http://www.dsti.net/Information/News/75855
波音希望年底與印度達成“阿帕奇”合同
2012-05-30
[據美國《航宇日報》2012年5月28日報導]據一位元波音防務、空間和安全部（BDS）高管透露，波音正在同印度空軍（IAF）協商出售“阿帕奇”AH-64D多工戰術直升機事宜，並希望2012年年底達成最終合同協議。

BDS 負責國際商務開發的副總裁Mark Kronenberg對航空週刊說：“我們對此很有信心…，我們很可能會在年底達成決議。”但他沒有透露財務細節。

IAF正在尋求購買22架重型攻擊直升機，而其選擇波音的“阿帕奇”而不是俄羅斯的米-28N“夜空獵手”是很容易理解的。

波音早在2009年提交了競標書，但IAF一直沒有宣佈勝出者，儘管俄羅斯稱其米-28由於未滿足IAF的幾項技術需求而退出了競爭。

Kronenberg 說，“阿帕奇”已成功完成了試驗，包括雷達和武器演示驗證。

波音稱，這些直升機的交付將依賴IAF的需求來安排。而根據徵求方案，交付將在合同簽訂的36個月內完成。

作為初始AH-64A“阿帕奇”的下一代改型， 多工的AH-64D裝有兩台高性能渦軸發動機，最大巡航速度可達284千米/小時。這種攻擊直升機擁有鐳射、紅外和其他系統（包括目標捕獲指定瞄準/飛行員建業感測器）以實現定位、跟蹤和攻擊目標。該機能夠裝載鐳射制導的“海爾法”導彈、70mm火箭彈和30mm機炮。另一位波音官員稱，“阿帕奇”合同是一個綜合專案，包括直接商務交易和國外軍事銷售部件。（中國航空工業發展研究中心  王傳勝）

http://news.msn.com.tw/news2655913.aspx
美軍飛彈墜德州 百戶居民撤離

（法新社華盛頓16日電） 官員指出，美軍1架阿帕契（Apache）直升機意外在德州中部投下1枚惰性飛彈，當地數十戶家庭被迫撤離。

奇陵（Killeen）附近胡德堡（Fort Hood）軍事基地聲明，無人因這次意外受傷。奇陵居民告訴警方，他們昨晚看見1架AH-64攻擊直升機內掉出1件物體，落在田野。

聲明表示：「奇陵警局採取行動，找到這件釘在地上的物體並立刻封鎖現場。」

無人因這起意外受傷，但當地媒體報導約100戶家庭撤離。

官員表示，防爆小組發現1枚M36惰性飛彈。M36飛彈是地獄火（Hellfire）飛彈仿製品，專門用來訓練。

這枚惰性飛彈重45公斤，長163公分，等同真正的地獄火飛彈。

飛官阿瑞（Howard Arey）表示，意外發生原因仍在調查當中。

http://www.dsti.net/Information/News/74887
美國陸軍完成“阿帕奇”第三批次的初始測試
2012-04-09
【據英國《飛行國際》網站2012年4月4日報導】美國陸軍已經完成了波音AH-64D第三批次（Block III）武裝直升機的初始作戰測試，但為使AH-64獲得新的作戰能力，新技術融合的步伐仍在繼續。
    美陸軍“阿帕奇”專案經理謝恩•歐彭肖稱：“在加利福尼亞州福特•歐文國家訓練中心進行的初始作戰測試和評估（IOT&E）剛剛完成。雖然測試結果還沒有公佈，但我認為Block III在測試中的表現足夠出色。”
    除了換裝新型動力更強勁的發動機、更好的傳動系統和新型複合材料槳葉等機械增強措施外，Block III還對航電系統進行了改進，使其獲得了更穩定的性能。歐彭肖稱全新的開放式電腦硬體將允許Block III在未來持續增添新能力。
    這些未來將獲得的能力中就包括通過一個Ku波段資料鏈對MQ-1C“灰鷹”等無人機進行直接控制。Block III能在旋翼軸上方類似“長弓”雷達的地方佈置一個儀器艙，用於安裝洛克希德•馬丁生產的無人機系統資料鏈套件（UTA），該儀器艙與“長弓”雷達共用眾多元件和介面。
    美陸軍Block III產品經理表示每架Block III都可根據需要安裝雷達或UTA，也可都不裝。UTA允許Block III飛行員控制一架“灰鷹”上的感測器和武器或直接控制其飛行路徑。在雙方都升級使用Ku波段資料鏈後，Block III將具備控制一架RQ-7“影子”無人機的能力。同時，美國正在考慮對UTA進行升級，使其能夠使用更多類型的波形，以便能與其他無人機型號進行通訊。
    美國陸軍還在測試“阿帕奇”上的其他硬體。美國陸軍航空協會展示了一架AH-64 Block II，該機上安裝了一型用於探測和精確定位地面火力的新型系統原型機。歐彭肖表示這型攝像機陣還具有提升機組態勢感知能力的潛在用途，目前這個原型機還沒有明確的部署計畫。（中國航空工業發展研究中心  褚世永）

