AUSA 2022: Boeing unveils Modernized Apache concept

Boeing unveiled its ‘Modernized Apache Concept’ at the 2022 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference in Washington, DC. (Janes/Marc Selinger)

Boeing has developed a concept for a modernised version of its Apache AH-64E Version 6 (v6) attack helicopter, the aerospace manufacturer revealed on 10 October at the 2022 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference in Washington, DC.

The Modernized Apache concept includes drivetrain, interoperability, and sensor upgrades, reduced pilot workload, and lower-cost airframe sustainment, the company said. Munition enhancements could include directed energy weapon systems.

As noted by Boeing, the improved drivetrain will unlock Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) capabilities for enhanced power, range, efficiency, and speed; a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for maximum interoperability, and faster integration and fielding of advanced capabilities; advanced mission systems to increase interoperability to the network and to reduce pilot cognitive strain and workload during operations; advanced sensors and sensor fusion for better and more resilient connectivity across domains and operations in all environmental conditions; airborne long-range precision munitions, Air Launched Effects (ALE), and potential future directed energy weapon system integration for increased lethality; and advanced sustainment through a more capable and lower life-cycle cost airframe, as well as affordable remanufacture and minimised procurement costs.

A model based on the concept was displayed at Boeing's exhibit. Among the noticeable features seen on the model and in the concept art but not included in the list of enhancements are extended wings that carry three pylons each, compared with two pylons on each current Apache wing.