Flight International online news 08:30GMT: The U.S. Army and Boeing have signed a $192.5 million contract for 13 new AH-64D Apache Longbow multi-role combat helicopters.

Apache  - BIG 

The new Apache Longbow aircraft, to be built in the current Block II configuration, are in addition to AH-64A Apaches being remanufactured under a multi-year contract with the Army.

Production is due to begin in early 2006 and will be performed at the Boeing facility in Mesa, Ariz., where Apaches have been manufactured since the programme started.

Boeing says the contract bridges the way to an additional 96 remanufactured AH-64Ds for the U.S. Army and to Block III Apache Longbow helicopter production.

ROSS BENTLEY/LONDON

Source: Flight International