Boeing’s Ambitious Plan for AH-64 Apache Helicopters: Innovation Unleashed (Video)
Boeing has revealed a conceptual design for a future version of the AH-64 Apache helicopter, featuring avionics and networking upgrades to integrate it into the U.S. Army’s strategy for multi-domain operations. The proposed enhancements also include the capability to accommodate additional sensors and weapons.
The Modernized Apache Concept builds on the Army’s plans to re-engine the AH-64E with two 3,000-shp GE Aviation T901 turboshaft engines and an open system interface in the cockpit. This combination significantly increases both the lifting and computing power of the aircraft.
Despite the Army’s plans for developing Future Vertical Lift (FVL) rotorcraft with longer range and higher speeds, the AH-64 is scheduled to remain the principal U.S. attack helicopter for the next 25-30 years, according to Jesse Farrington, Boeing’s sales and marketing director for attack helicopter programs. He mentioned this during a meeting at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) annual meeting on October 10.
“The tyranny of distance is always going to be a challenge for a rotorcraft,” Farrington said.
The upgrades build upon the baseline set by the AH-64E Version 6.5, which adds the T901 engine. The Modernized Apache Concept adds drivertrain upgrades to allow the helicopter to exploit the 50% increase in power output compared to the existing T700-701D engines, according to Boeing.
At the AUSA exhibit, a model displayed potential upgrades for the AH-64 Apache helicopter beyond Version 6.5. It featured extended stub wings with six pylons, including outboard stations for directed energy weapon pods. The tail rotor had a new cruciform design with different blades. However, Boeing emphasized that these changes are just ideas and potential requirements, and some have not been tested in a wind tunnel.
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