AH-64D Apache Block III Structures Test Aircraft Makes First Flight

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AH-64D Apache Block III Structures Test Aircraft Makes First Flight
UNITED STATES - 4 DECEMBER 2009

The Boeing [NYSE: BA] AH-64D Apache Block III program has completed the first flight of its structures test aircraft. The test, conducted Nov. 23 in Mesa, demonstrated flight characteristics and handling maneuvers. Tests to continue to expand the helicopter's flight envelope are expected to continue for the next several weeks.

Block III technologies being tested include the composite main rotor blade, composite horizontal stabilator, and -701D engines, which include an enhanced digital electronic control unit. The aircraft also features a split-torque face gear transmission that increases power throughput by more than 20 percent within the same physical operating space as the legacy transmission.

"This flight demonstration is another crucial step as the U.S. Army and Boeing work together to meet the objectives of the Apache Block III program," said Col. Shane Openshaw, Army Apache project manager. "The Apache Block III helicopter meets the U.S. Army's requirement to sustain the aircraft for its life cycle while providing superior capabilities to Army aviators, battlefield commanders and soldiers."

The program's avionics test aircraft, which made its first flight ahead of schedule in June 2008, completed the Army's Limited User Test according to schedule, in November, at the Yuma (Ariz.) Proving Ground.

"Meeting calendar objectives while integrating new capabilities confirms the maturity of the multiple technologies conceived, designed and developed by Boeing and our key partners for the Apache Block III helicopter," said Al Winn, Boeing Apache Programs vice president. "Our success highlights the value of cooperative development."

The U.S. Army and Boeing continue to work toward an anticipated Department of Defense acquisition process Milestone C decision in April 2010.




Source: The Boeing Company

 

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Apache Block III Aircraft Tests New Technology
UNITED STATES - 11 DECEMBER 2009

Developmental prototypes of the U.S. Army's next-generation Block III Apache Attack helicopter tested emerging technologies which allow pilots to control UAVs and their sensor payloads from the cockpit of the aircraft during a so-called Limited User Test (LUT) in November at Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz., service officials said.

Through Lockheed's VUIT 2 program, Apache pilots can already view feeds from nearby UAVs in the cockpit during flight; the technology is already being used in combat in Iraq. The LUT represented an effort to advance this technology and give pilots the ability to control the UAVs' payload and flight path as well, said Lt. Col. Dan Bailey, program manager for Apache Block III.

"The LUT execution is complete and the data analysis is on-going. Execution was very successful and met all the objectives for the test," said Bailey in a written statement. "Manned-unmanned teaming is the concept of interoperability," he said.

Called the UTA (UAS Tactical Common Data Link Assembly), the new technology enhances pilots' ability to view and control nearby UAV assets with a mind to intelligence, targeting information and overall situational awareness. Army engineers are now building the software that equips the aircraft with this next-generation capability.

"The onboard Apache Block III software provides the interface and control functions through a TCDL modem and antenna assembly," said Bailey.

Utilizing the NATO standard called STANAG 4586, the aircraft can view and exchange images with other air and ground assets, Bailey said.

"You might go to the different levels for different operational reasons depending upon what the tactical environment requires. The VUIT 2 was successful. Now - if you have the picture and you can control the picture that is much better."

The next step is preparing reports and documents for a Low Rate Initial Production Defense Acquisition Board decision in April 2010, Bailey said. Low-rate initial production of the Apache Block III is slated to begin in 2011.

"If I am able to link through a UAS but do so at a range several miles longer than my organic sensors, I can be behind a mountain. The stand-off distance lets me be at ease in conducting my mission. This reduces the overall workload and I can see different angles for target identification," said Bailey.

The Apache Block III aircraft -- which will sustain the Apache fleet through 2040 --will add a host of new capabilities to the fleet, including an ability to climb to higher elevations such as those reached by Chinooks, Bailey said.

"The successful LUT was another critical step towards producing and fielding the next generation Apache. I am very proud of the team of professionals - across Industry and Government -that worked hard to make this happen," said COL Shane Openshaw, Project Manager for Apache Helicopters.