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-army-completes-initial-tests-on-block-iii-apache-370347/
US Army completes initial tests on Block III Apache
PrintBy:   Dave Majumdar Nashville 04:45 4 Apr 2012  Source:  
The US Army has completed initial operational testing of Boeing's latest Block III AH-64D helicopter gunship, but technology is continuing to add new capabilities to the venerable type.

"They just competed the IOT&E [initial operational test and evaluation] down at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin [California]," says Col Shane Openshaw, the service's Apache project manager. "Although the test results are not out yet, I will tell you that the performance during the test has been outstanding."

In addition to mechanical enhancements such as new, more powerful engines, a better transmission and new composite rotor-blades, the Block III has revamped avionics that make the new variant a stellar performer. Openshaw says that new open architecture computer hardware will allow the aircraft to continue to add new capabilities in the future.

"It's not what we advertised, it significantly more," Openshaw says.

One of those new capabilities is the ability to direct unmanned aircraft such as the General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle via a Ku-band data-link. The Block III can be equipped with a Lockheed Martin-built unmanned aerial system data-link assembly (UTA) that fits in a mast-mounted pod resembling the Longbow radar. The pod also shares many components and interfaces with the radar.

Any Block III can accept either radar or UTA - or neither, if the commander so chooses, according to Lt Col Dan Bailey, the army's Block III product manager.

The system allows Block III pilots to control the sensors and weapons on a Gray Eagle or direct its path. Eventually pilots will be able to control an AAI RQ-7 Shadow UAV, once it is upgraded to use the Ku-band data-link, Bailey adds.

The USA is also looking at upgrading the UTA to use more types of waveforms to communicate with other types of unmanned aircraft.

Meanwhile, the army is testing other new hardware on the Apache. On display at the Army Aviation Association of America Annual Professional Forum was a Block II AH-64 featuring a new prototype system to detect and precisely locate ground fire. But Openshaw says that the array of cameras might have additional applications that could potentially increase the crew's situational awareness. It is only a prototype, however, and there is no current plan to field it, he says.

http://www.dsti.net/Information/News/72827
美國交付首套用于升級“阿帕奇” M-TADS/PNVS系統的鐳射測距機
2011-12-09
    [據洛克希德•馬丁公司網站2011年12月7日報導]    洛克希德•馬丁公司為美國陸軍交付用於“阿帕奇”攻擊直升機M-TADS/PNVS系統的首套現代化晝用感測器元件（Modernized Day Sensor Assembly，M-DSA）升級鐳射測距機。

    2008年9月，該公司獲得美國陸軍為期3年的合同，對“阿帕奇”的晝用感測器元件進行升級。第一階段的升級工作旨在增強系統性能，提高M-TADS/PNVS系統對未來武器的適應能力。第二階段包括升級可見光彩色感測器、鐳射光斑跟蹤器、慣性測量元件和晝用感測器元件，以及增加鐳射指示器/標示器。目前，該公司已針對第二階段的工作成功完成了重要設計審查。（北方科技資訊研究所 李雅瓊）

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2011/MFC_120711_LMDeliversMTADSPNVS.html
Lockheed Martin Delivers M-TADS/PNVS Modernized Laser Rangefinder for the U.S. Army’s Apache Helicopter
ORLANDO, Fla., December 7th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] delivered the first Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) upgrade prototype units to the U.S. Army for use on the Apache attack helicopter.

