Cites Safety Concerns With Bolts That Secure The Main Rotor Blades

The U.S. Army has suspended acceptance of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing, citing what the service says is a "serious safety concern" with the aircraft.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Todd, program executive officer for Army aviation, told Defense News that the move was made "because of a strap pack nut that we believe to be really suspect.” Todd said that the concerns were the result of the performance of the nuts in severe, coastal environments. Inspections revealed corrosion due to climate and stress. The nut holds very large bolts that secure the main rotor blades to the helicopter, he said.

Boeing has been working on a redesign of the strap nut for six months, according to the report, but the Army suspended acceptance of deliveries in February. That suspension became permanent in March until the redesign is complete.

The Army anticipates fielding two Apache battalions per month with the news parts beginning this summer, according to the report, “and we expect them to keep that pace until complete through the entire fleet as well as [Foreign Military Sales] customers that purchase through the U.S. Army,” he said.

Boeing builds an average of six AH-64E helicopters per month at its Mesa, AZ facility.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report