A network-centric force has a dramatically improved situational awareness and quality of information, which, in turn, leads to dramatic improvements in military effectiveness across the board.” When U.S. Army Secretary Francis Harvey spoke those words at his official welcoming, he was talking about a prime goal of Army transformation.

While Harvey said that fully network-centric operations (NCO) were a “long-term” goal, Boeing’s AH-64D Apache Longbow is giving warfighters networked capabilities in the field today. And, about once-a-year, Apache again proves its interoperability and demonstrates the latest advancements in its NCO functions during testing at Ft. Hood, Texas.

Among the technologies that have been certified is the ability to have joint communications with Air Forceplatforms using the Air Force Application Development Program (AFAPD) protocol for message transmission/reception. “AFAPD is a combat-proven force multiplier that provides today’s AH-64D aircrews with situational awareness, increased mission effectiveness, and increased lethality,” explained Paul Hutchinson, team leader, Apache NCO/Battlefield Management Integrated Product Team.

AFAPD allows the Apache to exchange messages with the U.S. Air Forces E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft both getting and sending target information. Some of the Apache’s message communications are compatible with variants of A-10 and F-16 aircraft.

Apache has been certified, as well, in its use of the Variable Message Format (VMF) messaging system that can be transmitted over the military’s Tactical Internet. Apache can exchange fire support and situational awareness information, situation and spot reports and more using VMF through various radios. The Tactical Internet also lets Apache share information on tracking “blue forces” (friendly forces) using the Beyond Line of Sight Blue Force Tracking radio. Since this radio only requires line-of-sight connection with a satellite, Apache is assured connectivity in almost any situation.

Apache can use these various systems to feed friendly and enemy force situational awareness information to a database that provides information to several command and control systems.

The Apache’s annual interoperability evaluations take place at the Fort Hood’s Aviation Multi-Mission Technical Integration Facility and Central Technical Support Facility.

“The intra-Army Interoperability Certification is not only a node/weapon-system/platform certification it is a System-of-Systems certification,” said Hutchinson. “The Army has to ensure that it is providing its commanders and soldiers with nodes/weapon-systems/platforms that are fully able to communicate, coordinate, collaborate, and execute. The certification is the process that ensures this happens.”

Those who test the Apache say the evaluation ensures the AH-64D is delivering on its networked promises. “Apaches are better integrated with other Army C4I (command, control, communications, computers and intelligence) systems because of the testing,” said David A. McClung, lead engineer and director AMTIF/CTSF. “That ensures networked lethality and a common friendly and enemy operational picture.”

What difference do these changes make for the soldiers who fly Apache? “It’s simple, Apache gives better situational awareness, reduces fratricide, it’s a combat multiplier and enables networked operations,” said Hutchison.

Apache first completed the certification in 2000. The latest Lot 8 Apaches went through the assessment this spring.

“Networked information is the ‘high ground’ of today’s and tomorrow’s battlefield,” said Mike Burke, director of Apache Business Development. “It’s what gives commanders and their troops the ability to out-plan, out- maneuver and defeat their enemy. Each year, Apache shows it is giving commanders that high ground.”

Recently Boeing and the Army signed the first production engineering contract for Block III AH-64D Apache Longbows. That paves the way for continued modernization of the world’s most capable multi-role combat helicopter, and ensures its formidable networked and interoperability prowess will grow.