Five System Design and Development (SDD) Laser Rangefinder Designators (LRFDs) were recently delivered to the Army under a three-year contract awarded to Lockheed Martin in September 2008 to modernize the Apache’s Day Sensor Assembly.

The LRFD is the chief targeting aid for the Apache, establishing the range to the target for accurate weapon aiming. For the HELLFIRE II missile, the LRFD designates the aim point with a laser spot. Additionally, the M-DSA LRFD adds an eye-safe laser for safe training exercises.

“Delivery of these five SDD lasers proves the wisdom of our approach to modernizing the rest of the TADS/PNVS,” said Dr. Wayne Hudry, U.S. Army Apache Sensors deputy product manager. “As the first critical component of the upgrades coming for the M-DSA, the LRFD provides an improved tactical laser that supports future weapons, as well as an eye-safe laser that provides soldiers the capability to train like they fight.”

The first phase of the upgrades is being performed to mitigate obsolescence and enhance the system’s performance, as well as to increase the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system’s ability to fully accommodate future weapons.

A second phase includes upgrades to the visible color sensor, laser spot tracker, inertial measurement unit and day sensor structure assembly and adds a laser pointer/marker compatibility. This effort recently completed a successful critical design review in its SDD contract.

“This delivery is a critical step in the Army’s initiative to put more capable and maintainable targeting systems in the hands of Apache aircrews,” said Matt Hoffman, program director of M-TADS/PNVS in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business. “The fully modernized M-TADS/PNVS will significantly enhance situational awareness for the Apache crews, and be a decisive factor in the successful execution of their missions.”

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

http://www.dsti.net/Information/News/71947
AH-64D“長弓阿帕奇”Block III開始交付美國陸軍
2011-11-07
【據英國《飛行國際》網站2011年11月3日報導】11月2日，波音公司向美國陸軍交付了其690架訂單中的首批兩架AH-64D“長弓阿帕奇”Block III攻擊直升機。另外，一架該型直升機訓練機也將在2012年中交付給首個出口用戶中國臺灣，並在2013年開始交付其訂購的30架Block III。同時，隨著米-28N推出競爭，AH-64D Block III型也成為目前印度國防部唯一考慮購買的攻擊直升機。而在沙特和韓國等世界各國，該機也備受青睞，接近獲得訂單。這一成績對於自啟動後經歷了至少兩次挫折的AH-64D項目來說並不壞。就性能而言，AH-64D Block III目前在重型武裝直升機市場中已不存在真正的對手。
    可以說，Block III是彌補AH-64D作戰部署能力的直接產物。1999年，AH-64D在阿爾巴尼亞實際部署中暴露出巨大的性能缺陷，不能在山區進行全武器負荷飛行。原因很簡單：之前二十年的改裝，包括加裝新感測器、武器和支援設備，已經嚴重侵蝕了“阿帕奇”的載荷和速度能力。為了解決這一問題，波音公司採用一種分離扭距平面齒輪對傳動系統進行了升級，從而允許通用電氣將其T700-701D發動機的推力極限由2830軸馬力提升至3400軸馬力。
    四年後，AH-64D再次遭受打擊，這次問題出在防護系統上。2003年對伊拉克的作戰初期，“阿帕奇”機隊表現良好，但在3月24日執行一次預先計畫好的縱深打擊任務時，一隊“阿帕奇”遭到伊拉克民兵的伏擊，一架直升機疑似被步槍子彈擊中後墜落。AH-64專案經理謝恩•歐佩肖上校回憶稱：“那次飛行並不是Block III的決策點，但卻使我們對該型直升機的使用進行了重新審視。”審視的結果是：不應再有大編隊的“阿帕奇”單獨進入敵方縱深區域。為此，最新的Block III標準允許AH-64D控制無人機，代替其飛入敵後方或在編隊前方飛行偵察。AH-64D Block III安裝了用來與無人機通訊的附加天線，但其與美國空軍飛機通訊的能力要等到數年後引入Link 16資料鏈後才能獲得。但未來幾年內不會引入諸如士兵網路信號和多頻網路信號等其他通訊信號。
    2004年2月，美國陸軍正式啟動Block III現代化項目。當時的計畫是按照波音公司未來戰鬥系統（FCS）專案將AH-64D發展成戰場網路中的一個中心節點。然而隨著美國陸軍終止了FCS，Block III項目的這一設想也隨之煙消雲散。FCS的終止使Block III進行了徹底改動，服役壽命得到延長，並為保證機隊服役至2040年進行了必要的性能升級。
    雖然方案經歷了眾多修正，但“阿帕奇”的Block III升級需求始終沒有動搖。旋翼機一直是美國軍方採辦計畫中的最高優先順序。即便是在預算開始削減時，AH-64D Block III仍然獲得了全額資金，並且在低速生產階段的51架訂單結束後，美國陸軍計畫在2012年8月啟動全速生產。僅剩的問題是美國陸軍將以多快的速度採購新Block III，AH-64D Block III產品經理表示最慢的速度是一年裝備一個由兩個營構成的單一戰鬥航空旅。（中國航空工業發展研究中心  褚世永）

