US Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters on track for major upgrades.

The U.S. Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopter is and will remain the Army’s Attack helicopter for the foreseeable future. Formerly known as AH-64D Block III, in 2012, the helicopter was redesignated as AH-64E Guardian. The Apache Project Office, or Apache PO, has steadily upgraded the helicopter since it was first fielded in the 1980s. The upgrades have produced the world’s premier attack helicopter which is used by the U.S. Army and more than 16 allies around the globe. Belinda Bazinet, U.S. Army, reports.

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A group of AH-64E version 6 Apache helicopters depart the Boeing manufacturing facilities at Mesa, Ariz., on 13 January 2021 bound for Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Wash., for delivery to the 1-229th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (Picture source: US Army/courtesy)

The Boeing AH-64E Version 6.5, is the next version of the Apache Helicopter. It will include an upgraded software program to increase its survivability on the modern battlefield. Aligning with the Program Executive Office, Aviation's common configuration strategy, V6.5 establishes a common operational flight program software baseline across the Apache E model fleet. “We’re very excited about the ongoing development of the V6.5 software as it paves the way for Apache modernization including the integration of the ITEP engine,” Col. Jay Maher, Apache project manager, said. “V6.5 aligns the entire E model fleet under the same software, streamlining training and maintenance while providing a pathway for sensor/capability parity.”

Other V6.5 technology enhancements and insertions include upgrades in lethality, survivability, situational awareness, navigation and communication. It also introduces an Open Systems Interface, or OSI. OSI is an initial step towards a more open systems architecture, which will ultimately allow rapid insertion of new technologies and enhanced capability in future updates. The Apache PO developed the V6.5 upgrades to address DOD security mandates, Army Aviation and Army Capabilities Manager Attack/Recon priorities, and the 2019 Version 6 follow-on operational test and evaluation findings.

Although software heavy, V6.5 includes several hardware insertions, requiring a modification work order that will support the retrofit of all V4 series and V6 series Apache E-model aircraft to V6.5. To date, V6.5 has successfully completed its Systems Readiness Review, and the Preliminary Design Review. The next program major milestone, the first flight, is scheduled for the fall of 2023. The V6.5 development program is slated to conclude in 2025 and version 6.5 fielding via aircraft retrofit is currently targeted to start in FY26.

In FY25, the Apache will receive additional software and hardware updates as it integrates the improved turbine engine, or ITE, for developmental testing. Upon completion of the developmental testing, the Apache will support the Advanced Turbine Engine office in the operational test and evaluation for the ITE program.

“We look forward to integrating this more capable engine onto the AH-64E and performing the necessary testing so one day we can get this into the hands of our warfighters,” Katie White, ITE Integration assistant product manager, said. “The Apache ITE Integration team has done a tremendous job collaborating with the V6.5 team, Aviation Turbine Engines Project Office, Boeing, General Electric and other stakeholders to enable successful integration and qualification activities.”

The V6.5 is on schedule for the First Flight in the fall of 2023. The program is slated to conclude in 2025 and fielding via retrofit is currently targeted to start in FY26.