Boeing’s AH-64E, the U.S. Army’s latest model of its Apache attack helicopter, has taken its first flight with an upgraded capabilities suite, the aircraft manufacturer announced Wednesday.
The twin-engine, tandem-seat attack helicopter is equipped with an M230 30 mm cannon, Hydra-70 2.75-inch rockets, as well as laser-guided and radio-frequency Hellfire missiles.
The Department of Defense contracted Boeing in December 2021 for the aircraft modernization project of AH-64E—also known as Version 6.5, or V6.5—which includes capability-enhancing software updates. They include optimized route and attack planning, enhanced Link 16 features, and the integration of an open systems interface.
Boeing is also working with the Army to integrate the General Electric Aerospace T901 Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP).
The ITEP is the Army’s next-generation replacement engine for the AH-64E Apache helicopters, the UH-60M/V and HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, as well as for its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program.
“We’re very excited about the ongoing development of the V6.5 software as it paves the way for Apache modernization,” Colonel John “Jay” Maher, U.S. Army Apache project manager, said in a statement. “V6.5 aligns the entire E model fleet under the same software, streamlining training and maintenance while providing a pathway for sensor/capability parity, and enables the Army to address mandates and critical technologies.”