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/from-albania-to-afghanistan-us-army-integrates-lessons-into-latest-apache-364245/
From Albania to Afghanistan, US Army integrates lessons into latest Apache  Print
 By:   Stephen Trimble Washington DC 11:12 3 Nov 2011  Source:  

On 2 November, Boeing delivered the first two of 690 AH-64D Apache Longbow Block III attack helicopters to the US Army.

A training aircraft will also be delivered to the first export customer - Taiwan - in mid-2012, with the balance of the nation's order for 30 Block III aircraft to begin delivery a year later.

The Block III version of the AH-64D is also the only aircraft now being considered by the Indian defence ministry for its attack helicopter contest, after the nation eliminated a rival bid from Russia's Mil Mi-28N.

And the US airframer's latest rotorcraft product is close to completing deals all over the world, including in Saudi Arabia and South Korea - not bad for a helicopter programme that survived at least two evolutions of its operational purpose since it was launched.

The AH-64D Block III now has no true competitor that can match its capability in the heavy helicopter gunship market.

The Block III programme was conceived in the immediate aftermath of a notorious operational deployment.

In 1999, Task Force Hawk revealed glaring performance shortfalls in the AH-64D, which Lt Col Dan Bailey - a member of the ill-fated task force, and now AH-64D Block III product manager - said was unable to fly with a full weapons load in the mountains of Albania.

Two decades of added bulk - including new sensors, weapons and support equipment - had eroded the Apache's lift and speed by 1999.

In response, the Block III introduces upgrades to the transmission with a split-torque face gear, allowing US manufacturer General Electric to increase the thrust rating of its T700-701D engines from 2,830shp (2,080kW) to 3,400shp.

Four years later, the AH-64D was again caught off guard. The Apache fleet generally performed well in the second invasion of Iraq in 2003, but a pre-planned deep strike mission on 24 March was a debacle. An Apache force was ambushed by Iraqi villagers and militiamen, and one aircraft was downed - possibly by a mere rifle bullet.

"That specific fight was not a decision point for [Block III]," said Col Shane Openshaw, AH-64 programme manager, adding: "It was an opportunity to re-look at the way we were going to use the aircraft."

Never again would a large formation of Apaches fly deep and alone into enemy territory.

The Block III standard allows the AH-64D to control unmanned air systems (UAS) - so instead of flying deep behind enemy lines alone, UAS could fly ahead of the formation and watch for anything unusual.

Nearly a year after the ambush, the army formally launched the Block III modernisation programme in February 2004. At the time, it planned to make the AH-64D a central node in the battlefield network in development by Boeing's Future Combat System (FCS) programme.

However, that part of the Block III programme's original justification was lost when the army terminated FCS.

The new variant includes additional antennas to communicate with UAS, but the ability to communicate with US Air Force aircraft will not arrive until a Link 16 datalink is added in a few years.

Other communications waveforms, such as the soldier networking waveform and wideband networking waveform, will not be integrated for several years.

In the aftermath of FCS' termination, Block III was re-cast as a service life extension programme and a necessary performance upgrade to keep the AH-64D fleet relevant through to its planned retirement in 2040.

