Apache - the Legend Continues…
Gary Parker Photo
Apaches have been a dominant force on the battlefield since the first AH-64A entered service in 1984. And that dominance continues today as AH-64D Apache Longbows fly in support of our ground soldiers all around the world.
Operational tempo has never been higher and the readiness rates remain outstanding. Apaches are influencing the fight in urban areas, mountainous regions, and under adverse weather conditions. Apaches are protecting soldiers and ground convoys, escorting aerial missions, destroying targets and working in cooperation with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Simply stated – Apaches, the people who design, build and support them, and the soldiers who fly and maintain them, are absolutely remarkable.
My number one priority is to continue our unwavering support to the Soldier by keeping Apache ready and relevant.
My number one priority is to continue our unwavering support to the soldier by keeping Apache "ready and relevant." Apache's current readiness and relevance, and the capabilities we are producing and fielding today, are the result of yesterday's investment and focus on critical improvement areas. Tomorrow's Apache will be the result of investments we make now. Today we continue to remanufacture our AH-64A fleet into AH-64D Apache Longbows as well as produce new AH-64D aircraft to replace those lost in combat. Modernized-Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) production and fielding are nearly complete and the Army has moved ahead on a strategy to modernize all of our Army National Guard AH-64A battalions with AH-64D Apache Longbows. All of these production and fielding efforts are delivering capability to the soldier ahead of schedule!
Additionally, one battalion of Apaches is already equipped with a capability to bring UAV video directly into the cockpit of the aircraft. Several additional battalions with this capability are planned for production in 2010. This Level 2 UAV interoperability is a "bridge" to the Level 4 capability that will be delivered as part of the Apache Block III program – more on that later.
Upcoming during the next year will be efforts to produce and field a capability in the PNVS turret that enables the pilot to see visible and near-Infrared (IR) light. This is a bridge to the objective of an Image Intensification (I2) capability. Also in the upcoming year, I expect to kick-off efforts to address growing obsolescence in the TADS/PNVS day side with a side effect being possible performance improvements in the system. Investment in the next generation of Apache is ongoing and we are on the verge of delivering Apache Block III, the next significant evolutionary leap in warfighting capability. Apache Block III adds significant combat effectiveness while tackling ongoing obsolescence challenges to ensure the Apache remains a viable combat multiplier well into the future. The cornerstone of Block III is the insertion of mature technologies into an already proven weapon system. Block III enhancements will improve aircraft performance, increase survivability, lethality, network interoperability, and situational awareness, and enable future insertions through addition of an Open Systems Architecture. A significant improvement in the Manned/Unmanned Teaming capability, Block III will also include Level 4 UAV interoperability which will enable the Apache crew to see real-time UAV video, control UAV sensor payload, and provide route waypoints for the UAV to fly.
As Apache News 2010 is published, development testing continues and the first operational test (Limited user Test) of Apache Block III is underway. This testing will confirm the maturity of the technologies, the ability of the Block III to meet its requirements and will support a Low Rate Initial Production decision scheduled for April 2010. The Apache Block III program is on schedule and the production line will begin delivering aircraft in 2011.
In conclusion, I have to say that I believe I have the best job in the Army – leading the team of Government/Industry professionals who are focused and dedicated supporting the soldier – U.S. soldiers and soldiers from allied nations. This professional team identifies and solves problems, controls costs, and delivers on time, all the time. The team is totally committed to providing the best capability possible to the best soldiers in the world – Apache is great because the Apache team is great.
Thanks to everyone for all you do! And most importantly, thanks to our soldiers for your courage and service. ATTACK!
COL Shane Openshaw
U.S. Army Apache Program