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    US Army Reverts to Old Generators for Apaches Amid Safety Concerns

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    United States US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian 17-03153 attack helicopter static display at SIAF Slovak International Air Fest 2019
    United States US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian 17-03153 attack helicopter static display at SIAF Slovak International Air Fest 2019

    The US Army and Boeing have made the cautious decision to revert to older generators for the AH-64E Apache helicopters following incidents of cockpit smoke that raised safety concerns for pilots. Despite the technological step back, the move is seen as a crucial measure to ensure the well-being of the service members and the operational readiness of the fleet.

    Sliac / Slovakia - August 3, 2019: United States US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian 17-03153 attack helicopter static display at SIAF Slovak International Air Fest 2019
    Sliac / Slovakia – August 3, 2019: United States US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian 17-03153 attack helicopter static display at SIAF Slovak International Air Fest 2019

    The issue began to emerge with the Honeywell -11 generator, an upgraded model that was intended to enhance the Apache’s performance. However, this upgrade led to a series of “potentially hazardous flight conditions and precautionary landings,” as disclosed by the Pentagon in Selected Acquisition Reports last fall.

    South Carolina National Guard receives the first five AH-64E model Apache attack helicopters” by SC Guard is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

    The malfunctions were severe enough to fill the cockpits with smoke, causing “breathing and visibility problems” for the pilots, yet, importantly, they did not lead to any accidents or a fleet grounding.

    South Carolina National Guard receives the first five AH-64E model Apache attack helicopters” by SC Guard is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

    Addressing this, a Program Executive Office Aviation spokesman confirmed, “A long-term solution is under investigation. Engineering effort will commence once the program is funded.”

    South Carolina National Guard receives the first five AH-64E model Apache attack helicopters” by SC Guard is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

    In the interim, a temporary modification was introduced to automatically shut down the failing -11 generator upon detecting a fault.

    SMF12-G-233945-Apache AH 64E ground to air shoot in the Arizona desert” by Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    However, a more enduring approach has now been adopted. The Army is transitioning back to the previously installed Honeywell -7 generator model while a next-generation generator is being sought.

    SMF12-G-233945-Apache AH 64E ground to air shoot in the Arizona desert” by Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    John Chicoli, the director of Boeing’s global services for vertical lift and special operations, emphasized that the transition would happen through attrition to maintain operational readiness.

    SMF12-G-233945-Apache AH 64E ground to air shoot in the Arizona desert” by Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    “We’ve seen some improvement … and so readiness is there: We have enough retrofit generators right now [and] it’s not impacting readiness,” said Chicoli at a conference outside Denver, Colo.

    AH-64E Apache” by joolsgriff is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

    On the front of finding a lasting solution, Boeing is investing resources into researching a suitable next-generation generator.

    AH-64E Apache choppers (Taiwan)” by Jon@th@nC is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

    Christina Upah, Boeing’s vice president and program manager for attack helicopter programs, explained that the company is heading up the hunt and will present the service with its findings and recommendations. Army officials will ultimately decide if and how to proceed, including which aircraft variants should receive the new generator and how to test it out ahead of fielding.

    Boeing AH-64E Apache” by TDelCoro is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    The AH-64E Apache, a powerful asset in the US Army’s arsenal, is designed to deliver lethal firepower and perform in various combat roles.

    The U.S. Army AH-64E Apache Helicopters” by Milford Lake is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    This includes close air support, armed reconnaissance, and anti-tank warfare capabilities. The Apache’s versatility and power have earned it a place in the military forces of the US, Israel, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, and the UK, making its reliability and safety paramount.

    1-151st Aviation Regiment conducts 23-ship AH-64E Apache formation flight” by SC Guard is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

    Boeing and the Army’s proactive response illustrates the importance of balancing performance advancements with uncompromised safety.

    South Carolina National Guard receives the first five AH-64E model Apache attack helicopters” by SC Guard is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

    As the search for a next-generation generator continues, the Army and Boeing demonstrate a commitment to innovation, while not losing sight of the pressing need to maintain the highest standards of pilot safety and aircraft readiness.

    Boeing AH-64E Apache (30874933072)” by Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    The adaptation to this unexpected challenge reinforces the value of thorough testing for military equipment and the readiness to respond with swift, albeit sometimes regressive, solutions to maintain the effectiveness of critical defense assets like the Apache helicopter.

    Relevant articles:
    Smoke-Filled Cockpits Prompt Return to Older Generators for Apache Helicopters, SOFREP
    64E Apache generators, eyes new generator options, Breaking Defense
    Apache Choppers Returning to Old Power Generators After Multiple Failures, The Defense Post

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