Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Boeing hopes to clinch an AH-64 Apache upgrade programme with the US Army shortly, encompassing structural, dynamic and avionics improvements.
The proposals are designed to restore eroded performance, cut operating and support costs and keep the attack helicopter operational until 2030.
An upgrade roadmap is being drawn up by a joint strategy team, comprising Boeing, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and the US Army.
The scheme is intended to form the basis of funding requests in fiscal year 2004 defence budget for enhancements beyond the Longbow upgrade, according to Larry Plaster, Boeing Apache modernisation programme manager.
Boeing has been pursuing a series of potential improvements via a mix of internal and supplier funding in addition to government science and technology contracts.
New split-face powerplant gearbox to support an uprated or new 2,240kW (3,000shp) Common Engine Programme (CEP). Improved main rotor incorporating five composite blades and a titanium hub.
The modernisation is designed to restore the helicopter's original performance, which has been eroded by a steady increase in the primary mission weight with the addition of new systems such as the Longbow radar. The army also wants to cut the Apache's purchase price by 30% and operating costs by 50%. The challenge is finding the money to upgrade the aircraft.
"The requirements are for greater power, response, agility and capability," says Col Howard Bramblett, US Army Apache project manager. "To make that jump to CEP, you need to do something to the transmission. Then if you do that, you've got a fuselage issue. One thing feeds another and it becomes a balancing act to figure out what you can pay for and really need."
Source: Flight International