Source: U.S. Army

 

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Boeing Awards AH-64D Apache Block III Work to Science Engineering Services in Huntsville
UNITED STATES - 13 JANUARY 2010

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Jan. 13, 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has selected Science Engineering Services Inc. (SES) to perform disassembly, inspection and repair on AH-64D Apache helicopters in preparation for their upgrade to the Block III configuration. The program will create approximately 70 new positions for aviation and avionics mechanics, structural installers, and aviation quality inspectors within SES.

"Boeing is pleased to welcome Science and Engineering Services to the Apache Block III program," said Al Winn, Boeing vice president, Apache Programs. "The capabilities of the SES organization will enhance our efforts as Boeing continues to produce Apaches for the U.S. Army and international customers."

"As a supplier team member working on the Apache program, SES will add to the scope of aviation work being performed for Boeing in North Alabama and provide additional aerospace employment opportunities in the region," said Tony Jones, Boeing vice president and Huntsville site executive.

SES will receive U.S. Army Apache helicopters at the SES West Aviation and Integration Facility in Huntsville, where the aircraft will be disassembled, inspected and repaired as necessary. SES will then ship the components and airframes to Boeing in Mesa, Ariz., for integration into the newest model Apache helicopter, the AH-64D Apache Block III.

"This decision by The Boeing Company will positively affect the Tennessee Valley over the course of the next several years," said E.J. Sinclair, CEO of SES. "We look forward to being an integral part of the Boeing Apache Block III team and working on the greatest attack helicopter in the world. This work continues to build Huntsville's reputation as a Rotary Wing Center of Excellence for the Army."


Source: The Boeing Company

 

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Goodrich Delivers 500th Laser Detecting System for U.S. Army Helicopters
UNITED STATES - 3 FEBRUARY 2010

Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has delivered its 500th AN/AVR-2B (V) laser detecting system to the U.S. Army. The delivery milestone was reached ahead of schedule, with a perfect track record of on-time delivery with zero quality defects. Goodrich's ISR Systems team in Danbury, Conn. supplies the systems.

The AN/AVR-2B(V) system is installed on U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters to detect rangefinders, target designators and beamrider laser-aided systems. The product provides visual and audio alerts to the helicopter crew through onboard avionics. The system is the latest generation of Goodrich aviation laser warning systems to be used by the U.S. Armed Forces. It is smaller and lighter than the previous version, uses less power, and demonstrates enhanced performance, reliability, and maintainability. In addition, it is capable of multiple aircraft signal interfaces and works with other aircraft systems to protect crews and passengers. The systems are actively deployed to helicopters flying combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Andreas Nonnenmacher, vice president for Space Systems, Goodrich ISR Systems, said, "This delivery milestone is important because it demonstrates our ability to concurrently manage a broad product array supporting customers ranging from the warfighter to the combatant commander."

In 2007, Goodrich was awarded a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract by the U.S. Army to provide up to 855 of the AN/AVR-2B(V) systems. Goodrich has supplied production threat detection and laser warning systems for use on aviation, naval and ground platforms for over 30 years.


Source: Goodrich Corporation

 

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Technology Gives Apache Block III More Lift, Capability, Landing Ability
UNITED STATES - 2 MARCH 2010

The U.S. Army is leveraging cutting-edge technologies from its Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to give the Block III Apache aircraft increased power, lift, maneuverability and hard-landing ability, service officials said.

The Army S & T community, a subset of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA ALT), has been developing the Rotorcraft Drive System of the 21st Century (RDS-21) Face Gear Transmission and High Performance Shock Strut (HPSS) advanced landing gear; these technologies are giving the next-generation Apache the ability to buy back performance lost when the aircraft added the extra weight that went along with enhanced mission equipment packages.

"With these technologies, pilots can fly further and carry more ordnance. They can land better under difficult conditions with no damage to the aircraft," said Mac Dinning, team leader for aircraft survivability, Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC).

The empty weight of the Apache A model is 10,267 pounds, compared to the 11,800-pound D-model Longbow Apache; the heavier Apache carries significantly improved targeting and sensing capabilities but lacks the transmission-to-power ratio and hard-landing ability of the A model. The Block III Apache is being engineered such that an advanced, high-tech aircraft at the weight of the D model can have the power, performance and landing abilities of an original A model Apache.

