandall, who also had a chance to briefly pilot the aircraft. “This
is the best aircraft that has ever been built.” Lieutenant Colonel Crandall, 74, was
awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush in a White House ceremony on Feb. 26 for his heroic actions as a helicopter pilot in the November 1965
Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam. As a flight commander serving with A Company,
229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), Crandall
and his wingman, then Captain Ed Freeman, flew 14 missions, encountering intense enemy fire as they delivered much-needed ammunition to
ground troops and flew 70 wounded soldiers to safety. A veteran Army
Aviator, rated in both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and helicopters,
he led more than 900 combat missions during two tours of duty in
Vietnam. After years of flying UH-1 “Huey” helicopters, this was
Crandall’s second time flying an Apache Longbow.
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“The Army has been successful getting congressional support
to replace Apaches as evidenced by the contracts for wartime
replacement aircraft,” said Guenther, who beamed after her
flight. “Our leaders are excited about Boeing Lean process and
the cost savings those efforts bring to products like the Apache
helicopter.”
Guenther added, “The Apache is a sophisticated aircraft with its
displays and so many other technologies that clearly are useful in
the combat situations soldiers face today.”
Hanson, who enjoyed his flight in the Apache Longbow, said,
“Current Army Apache aviators have an awesome fighting platform. This helicopter’s situational awareness capabilities make
a positive difference and we had the very rare opportunity to see
that from the front seat of the aircraft.”
“To continue to secure congressional approval for funding in support of Army objectives – like replacing helicopters damaged or
destroyed fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq – Army leaders gather
information and data to answer to questions about the Army
budget,” said Al Winn, Boeing vice president of Apache Programs.
“This turned out to be a very useful and positive visit for both
officials.”
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APACHE NEWS
BRIEFS
New chrome-free paint primer covers Apaches in production
The Boeing site in Mesa, Ariz., began using a new, chrome-free, environmentally friendly paint primer on
Apache helicopters in production the summer of 2007. The Mesa facility is the first Boeing site to spray
a chrome-free primer on its entire aircraft. The first Apache aircraft was sprayed with the seafoam green
primer April 19. The new primer is being gradually phased in, while the plant finishes using the final stores
of the old, chromated primer. “The new primer no longer contains chrome and still gives the Apache the
corrosion protection it needs,” said Ramesh Patel, one of the Materials, Process and Standards engineers at
the Mesa facility who worked on the primer project.
500th Apache Longbow helicopter fuselage stripped in FLASHJET system
Pulsed light energy and dry ice pellets stripped the paint off of the 500th Apache Longbow fuselage June
15, 2007, marking a milestone in the use of the FLASHJET® coatings removal system. “This is an important milestone for us in the Apache remanufacturing process,” said Don McGlothlin, director of Apache
Operations at the Boeing rotorcraft center in Mesa, Ariz., where Apaches are produced, flight-tested and
delivered. “We have enjoyed success with the FLASHJET system through two multi-year contracts with the
U.S. Army and for several international customers.” Some of those remanufactured Apache fuselages were
stripped at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, a modification and repair site in Texas. The FLASHJET system
is a patented process that combines pulsed light energy and a steady stream of dry ice pellets to remove
up to four square feet of paint per minute. The cost is less than manual removal and chemical stripping.
Waste produced is vacuumed into a filter capture system, eliminating surface cleanup time. The Boeing site
in Mesa was the first site to use the environmentally friendly FLASHJET paint stripping process in 1996 to
remanufacture its Apache helicopters for the U.S. Army.
BACK FROM IRAQ VIDEOS AVAILABLE
Two new Back from Iraq videos have been completed and are scheduled to be available from the Apache
team in 2008. Copies of Back from Iraq V, which details the story of Apaches in the 101st Aviation Brigade,
and Back from Iraq VII, which highlights the operations of 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, can be
obtained by sending a message to [email protected] with an address and contact
information.
Department of Defense leader briefed on Apache production methods
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy William Greenwalt learned about Boeing Rotorcraft
programs, including the combat-proven AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter, during a May 2007 visit to the
boeing site in Mesa, Ariz.. Greenwalt is an advisor on matters relating to the defense industrial base, working to stimulate competition and innovation, and sustain cost-effective industrial and technological capabilities to ensure military readiness and superiority. A tour of the Apache production assembly area allowed
Greenwalt to see new-build, wartime replacement Apaches that will soon be delivered to the
U.S. Army.
NATO National Armament Directors Visit Boeing in Arizona
Five North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) National Armament Directors visited the Boeing site in Mesa,
Ariz., in April 2007 for a tour and technology briefings. Kenneth J. Krieg, Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, led a delegation of 45 members representing NATO member countries - France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. The group received information
about new technologies being developed for Boeing rotorcraft platforms, toured the Apache production
assembly area, and talked briefly to teammates who work on the assembly line. Additionally the delegates
witnessed a live demonstration of Apache’s network-centric capabilities in the Operations, Analysis,
Modeling and Simulation Center and the Unmanned Little Bird helicopter in flight during its testing program.
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