The Rolls-Royce Turboméca RTM322-powered Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopter made its maiden flight from Boeing's plant in Mesa, Arizona, on 29 May.
The flight lasted 35min, with a range of engine handling manoeuvres being flown, from the hover to 100kt (185km/h) forwards and up to 45kt sideways, says GKN Westland, prime contractor for the UK's RTM322-powered WAH-64D.
The test aircraft is on loan from the US Army. Boeing is the design authority for the airframe, while Rolls-Royce Turboméca is responsible for the 1,565kW (2,100shp) engine, which also powers the EH Industries EH101 Merlin.
Engine installation qualifications are expected to be complete by the end of the year on the first production WAH-64 for the British Army. The helicopter will make its first flight in September. Westland says it is on schedule to deliver the first of 67 aircraft to the British Army in March 2000.
Source: Flight International
