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| The US Army AH-64E Apache V6.5 Latest Version Attack Helicopter First Flight |
Washington - Boeing conducted the maiden flight of the latest version of the AH-64E V6.5 attack helicopter on October 11 2023. The V6.5 version has improved features. This version offers improvements to connectivity, lethality, navigation, and survivability. Boeing will also integrate an improved turbine engine (Improved Turbine Engine/ITE) on the United States Army's AH-64E helicopter.
Vice President of Boeing Helicopter Programs Christina Upah said the various upgrades to this attack helicopter will ensure the Apache continues to dominate the battlefield. “We saw how our hard work was realized through this first flight. "This upgrade will take the Apache model E to the next stage in terms of capabilities, which will ensure the Apache continues to dominate the battlefield in the future," he said, quoted from a Boeing release received by Airspace Review.
The AH-64E V6.5 upgrade was funded through a contract with the US Department of Defense in December 2021. A number of things underwent upgrades such as an improved pilot interface that allows for more optimal routing and attack planning.
Then improvements to Link 16 communications system features, Open Systems Interface (OSI) integration, preparation for a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to achieve maximum interoperability, faster integration, and build proficiency .
Col. John (Jay) Maher, U.S. Army Apache Project Manager, added that version V6.5 aligns the entire E model fleet with the same software, streamlining training and maintenance, while providing a pathway for sensor/capability balance, and enabling the Army to respond to commands and handle critical technology.
In addition to the V6.5, the company worked with the US Army to integrate an upgraded turbine engine. The engine, the General Electric Aerospace T901, will offer improvements in range, power availability, flight duration and fuel efficiency, as well as increased maintenance efforts such as health and monitoring of engine use, maintenance and lifespan.