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Block III Apaches to add power, UAV control
Staff writer - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jan 9, 2009 10:12:25 EST
The U.S. Army is working to improve the next-generation Apache Block III helicopter through advanced networking, greater ability to control UAVs, and power and maneuverability upgrades.
A Limited User Test for the Block III Apache is slated for November.
Among the key improvements will be the ability of an Apache pilot to control a nearby UAV. Through a program called Video UAS Interoperability Teaming (VUIT-2), Apache pilots can view UAV footage but not control its direction.
“VUIT-2 is essentially a level two UAS control which gives the ability to take streaming video from a UAV and view it from the cockpit of the Apache. The Block III Apache will go to level 4, which is not just the ability to view the footage but also control the sensors and the routing of the UAV as well. That will be truly the next-generation technology,” said U.S. Army Col. Shane Openshaw, Apache program manager.
The Army is also looking to install the best lightweight armor composites available onto the Block III Apache during the reset process.
“We’re looking at improved external ballistic protection and taking the latest technology and installing it during the remanufacturing process. We are assessing the technology to see what gives you the best bang for the buck. We’re adding an improved drive system so you will have more margin in flight environments — the same Apache with more power,” Openshaw said.
The Block III version, which will have a 701D engine, will be built with new composite rotor blades and enhanced digital electronics.
“Integration and interoperability of the future force will be a fundamental tenet of the Block III. The composite rotor blades will assist in performance enhancement for the aircraft and enable it to fly in high, hot environments,” Openshaw said.
Pilot training will emphasize diving and maneuvering toward fast-moving targets on the run.
“Diving fire and maneuver fire is something that we found to be absolutely essential in our operational environment,” Openshaw said.
Apache-maker Boeing is working closely with the Army on Block III development.
“We’re ahead of production schedule. We have two Block III prototypes flying and the second one is two month ahead of schedule. We are 53 percent done with development for Block III,” said Brad Rounding, Boeing Apache program manager.
Responding to battlefield requests from war zone commanders, the U.S. Army is sending an addition battalion of 20 Apaches to Afghanistan later this year, Openshaw said.
Staff writer - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jan 9, 2009 10:12:25 EST
The U.S. Army is working to improve the next-generation Apache Block III helicopter through advanced networking, greater ability to control UAVs, and power and maneuverability upgrades.
A Limited User Test for the Block III Apache is slated for November.
Among the key improvements will be the ability of an Apache pilot to control a nearby UAV. Through a program called Video UAS Interoperability Teaming (VUIT-2), Apache pilots can view UAV footage but not control its direction.
“VUIT-2 is essentially a level two UAS control which gives the ability to take streaming video from a UAV and view it from the cockpit of the Apache. The Block III Apache will go to level 4, which is not just the ability to view the footage but also control the sensors and the routing of the UAV as well. That will be truly the next-generation technology,” said U.S. Army Col. Shane Openshaw, Apache program manager.
The Army is also looking to install the best lightweight armor composites available onto the Block III Apache during the reset process.
“We’re looking at improved external ballistic protection and taking the latest technology and installing it during the remanufacturing process. We are assessing the technology to see what gives you the best bang for the buck. We’re adding an improved drive system so you will have more margin in flight environments — the same Apache with more power,” Openshaw said.
The Block III version, which will have a 701D engine, will be built with new composite rotor blades and enhanced digital electronics.
“Integration and interoperability of the future force will be a fundamental tenet of the Block III. The composite rotor blades will assist in performance enhancement for the aircraft and enable it to fly in high, hot environments,” Openshaw said.
Pilot training will emphasize diving and maneuvering toward fast-moving targets on the run.
“Diving fire and maneuver fire is something that we found to be absolutely essential in our operational environment,” Openshaw said.
Apache-maker Boeing is working closely with the Army on Block III development.
“We’re ahead of production schedule. We have two Block III prototypes flying and the second one is two month ahead of schedule. We are 53 percent done with development for Block III,” said Brad Rounding, Boeing Apache program manager.
Responding to battlefield requests from war zone commanders, the U.S. Army is sending an addition battalion of 20 Apaches to Afghanistan later this year, Openshaw said.
