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06 Oct 08. During AUSA Colonel Shane Openshaw PM Apache and Al Wynn of Boeing gave an update to the current developments of the Boeing Apache helicopter and the Block 3 enhancements. It is worth looking at the history of the Apache to appreciate the changes being introduced.
AH-64A Apache
Between 1984 and 1997, Boeing produced 937 AH-64As for the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The combat-proven AH-64A is still in service and includes the following features:
* Two high-performance turboshaft engines and maximum cruise speed of 284 kph
* Laser, infrared, and other systems (including target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track, and attack targets
* A combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds
AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow
The combat-proven AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow share the following history and characteristics:
* Testing in the late 1990s, delivery in 1997, in production for the U.S. Army and several international customers
* Selection by the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom (as the AH Mk1)
* Ability to assimilate advancements in digital connectivity, sensors, weapon systems, advanced training devices, and maintenance support systems
Apache Longbow Enhancements
The radar-equipped AH-64D Apache Longbow features numerous enhanced capabilities, including:
* Longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather/night fighting
* Detection of objects (moving or stationary) without being detected
* Classification and threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a minute
* Integrated sensors, networking, and digital communications for situational awareness, management of the combat arena in real time, and digital transmission of images and target locations to joint operations battlefield commanders
Boeing announced that the company is working to remanufacture ‘A’ Models to ‘D’ Model configuration. This will bring the total fleet to 634 by 2025.
Detail:
Through 2006 – remanufactured 501 AH-64As to AH-64Ds
Under contract for 96 additional A to D reman for a total of 597 deliveries through 2010
Under contract for 52 (new build) AH-64Ds as wartime replacement aircraft with deliveries through 2011
Delivery of 1st production AH-64D Apache Block III anticipated in Summer 2011
The upgraded Lockheed Martin MTIDS/PNVS sighting systems continues with 8 battalions fielded with total fleet retrofit taking place in early 2011.
“These enhancements enable better visibility 24/7 for the Apach crews and have enabled them to change tactics. Apaches are now targeting UAVs 24/7 in Baghdad. These operations have increased the kill levels of terrorist and prevented IED explosions as the bombers can be pinpointed using these enhanced optics and targets transferred using VUIT-2, now being installed on a number of machines. There are 2 to 6 Apaches airborne over Baghdad standing off 3-4 miles from targets. 85% of casualties form 3rd Infantry Division have been from IEDs” Col. Openshaw said. (See: LOCKHEED MARTIN VUIT-2 ENTERS SERVICE, BATTLESPACE October 2008).
The Apache VUIT-2 is a kit-based system that enables Apache aircrews to view streaming video from the Shadow, Raven, Hunter, Predator, Warrior A, Reaper and other UAVs.
On July 30th Lockheed Martin received a contract from the Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) to lead the Apache Video from Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Interoperability Teaming - Level 2 (VUIT-2) program through September 2009.
As the systems integrator, Lockheed Martin will transition VUIT-2 to production. The Army first awarded Lockheed Martin a contract in 2007 for development, production and rapid fielding of the VUIT-2 system for the initial demonstration battalion.
Currently, manned-unmanned teaming in Apaches relies on radio transmissions from the UAS operator to describe a target of interest. With the advent of VUIT-2, the Apache pilot can quickly visualize, assess the situation, and prepare for target engagements before he is even in weapons or Modernized-Target Acquisition Designator System range. UAS video is displayed in the cockpit on the Apache Longbow's Multi-Purpose Display, and Apache Longbow sensor video can be transmitted to Soldiers on the ground.
This gives the Apache helicopter a huge advantage and the ability to work well within the enemy's decision and reaction time. Before the enemy even hears the Longbow, the crew has utilized VUIT-2 to gain situational awareness and identify the target. The crew then obtains clearance for fires and manoeuvres to attack the target, all the while maintaining eyes on it using VUIT-2, and then launches a lethal barrage of weapons that will eliminate the target.
The system can be installed in the field, using a tri-band Omni-directional Mast Mounted Assembly (TOMMA), Right EFAB Chassis Video Receiver (RCVR) assembly and a VUIT Mini-TCDL tactical data link for simultaneous display by soldiers equipped with a One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) or other ground terminal/stations. An Apache with only Ku-band downlink capability can send the aircraft sensor data (M-TADS/TADS) to the ground terminals/stations. The spiral capability to share video between aircraft and to share two-way video with ground terminals/stations will be added in the near future.
VUIT-2 will increase the survivability and lethality of the Apache Longbow aircraft by providing aircrews and ground commanders increased situational awareness, decreased sensor to shooter timelines and increased reaction time. VUIT-2 will be linked 24/7 to the Commander on the ground.
To ensure interoperability, the Apache PM has teamed with the UAS project manager and developed this capability using the One System Remote Video Terminal. With the OSRVT as the baseline interface, VUIT-2 is able to receive video from nearly all unmanned aircraft systems operating in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also provides joint interoperability by giving Apache Longbows the ability to receive Air Force and Navy video from platforms such as the F-15, F-16, F-18 using the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) or Litening targeting pod.
VUIT-2 is being fielded on one battalion of Apache A AH-64D models, 24 aircraft, this year, and is approved for nine Longbow Apache battalions, pending funding, during fiscal year 2009. From concept to fielding, VUIT-2 has been developed in less than a year. In addition to the Apache and UAS project offices, the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Aviation Engineering Directorate, Aviation Technical Test Center, Redstone Technical Test Center, Army Test and Evaluation Command, and industry partners have all played vital roles in rapidly transitioning this technology to the user. The usage of the system has been cleared for other Apache users and there has been considerable overseas interest.
Boeing is now working on the Block 3 Apache configuration which includes a composite rotorblade, a new main gearbox with split torque face gear transmission which was finished in late September. The next milestone will be to integrate the Level 4 UAV control systems which will use the Boeing Little Bird as a surrogate. Another feature of Block 3 is the installation of the Soldier radio waveform on the AMF JTTRS airborne radios which is already being trialled using an ITT DR-90 SUOS-SLICE radio. The laser guided rocket system is being installed as is a Hostile Fire Indicator and new man-machine interfaces in the cockpit.
LRIP for Block 3 is expected in1st Quarter of 09. The Dutch are looking at a Block 2 enhancement whilst the UK is looking at Block 3.
“Every Apache Unit is restructuring,” Openshaw said. “We visit every Unit regularly to find out their needs and what needs to be fixed. Changes are initiated consistent with the ‘Surge.’ Apache is now the most connected platform on the battlefield with connectivity to ground and airborne and UAV Platforms. We recently trialled a waveform connection to a B-52.”
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