400th V-22 Osprey delivered
The Bell Boeing V-22 team recently delivered its 400th aircraft, a CV-22 for US Air Force Special Operations Command. The first production V-22 was delivered on 24 May 1999 and today deliveries occur under the Multi-year Procurement III contract valued at $5 billion. That contract runs through 2024 and includes variants for the Marines, Air Force, and Navy, as well as the first international customer, Japan.
The V-22 takes off, hovers, and lands like a helicopter yet flies long distances like a turboprop aircraft. The CV-22 variant performs special operations missions, including infiltration, extraction, and resupply, that conventional aircraft can’t. The Marine Corps variant, the MV-22B, provides the safe and reliable transportation of personnel, supplies, and equipment for combat assault, assault support, and fleet logistics. The Navy variant, the CMV-22B, is the replacement for the C-2A Greyhound for the carrier onboard delivery mission.
The V-22 has been deployed in a variety of combat, special operations, and humanitarian roles since becoming operational in 2007. Having accumulated more than 500,000 flight hours, the V-22 is safe, survivable, and combat proven. Bell Boeing’s post-delivery support includes maintenance, modifications, supply chain expertise, data analysis and more than 160 field operations employees embedded at customer locations.
First F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets to USN for Flight Test
Boeing delivered the first two F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets to the US Navy for flight testing. One jet is a single-seat E model and the other is a two-seat F model. “The aircraft will be used for carrier suitability and integration testing of all Block III mission system components,” stated Steve Wade, Boeing vice president, F/A-18 & E/A-18G programmes. “These test jets will ensure crews have plenty of time to become comfortable with the new, next-generation systems before receiving operational aircraft.”
The Navy will use the aircraft to familiarise pilots with the advanced cockpit system’s new 10-inch-by-19-inch touchscreen display and test the capabilities delivered with the enhanced network capability. In addition to these enhancements, the Block III configuration adds capability upgrades that include longer range, reduced radar signature and an enhanced communication system. The fighter’s life also will be extended from 6,000 hours to 10,000 hours. In 2019, Boeing was awarded a contract from the Navy for 78 Block III Super Hornets. Boeing and Navy test teams have also flown conformal fuel tank prototypes.
Morocco Orders 24 AH-64E Apaches
Morocco is the 17 th country to acquire the Boeing AH-64 Apache through a contract for 24 of the helicopters that was recently signed. Boeing has delivered nearly 2,500 Apache helicopters to 16 nations to date, including the US, Netherlands, Greece, United Kingdom, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Deliveries to Morocco are expected to begin in 2024.
The AH-64E Apache is the latest configuration of the attack helicopter. It is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture including the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It has an improved Modernised Target Acquisition Designation System that provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. In addition to classifying ground and air targets, the Fire Control Radar has been updated to operate in a maritime environment.
2,500th AH-64 Apache delivered
Boeing recently delivered its 2,500th AH-64 Apache helicopter, an E-model Apache for the US Army, from the company’s production line in Mesa, Arizona. The first production AH-64, an A-model Apache, rolled off the assembly line on 30 September 1983 and was delivered by Boeing heritage company McDonnell Douglas to the US Army in January 1984. Today, Boeing is producing and delivering AH-64E helicopters to a growing list of customers around the world.
“The Apache has built an impressive legacy of success, and is well-positioned to bring relevant technologies and capabilities that defence forces require today and in the future,” stated Kathleen Jolivette, vice president of Attack Helicopter programmes and senior Mesa site executive. “Company teammates and suppliers worldwide are focused on assembling, delivering and supporting US and global customers working to deter aggression and defend freedom. Apache is ready to have a key role in the future of multi-domain operations.”
Today’s E-model Apache features integrated technologies including communications and navigation capabilities to enhance situational awareness and coordination; a new, faster multi-core mission processor for advanced systems integration; and maritime capability in the Fire Control Radar for watercraft detection and identification along with a shorter engagement timeline. The helicopter’s improved drive system includes a split-torque face gear transmission, a 701D engine and composite main rotor blades that ensure the Apache succeeds as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform.
Selected by, or in service today with the US Army and the defence forces of 15 nations, Apache helicopters are slated to fulfill the requirements of aviators and battlefield commanders for decades to come. Planned modernisation has ensured that Apaches have evolved with revolutionary technologies. Today’s helicopters feature capabilities for resiliency in multi-mission operational environments.
“As a former Army aviator with military service dating back to October 1978 and later selected to fly the first AH-64A and later the AH-64D model Apaches, it’s a thrill today to be a part of the crews who complete flight testing on aircraft during development and prior to delivery to customers,” stated Dave Guthrie, Boeing’s chief pilot for Apache programmes. “I know that I’m part of this helicopter’s history and its future.”
Legacy Apache deliveries, including new-build and remanufactured helicopters, include 937 A-models through 1997, more than 1,000 AH-64Ds between 1997 and 2013, and more than 500 E-models since 2011.
Indonesia for 8 MV-22 Block C Ospreys
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Indonesia of eight MV-22 Block C Osprey aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2 billion. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Also included are twenty-four AE 1107C Rolls Royce Engines; twenty AN/AAQ-27 Forward Looking InfraRed Radars; twenty AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems; twenty AN/APR-39 Radar Warning Receivers; twenty AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems; twenty AN/APX-117 Identification Friend or Foe Systems (IFF); twenty AN/APN-194 Radar Altimeters; twenty AN/ARN-147 VHF Omni¬Directional Range (VOR) Instrument Landing System (ILS) Beacon Navigation Systems; forty ARC-210 629F-23 Multi-Band Radios (Non-COMSEC); twenty AN/ASN-163 Miniature Airborne Global Positioning System (GPS) Receivers (MAGR); twenty AN/ARN-153 Tactical Airborne Navigation Systems; twenty Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS II); twenty M-240-D 7.64mm Machine Guns; twenty GAU-21 Machine Guns, etc.
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