Wed, Jun 25, 2003
Reaching a goal of 300 in anything
can be quite an accomplishment. The 300th AH-64D Apache Longbow,
the world's most advanced, most capable multi-role combat
helicopter, was delivered to the Army on May 22 at the Boeing Mesa,
Ariz., facility where the Apache is built.
"Like all the Apache Longbow's that have preceded it, number 300
is a testimony to our great ongoing partnership with the U.S.
Army's Apache Project office," said Al Winn, Apache Programs vice
president. "We are continuously looking at ways to address our
customer's evolving needs, while meeting delivery schedules and
keeping the Apache a world leader."
The U.S. Army has designated the Apache Longbow as a key member
of its Objective Force for the future. The latest helicopters,
including number 300, are in what is known as the "Block II"
configuration, meaning these aircraft contain a number of
enhancements which are key to improving situational awareness and
move the program ahead toward Apache's role in the digital Army of
the future.
"These upgrades - and those proposed for future aircraft
enhancement - will help the Apache retain its leading edge
capabilities," continued Winn. "They include: the addition of a
digital map to improve navigation; a high-frequency radio to
improve communications; and an improved data modem to enable Joint
Variable Message Format (JVMF) messaging, allowing the Apache to
communicate within the Tactical Internet."
Boeing is delivering 269 AH-64Ds to the U.S. Army through the
year 2006 under the second of two multi-year contracts. The first
contract, Multi-Year I, covered 232 Apache Longbows for a total of
501.
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