Despite so many concept revisions, the demand for the Block III upgrades for the Apache never wavered. Rotorcraft of all types remain a top priority in the US military's acquisition plans. While budgets are starting to tighten, the AH-64D Block III is still fully-funded - and after orders for 51 aircraft in the low-rate initial production phase, the army is scheduled to make a full-rate production decision in August 2012.

Approval is expected, and the only debate is how fast the service will buy new Block IIIs.

The minimum rate is to deliver enough aircraft to equip a single combat aviation brigade with two battalions a year, Bailey said - and that is not expected to change.

http://www.dsti.net/Information/News/69470
美國陸軍繼續為“阿帕奇”直升機採購“箭頭”系統
 2011-08-02
    [據美國洛克希德•馬丁公司2011年8月1日報導]    洛克希德•馬丁公司獲得美國陸軍一份價值6000萬美元的合同，繼續提供用於AH-64D“阿帕奇”攻擊直升機的“箭頭”現代化目標捕獲指示瞄準具/駕駛員夜視感測器。這是該公司獲得的第8批次“箭頭”生產合同，包括為美國國民警衛隊提供23套“箭頭”套件，以及為美國政府和對外軍售提供零部件和維護支持。合同還包括選擇項，為美國陸軍和其他對外軍售客戶提供46套系統和零部件，如果簽訂，總價值將達到2.9億美元。第8批次基本項合同將在2013年8月完成，選擇項預計在2015年1月完成。

    “箭頭”是“阿帕奇”直升機的“眼睛”，可為駕駛員提供最先進的遠距離光電精確應對和領航能力，確保全天候飛行安全。洛克希德•馬丁公司在2005年5月交付首套“箭頭”系統，並在2005年6月安裝到了首架“阿帕奇”直升機上。 （北方科技資訊研究所 李雅瓊）

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2011/MFC_080111_US_Army_Awards_LM.html
U.S. Army Awards Lockheed Martin $60 Million M-TADS/PNVS Production Contract
ORLANDO, FL, August 1st, 2011 -- The U.S. Army recently awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $60 million follow-on production contract for the combat-proven Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), also known as Arrowhead®, for the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.

The $60 million Lot 8 base contract includes 23 Arrowhead kits for the National Guard, plus U.S. Government and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) spares and support. The contract also includes options for up to 46 systems and spares for delivery to the U.S. Army and an undisclosed FMS customer. Total contract value including the base and all options, if awarded, could reach approximately $290 million. The Lot 8 contract extends production through August 2013 for the base requirements, and January 2015 if all options are awarded.

“Lot 8 represents our continued successful partnership with Lockheed Martin and will provide the Arrowhead upgrades that will complement the conversion of our National Guard Apache battalions from the AH-64A to the AH-64D Longbow,” said Lt. Col. Steve Van Riper, U.S. Army Apache Sensors product manager. “These Arrowhead systems will provide AH-64D aviators with a combat-proven sensor capability required to support our soldiers and international allies around the world.”

The Arrowhead kit modernizes the U.S. Army’s TADS/PNVS, known as the “eyes of the Apache,” by upgrading the infrared sensors and associated electronics. Arrowhead provides Apache pilots the most advanced long-range, electro-optical precision engagement and pilotage capabilities, ensuring safe flight during day, night and adverse-weather missions.

“The highly reliable Arrowhead system saves lives,” said Matt Hoffman, Arrowhead program director in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business. “Arrowhead has demonstrated operational performance second to none, and this contract reflects the confidence our customers have in this low maintenance, highly mission capable system for the Apache.”