"When the Apache was first developed in the mid-70's it had specific operational requirements -- for hard landing and for lift capability to lift a certain payload at a certain vertical rate of climb at forward speed. Over the years we have added a lot of capability to the aircraft in terms of mission equipment packages such as sensors, and all of that has added thousands of pounds of weight to the aircraft. So now the empty weight of the aircraft is much heavier and if we are still going to carry something close to the full weapons capability, we start losing the capability of the landing gear," said Dinning.

"In terms of technologies specific to buying back vehicle performance they had in the A model before adding all of the weight, the RDS-21 gear box and Shock Strut are the two most significant ones to add back capability the Apache had with the A model and lost with the D."

The RDS -21 improves efficiency because the transmission combines the output torque of two engines into a single power torque transmission, Dinning said.

"The RDS-21, with the split torque gear capability, is allowing us at no increase in transmission weight to pass significantly more torque through the transmission up to the router. This gives us the lift capability we need to carry the full weapons and fuel load to get missions done. It is a hardware system that is taking the output torque from two engines and is combining them into a single torque into the shaft of the router," said Dinning.

The RDS-21 technology was transferred to the Apache Program Manager in 2006. Having completed qualification testing, it is slated to enter Low-Rate-Initial-Production this year.

"We are very enthusiastic. The Block III transmission just went through its qualification testing. It is exciting for S&T to transition to a production configuration," Mr. Ming Lau, Chief of the Power Systems Division, Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD).

Shock Strut

The High Performance Shock Strut advanced landing gear -- also entering LRIP this year as part of the Apache Block III aircraft -- gives the aircraft hard landing abilities at a D model empty weight of 12,800-pounds.

The key feature of the HPSS is a variable metered orifice which allows hydraulic fluid to move from one area to another at a controlled rate, Dinning said.

"The technology used on the Shock Strut is a variable metered orifice that allows the aircraft to adjust to the weight load of the aircraft and tailor the deceleration. Typically what happens with hydraulic shocks is there is a load in one end of the shock and it is reacted to by fluid that is prevented from moving from one reservoir to another. With the metered orifice, fluid is able to move from one reservoir to the other at a controlled rate as a function of pressure. You want to control the decelerating force so the aircraft can absorb energy across the airframe," said Dinning.

"Now you have the ability to tailor the deceleration profile to safely land at significantly more weight than we have now. It slowly absorbs the energy and decelerates the aircraft from a certain synch rate to a hard stop."

The HPSS can be retrofitted onto the AH-64D model Apache, service officials said.

"The High Performance Shock Strut technology was developed because the basic structural design gross weight of the AH-64D had increased, and therefore the crash performance of the shock struts were no longer optimal," said Bryan Pilati, Aerospace Engineer (AATD). "The HPSS is a new valve design qualified as a retrofit solution to the current shock strut. This technology restores the crash performance of the second stage to its original performance requirements."

 

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Lockheed Martin Awarded Arizona Support Center Contract for M-TADS/PNVS
UNITED STATES - 11 MARCH 2010

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a contract to support the Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (TADS/PNVS) and Modernized TADS/PNVS (M-TADS/PNVS) systems on the AH-64 Apache helicopter at the Arizona Support Center (ASC). The contract has a potential value of $36.8 million for the next three years.

Located in Gilbert, AZ, the Arizona Support Center inducts, refurbishes and modifies legacy TADS/PNVS components to incorporate into the modernized system (M-TADS/PNVS). The contract includes fielding activities associated with the modernization effort. Fielding activities will include sending a team of Orlando-based product support technicians to U.S. Army Apache locations worldwide to install and test newly modified M-TADS/PNVS systems on the aircraft.

"M-TADS/PNVS has consistently proven its effectiveness on the battlefield," said David Belvin, director of Apache M-TADS/PNVS and Support Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This contract allows for the continued fielding of this crucial capability to the Warfighter."

M-TADS/PNVS is an advanced electro-optical fire control system that provides AH-64D Apache helicopter pilots with advanced targeting and pilotage capabilities that result in enhanced mission effectiveness during day, night and/or adverse-weather missions.

"Every Apache battalion deployed in support of current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan is equipped with the M-TADS/PNVS system," said Col. Shane Openshaw, Program Manager for Apache. "The system is the number one Apache pilot request since 1997. Apache performance remains outstanding from the factory to the foxhole."

