The Japan Defence Agency (JDA) has selected the General Electric T700 engine to power the 60 or more Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters it plans to acquire. The alternative powerplant is the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322.
The Apache was recently chosen over the Bell AH-1Z to meet Japan's AH-X requirement (Flight International, 4-10 September). Budget constraints are likely to mean that only about 10 machines are purchased over the next five years.
However, the JDA estimates about 60 AH-64Ds will eventually be bought although this could change due to "world circumstances or the progress of science and technology. The final amount will be decided based on our mid-term defence build-up plan or the annual expenditure for defence, in addition to the above mentioned facts," says the agency.
Including the Apache purchase in JDA's fiscal year 2002 budget should clear the way for the first aircraft to be delivered in 2005.
Industrial participation in AH-64D and weapon system production by Japanese industry is yet to be decided, the agency adds. It says not all Apaches will be equipped with Longbow radars as a cost-saving measure.
The Apache was selected over the AH-1Z because fewer aircraft will be required to replace the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force's AH-1S Cobras, reducing life-cycle costs, says the JDA.
Source: Flight International
