Enhancing the Apache
October 16, 2024
Boeing and the US Army are continuing to invest in next generation technologies for the Apache, providing an affordable Modular Open Systems Architecture capability. This will allow the Apache to serve as a centrepiece in the Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) battlefield for decades to come.
Boeing describe the Apache as “the world’s most advanced and proven attack helicopter.”
More than 1,280 aircraft in operation have accumulated more than five million flight hours, 1.3 million of which have been in combat. The Apache provides the backbone of the US Army’s attack helicopter fleet and serves with a growing number of international customers. With the AH-64E set to remain in production until at least 2028, the Apache will serve the US Army and partner nations into the 2060s.
To stay ahead of the enduring, acute and pacing threats of today and tomorrow, the Apache will continue to evolve, and will gain the latest technologies in order to keep Army aviators at the forefront of battlefield dominance. The Apache and new ‘Launched Effects’ (weapons) will extend the eyes, ears and reach of pilots in complex environments, increasing the Army and Joint Force’s Global Strike capabilities.
The AH-64E Version 6 (or v6) is the most modern Apache configuration and is a network-centric, fully-connected, fully-integrated weapon system specifically built to dominate in highly contested and complex environments, with multiple enhancements to the aircraft’s sensors, software and weapons, and able to leverage on board and off board sensors, and long range stand-off weapons. These characteristics make it well prepared for the modern Multi Domain Operations ecosystem, promising true MDO decision dominance.
Boeing is not content to ‘stand still’, and is investing in Research & Development (R&D) efforts in order to maintain the Apache’s reputation, support the Army’s 2040 plan and meet the Joint Force’s evolving mission requirements.
Boeing and the Army are continuing to flight test the next Apache upgrade, Version 6.5, which will deliver numerous enhancements to the Army, provide a common software configuration throughout its entire fleet, and create a pathway for further modernization.
The AH-64E v6 and v6.5 will form the basis of what Boeing is calling the Modernized Apache, which will leverage active production lines, engineering resources, training processes and logistics infrastructure to achieve ‘Low-Cost, Low-Risk’ delivery to the fleet at pace.
The Modernized Apache will use a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) approach to mission computing and systems in order to integrate new technologies and capabilities with “never-before seen agility and speed.” This promises to ensure unmatched lethality, networking and survivability in order to stay ahead of emerging and evolving threats.
The Modernized Apache builds on the mature, combat-proven AH-64 platform and combines it with the convergence of cutting-edge attack helicopter technologies to deliver greater reach, endurance, payload, survivability and lethality – dominant multi-role attack capabilities. It represents the most affordable, achievable, low-risk attack helicopter for MDO decision dominance, and will complement and interoperate with current and future platforms in all domains and environments.
Jenny Walker, Business Development capture lead for Apache explained that: “We’re accelerating towards a future in which new capabilities will be integrated onto enduring platforms ‘under the glass’ on a software level versus being ‘bolted on’ in a federated manner. We’re showing how that can be done today on Apache Version 6 and beyond.”
Boeing is paving the way forward for the rapid integration of new upgrades and capabilities onto the Modernized Apache concept including Advanced Flight Controls and Launched Effects. These are intended to ease the workload on Apache aircrew while simultaneously maximizing the reach, lethality and survivability of the aircraft.
Advanced Flight Controls
To support the Army in achieving its goal to “fly, fight and win in all environments and conditions”, Boeing is developing Advanced Flight Controls that will enable state-of-the-art capabilities on the Apache. The Active Parallel Actuation System (APAS) built by BAE Systems and originally developed for the CH-47F and MH-47G Chinook, is the physical control system hardware that enables the Adaptive Vehicle Management System (AVMS).
AVMS is a collection of software technologies that maximize aircraft performance throughout all phases of flight and features haptic cueing to alert aircrew when aircraft limits are being approached. Advanced Flight Controls also prime the Apache for additional future growth, including advancements in autonomy and multi-ship operations.
Boeing is continuing to conduct development and testing using its Hardware-in-the-Loop System (HILS), demonstrating how Army aviators would interact with these Advanced Flight Controls in a lab environment.
Doug Sanders, Business Development capture lead for Apache Advanced Mission Systems and a former Apache pilot with more than 5,000 flight-hours and 2,000 combat hours explained that: “By significantly reducing pilotage workload, crews can fly safely and confidently through the full flight envelope. Combine that with its payload, systems like MUM-T, and network capabilities, you have the most advanced and formidable attack helicopter the world has ever seen.”
Boeing and the US Army are working with other industry partners to explore Launched Effects solutions for the future fight, and Boeing has already demonstrated a crew interface to manage Launched Effects from an Apache.