The Arrowhead modular design melds existing legacy hardware with new FLIR sensors to fight decisively during day, night, or adverse-weather missions … regardless of battlefield obscurants.



Source: Lockheed Martin

 

[K^se]

This scares me 0.o..

 

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Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles Receives Trailer Contract for Apache Helicopter Simulators
UNITED STATES - 19 MARCH 2010

Chicago, IL. | Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles (OSV), an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announced today that it has received a contract from Boeing Defense, Space & Security for two specialty device trailers to be used with AH-64 Apache Helicopter Longbow Crew Trainer simulators. The simulators could be deployed in theatre to provide comprehensive, high fidelity training for Longbow aircrews and maintenance personnel. The total value of the contract is $2.6 million and the specialty device trailers will be delivered in September 2010.

“We’ve seen a growing demand for our specialty trailers such as those specified by Boeing,” said Tony Ellis, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles general manager and vice president of finance. “Aircraft and vehicle simulators are highly productive. They deliver a better value for taxpayers because simulators eliminate the wear-and-tear on actual Apache helicopters and require no fuel.”

OSV manufactures the trailers and support systems in its Calumet City, Ill. facilities. The 53-foot long and 8.5-foot wide enclosures are engineered with twin pop-out extensions to provide a larger training area and a richer teaching experience. The full-fidelity simulators offer a realistic depiction of various flying conditions that allows for comprehensive mission flight crew planning and intensive training.

“For more than 14 years, OSV has had a strong relationship with Boeing having delivered a wide range of trailers and power support systems such as these used for the Longbow Crew Trainer,” Ellis explained. “Our company’s mission is to develop effective and mobile environments that enable our customers to offer a realistic teaching experience.”

Each specialty trailer is teamed with an integrated support and service trailer. These support trailers feature a power generator, air conditioning system, power cables, full workshop and equipment storage compartments.


Source: Oshkosh Corporation

 

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ATK Awarded $32 Million in Follow-on Contracts to Produce HELLFIRE II Rocket Motors and Warheads
UNITED STATES - 29 APRIL 2010

MINNEAPOLIS | Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) has received follow-on production contracts valued at $32 million to produce rocket motors and warheads for the precision-strike laser-guided HELLFIRE II missile. ATK will manufacture approximately 7,100 rocket motors and 2,200 metal augmented charge (MAC) warheads at its manufacturing facility in Rocket Center, West Virginia. The contracts were awarded by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), the prime contractor for the HELLFIRE II missile.

ATK was awarded the HELLFIRE II baseline contract in November 2008 to produce and deliver rocket motors and warheads. The most recent follow-on contracts represent the first option to the baseline, with deliveries scheduled to begin in April, 2011, and completed by July, 2012. A second option could be awarded in late 2010.

"This order builds on ATK's HELLFIRE heritage of reliability and effectiveness. Our goal is to provide our Warfighters with the highest quality rocket motors and warheads possible to ensure mission success," said Bart Olson, interim President of ATK Missile Products Group.

"The HELLFIRE II missile's in-theater reliability exceeds 95 percent, and the reliable performance of the ATK motor is a major contributor to achieving that level of mission success," said Ken Musculus, Air-to-Ground Missile Systems director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "At a recent users' conference, Warfighters from all four U.S. services told us how the HELLFIRE missile has enhanced their ability to minimize collateral damage during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom."

Dating back to HELLFIRE I in the 1980s, ATK has produced nearly 80,000 HELLFIRE rocket motors and over 6,400 MAC warheads. In addition, ATK manufactures the copper liner for the main shaped-charge warhead for the high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) Hellfire, the AGM-114K.

The HELLFIRE II can be launched from several rotary-wing aircraft, special mission fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, ground-based tripods and boats. HELLFIRE is effective against a wide variety of targets, including tanks, ships, bunkers, caves and buildings. Its precision-strike semi-active laser guidance system minimizes collateral damage on the battlefield.


