Tue, Dec 08, 2009
Increased Use Of Composites And New Engines In Block III
Aircraft
The Boeing AH-64D Apache Block III program has completed the
first flight of its structures test aircraft. The test, conducted
Nov. 23 in Mesa, demonstrated flight characteristics and handling
maneuvers. Tests to continue to expand the helicopter's flight
envelope are expected to continue for the next several weeks.
Block III technologies being tested include the composite main
rotor blade, composite horizontal stabilator, and -701D engines,
which include an enhanced digital electronic control unit. The
aircraft also features a split-torque face gear transmission that
increases power throughput by more than 20 percent within the same
physical operating space as the legacy transmission.
"This flight demonstration is another crucial step as the U.S.
Army and Boeing work together to meet the objectives of the Apache
Block III program," said Col. Shane Openshaw, Army Apache project
manager. "The Apache Block III helicopter meets the Army's
requirement to sustain the aircraft for its life cycle while
providing superior capabilities to Army aviators, battlefield
commanders and soldiers."
The program's avionics test aircraft, which made its first
flight ahead of schedule in June 2008, completed the Army's Limited
User Test according to schedule, in November, at the Yuma, AZ
Proving Ground.
"Meeting calendar objectives while integrating new capabilities
confirms the maturity of the multiple technologies conceived,
designed and developed by Boeing and our key partners for the
Apache Block III helicopter," said Al Winn, Boeing Apache Programs
vice president. "Our success highlights the value of cooperative
development."
The Army and Boeing continue to work toward an anticipated
Department of Defense acquisition process Milestone C decision in
April 2010.
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