Boeing AH-64E Apache Modernized Attack Helicopter Concept Features

 

Boeing has announced a new Modernized Apache attack helicopter concept that builds off the V6 subvariant of the AH-64E Apache Guardian. What's most immediately eye-catching is the additional hardpoint under each of its two stub wings, giving it six in total, under which it can carry directed-energy weapons and air-launched drones. The company says the next-generation Apache design will also feature powertrain improvements for increased speed and range, improved sensor fusion capabilities and greater situational awareness, and other upgrades.

The Modernized Apache's unveiling comes as the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) kicks off its main annual convention and trade show in Washington, D.C.,. The U.S. Army is currently pushing ahead with a major modernization effort, called Future Vertical Lift (FVL), which aims to acquire a number of different next-generation rotary-wing aircraft, including a new armed scout helicopter. However, the Army expects to continue operating various existing types, including hundreds of Apaches, for at least another 25 to 30 years.

"The Modernized Apache concept is capable of seamlessly and effectively meeting the Army’s evolving attack and reconnaissance requirements – including increased agility, interoperability, lethality, survivability and reach," according to a press release Boeing issued today. "It also leverages, protects and preserves the established, worldwide industrial base already mature and in place to support future Apache engineering, manufacturing, development and production."

 

The Modernized Apache into the following six categories:

1. Drivetrain upgrades to unlock Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) capabilities for enhanced power, range, efficiency and speed

2. A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for maximum interoperability, and faster integration and fielding of advanced capabilities

3. Advanced mission systems to increase interoperability to the network and to reduce pilot cognitive strain and workload during operations

4. Advanced sensors and sensor fusion for better and more resilient connectivity across domains and operations in all environmental conditions

5. Airborne long-range precision munitions, Air Launched Effects (ALE) and potential future directed energy weapon system integration for increased lethality

6. Advanced sustainment through a more capable and lower life cycle cost airframe, as well as affordable remanufacture and minimized procurement costs

The tubular launch containers most likely represent Common Launch Tubes (CLT), which can be loaded with various munitions, as well as air-launched drones. The pod looks very much like one from Raytheon that contains a solid-state high-energy laser directed energy weapon that has been demonstrated on the Apache in the past. Though it seems less likely due to its size and shape, the 'pod' could also potentially be a range-extending external fuel tank.

The U.S. Army is looking to acquire a family of air-launched drone systems, which it refers to collectively as ALEs and that will be able to carry out a wide variety of tasks as part of autonomous networked swarms.

In partnership with Sikorsky, Boeing had previously pitched an entirely new armed helicopter design as a complement to a compound transport helicopter called the SB>1 Defiant. The U.S. Army has been testing an SB>1 prototype and a refined derivative of that design, the Defiant X, is in the running for the service's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition, which is part of the overarching called Future Vertical Lift effort.

Sikorsky, now a division of Lockheed Martin, now has a different armed scout design, called RaiderX, in the running for the Army's Future Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competition, which is also part of the Future Vertical Lift initiative. 

Altogether, the Modernized Apache is a less dramatic departure from the core AH-64 design than what Boeing has pitched in the past. At the same time, the new configuration, with its ability to carry more stores under its extended sub wings and other improvements, could still provide a significant new boost in capabilities for the U.S. Army, and other existing and future operators of the type, in the near term.