The Army’s next-generation attack helicopter, the AH-64D Apache Longbow Block III (AB3), makes its professional debut today in Mesa, Ariz., and received a special blessing with some unique fanfare.
The White Mountain Apache Tribe joined the celebration by conducting a solemn ceremony at dawn that honored Apache
First Flight (Maintenance Flight)
ancestors and bestowed Indian blessing for strength and endurance on the newest evolution of this Apache helicopter.
Army Aviation’s leading general officers – MG Tim Crosby, PEO Aviation, and MG Anthony Crutchfield, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence – were on-hand to personally welcome this aircraft to the Army fleet.
So what makes the Apache Block 3 stand-out? Let’s look at some hard facts:
- Faster: Combat speed around 164 knots, about 20 knots faster than those currently in service
- Higher: Ability to operate at 6,000 feet and 95 degrees at an out-of-ground effect hover with a full mission payload
- Efficient: Re-manufacture program, that upgrades and furbishes existing Apaches with AB3 specific capability insertions
Essentially, the new Apaches will be stronger, faster and less constrained in extreme combat conditions.
Why is all of this important? It’s critical that the Army continues to modernize the force by maintaining technical superiority over enemy forces as to ensure we retrain our fighting edge.
In need of more justification, look no further than the clip below that visually illustrates what capabilities AB3 will bring to the battlefield.
The first destination for the AB3’s will be at Fort Riley, Kan. – home of the 1st Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Shortly thereafter, the fleet will held to Fort Campbell, Ky., as part of the Army’s first full-spectrum 101st Combat Aviation Brigade.
Now how does this aircraft support full-spectrum operations? The AB3 will have Level IV functioning, which means the pilot can now control the flight path, weapons systems AND sensors on an Unmanned Aerial System.
All of these capabilities will once again demonstrate Army Aviation’s influence in the battlefield as a major combat multiplayer as it plays a critical role in future mission successes.
For more information on AB3, check out:
- STAND-TO! (28 Oct 2011): http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/issue.php?issue=2011-10-28
- SRTV “Army News Watch” (19 May 2011): http://www.army.mil/media/amp/?bctid=949886354001
- Army.mil “Army building first Block III Apache” (6 April 2011): http://www.army.mil/article/54452/army-building-first-block-iii-apache/
Army Strong!
Submitted by Samantha Reho, Public Affairs Specialist, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs
