Boeing and prime contractor GKN Westland Helicopters are preparing to start ground tests of the first WAH-64D Apache attack helicopter development prototype for the British Army, having fitted Rolls-Royce Turboméca RTM322 engines in an existing Longbow Apache airframe at Boeing's Mesa, Arizona, helicopter plant.
Andrew Walbridge, deputy chief designer of Apache systems for Westland, says that ground testing is "imminent" and that it will continue until the first flight "around the middle of this year".
Boeing is responsible for building the "definitive RTM322 test aircraft", and a further seven WAH-64s will be completely assembled by the US company. Final construction of the remaining 67 aircraft on order will be conducted by Westland at its Yeovil base in the UK. Boeing will deliver a complete airframe with wiring and hydraulics installed, for completion by Westland.
Several detailed design changes continue to be considered for the British Army helicopters. A new blade fold mechanism is being "explored", while Boeing is to "requalify" the de-icing system developed for the A-model Apache.
Since the contract award, Boeing has also developed a "new mechanical break-out device on the control rods" for the US Army's D models, to allow reversion to the back-up control system, which Westland has adapted to "mutual benefit".
Westland has awarded a contract for the new defence-aids subsystem to a team led by GEC-Marconi, and is "-looking at myriad other changes for the UK Ministry of Defence", including a radar warning receiver, and health and usage monitoring systems.
Boeing has completed delivery to the US Army of the Lot 1 production batch of AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter. The army has ordered a total of 232 AH-64Ds ordered under a $1.9 billion five year procurement. The first seven AH-64Ds will begin operational service at Ft Hood, Texas, in April.
Source: Flight International