Lockheed Martin rolled out the first Arrowhead kit to the U.S. Army in May 2005, and completed integration on the first Apache helicopters in June 2005.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

http://www.dsti.net/Information/News/67594
英國恢復“阿帕奇”海上部署
2011-05-16

【據美國《航宇日報》2011年5月13日報導】英國正再次開啟WAH-64“阿帕奇”攻擊直升機從艦船起飛執行作戰行動，這一工作在該型直升機開始伊拉克和阿富汗的陸基作戰任務的數年內處於中斷狀態。三架WAH-64被部署到皇家海軍的遠洋兩栖攻擊艦上，並參加了“美洲獅11”演習。這次演習是為了演練皇家海軍的反應力量在情報不足情況下應對突發危機的能力，演習在地中海開始，隨後經過蘇伊士運河擴展至印度洋。
參加演習的“阿帕奇”針對數年間海上行動中所發現的作戰問題進行了能力增強。以前行動中，瞄準系統難以進行校準，影響了直升機火力投射的能力。目前，WAH-64已經採用洛克希德•馬丁現代化目標獲取指示瞄準系統進行了能力升級，美國陸軍也採用了該系統。新系統中的一個內置軸線校準機構解決了之前發現的問題。一名英國國防部官員表示WAH-64在最近的海上行動中已經進行了武器發射。（中國航空工業發展研究中心  褚世永）

http://www.dsti.net/Information/News/67068
美國陸軍考慮在AH-64 “阿帕奇”上應用炮火指示吊艙系統
2011-04-22

[據英國《飛行國際》網站2011年4月19日報導]波音公司AH-64D“阿帕奇”第III批次直升機所開展的第三階段的升級改進將考慮利用一個試驗性炮火探測系統給駕駛員提供輔助決策建議。

    計畫于明年裝備的“阿帕奇”第III批次直升機的升級改進是從發動機、旋翼和傳動系統開始的。改進後的直升機將可以在溫度達到35°C 的情況下在1,830米的空中盤旋。“阿帕奇”第二階段的升級改進是在飛機上綜合機載聯合戰術無線電系統。

    第三階段的需求還在定義中，但陸軍官員對由一個炮火指示吊艙可以提供的態勢感知能力感興趣。吊艙是通過加裝3個照相機對炮口火焰進行探測，區分已發射武器的類型，並對發射點進行地理定位。這樣飛行員就可以利用一個目標指示感測器對目標區域進行掃描，從而識別出武器發射人員。

       AH-64目前採用的是前視雷達、紅外和光電感測器，炮火指示吊艙按計劃于明年部署阿帕奇。加裝該吊艙後意味著AH-64將首次擁有可以球形覆蓋飛機周邊的高解析度感測器。通過將炮火指示吊艙與機載處理系統綜合，一旦有威脅發生，AH-64的航空電子系統就可以像飛行員提供決策建議。如果通過驗證，炮火指示吊艙系統將被納入AH-64的第三階段升級改進組件包中。（中國航空工業發展研究中心  羅傑）

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/19/355720/us-army-considers-gunfire-indicator-pod-for-apache-fleet.html
DATE:19/04/11
SOURCE:Flight International
US Army considers gunfire indicator pod for Apache fleet
By Stephen Trimble

A third round of upgrades for the Boeing AH-64D Apache Block III attack helicopter may include a new decision-making aid for the pilot that leverages an experimental gunfire detection system.

The Block III upgrades, scheduled to be fielded next year, start with upgrading the engines, rotors and transmission system of the AH-64. This will allow the aircraft to hover at 6,000ft (1,830m) when temperatures climb above 35°C (95°F). In phase 2, the army will integrate an airborne version of the joint tactical radio system.

Requirements for the third phase are still being defined, but army officials are intrigued by the situational awareness possibilities offered by a gunfire indicator pod, says Col Shane Openshaw, the service's AH-64 programme manager.

The pod includes three cameras on each side of the aircraft that can detect muzzle flashes, classify the type of weapon being fired and geo-locate the source close enough to allow the pilot to scan the area with a targeting sensor to identify the gunman, Openshaw says.

The gunfire indicator pod is scheduled to be deployed on AH-64s in combat next year, he says.

The addition of the pod means that the AH-64 will have high-resolution sensors providing spherical coverage around the aircraft for the first time. The AH-64 now operates with forward-looking radar, infrared and electro-optical sensors.

By integrating the gunfire indicator pod with the aircraft's processing systems, the AH-64's avionics can start providing recommendations to the pilot as specific threats develop, Openshaw says. If approved, the system would be included in the phase 3 package of upgrades for the AH-64, he says.

The Block III Apache is scheduled for roll-out on 2 November ahead of entering an initial operational test and evaluation phase next January.