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Apache in the News
Apache Block III reaches another milestone toward production
Mike Goettings Photo
The mission: Three AH-64D Apache helicopters sent into an undisclosed country to do a deep strike; they must seize the country’s nuclear plant using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to clear the route so a UH-60 can drop off infantry and secure the site.
The purpose: Boeing test pilots, U.S. Army experimental pilots and members of the Army’s Attack/Reconnaissance Training and Systems Doctrine Capabilities Manager (TCM) group completed a two-week Apache Block III Unmanned Aerial Systems Level of Interoperability (LOI) 3 and 4 assessment in February in the Block III Engineering Development Simulator.
“These crews are doing simulated missions to assess the crew interface design. We are validating software, hardware, crew systems, requirements and design, making sure the systems are functional and meeting operational requirements,” said Crew Systems Engineer Tom Cloud.
LOI 4, part of the Apache Block III upgrade, gives the Apache crew full control of the UAV’s flight profile and payload, including steering the electro-optical sensor and firing its laser designator. The ground-station operator launches the UAV and hands over flight control to the Apache. The copilot/gunner in the front cockpit can modify the vehicle’s flight plan by entering new GPS waypoints.
The assessment is a developmental milestone for the Block III Apache before moving on to the Limited User Test in November and then beginning Low Rate Initial Production in April 2010. First deliveries are scheduled for June 2011. Army aviators who were part of the assessment say LOI 4 UAV connectivity will revolutionize combat operations.
“LOI 4 control really improves situational awareness in the battlefield without workload increase on the pilot,” said CW5 Mike Champion, of the Army’s Attack/Reconnaissance TCM group.
“It’s phenomenal integration; the UAV uses the existing controls, displays and the same procedures for operating the FLIR and laser in the Apache’s MTADS.” “UAV connectivity gives us the ability to fight on more than one front with the aircraft,” said Capt. Jeff Nelson of the Army’s Attack/Reconnaissance TCM group. “We can send missiles using the UAV or perform a recon on a high value target.”
“If you see our Army for instance – after 6 – 9 months training they come here to the kind of situations we bring them – that’s heavy. They really work well as a team. They cope very well with the situation. Then if you look at a platoon level – if you talk to the battalion commanders – you always here the same – they are very, very proud of their personnel and how they perform. It’s very impressive to see.”
“It’s sometimes difficult to make them realise that their contribution, although for a very limited time period of four months, may be small, but maybe in 10, 20 30 years they’ll look back and say it was a significant contribution.”