Source: Alliant Techsystems

 

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Northstar Aerospace, Inc. Receives $53 Million First Production Contract for U.S. Army AH-64D Apache Modernization
4 MAY 2010

CHICAGO, IL --- (All amounts in this news release are stated in U.S. dollars.) Northstar Aerospace (Canada), Inc., a subsidiary of Northstar Aerospace, Inc., has received a purchase contract from The Boeing Company for the production of transmission components using the innovative split-torque Face Gear technology for the U.S. Army's AH-64D Apache Block III Helicopter Modernization Program.

The $53 million contract is for production of components for 74 transmissions plus initial spares as part of the low rate initial production phase of the Apache Block III Program. Deliveries start in late 2010 and continue through 2012.

The manufacturing process and equipment needed to produce Face Gears, a fundamental component of the innovative transmissions, are proprietary to Northstar. Face Gears, by nature of their gear tooth geometry, presented unique manufacturing challenges to the aerospace industry. Northstar developed a manufacturing solution that included the design and manufacture of multi-axis CNC Face Gear grinding machines capable of meeting the exacting aerospace standards on a production basis.

The split-torque Face Gear transmission initially increases power by more than 20 percent with growth capability to 36 percent within practically the same physical operating space as the conventional transmission. The Face Gear transmission has only two reduction stages, compared to three in the conventional transmission, reducing the number of parts and weight. It is also expected to have 200% better availability.

Northstar has been working on the Apache Block III program under a development contract to Boeing since 1999 and will continue development work into the fourth quarter of 2010. The current Army objective is for 690 AH-64D Apache Block III helicopters over the next 15 to 20 years. Foreign aircraft sales and spares could significantly increase orders for Face Gear transmissions.

"Receipt of this purchase contract is a significant milestone for the Apache Block III Program, Northstar and our many employees who have contributed to the development of Face Gear technology. Sole manufacturing rights for Face Gears will provide Northstar with a building block for profitable growth well into the future. Foreign sales provide additional growth opportunities," said Glenn Hess, President and Chief Executive Officer, Northstar Aerospace, Inc.


Source: Northstar Aerospace

 

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Aerojet Awarded Boeing Contract for Apache Block III Components
UNITED STATES - 10 MAY 2010

(Sacramento, Calif., May 10, 2010) -- Aerojet, a GenCorp (NYSE: GY) company, announced today that it has been selected by The Boeing Company to supply heavy alloy weights for Boeing's revolutionary Composite Main Rotor Blade (CMRB) in support of the AH-64D Apache Block III (AB3) program.

Under the initial contract, Aerojet will deliver completed rotor weights to support Boeing's production of the U.S. Army's low rate initial production requirements for AB3 (approximately 43 aircraft) in 2010. Completed deliveries are anticipated by 2012. In an effort to enhance battle support effectiveness and reduce operational and support costs, the U.S. Army intends to procure or upgrade more than 600 aircraft by 2025. Several hundred more Apaches are also candidates for the upgrade and there are current plans for more than 100 additional new build airframes in the near future.

"The CMRB is a vitally important piece of the overall capability that Block III Apache will bring to the warfighter," said Colonel Shane Openshaw, project manager, Apache Attack Helicopter. "Simply put, CMRB improves aircraft performance, improves overall aircraft readiness, reduces life-cycle costs and reduces pilot workload."

The precision-machined tungsten alloy weights perform a critical function in establishing aeromechanical stability of the blade. Aerojet was able to offer these components at significant cost savings over conventionally processed materials. Through Aerojet's efforts, Boeing has also specified the material to a more rigorous industry standard, ensuring a higher level of quality and performance. These improvements are made possible by the incorporation of Aerojet's proprietary near-net shape technology, which is derived from the company's high-performance ordnance manufacturing process. This cost-effective technology was originally developed to manufacture kinetic energy penetrators for M1 tanks, M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Phalanx CIWS and infantry in the field. All work will be performed at Aerojet's Specialty Metals facility in Jonesborough, Tenn. and will be completed by Dec. 2010.

"We are proud to make a critical contribution to this important program," said Aerojet's Vice President of Defense Systems, Dick Bregard.

"Furthermore, this award demonstrates the significant value Aerojet is delivering through its expansion into commercial specialty metals markets."

Source : Aerojet

 

[Frankenstein]

What an ugly looking beast

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

These are no match for contra

 

[Paksindhi]

These are no match for contra

Could'nt agree more