A U.S. Army AH-64D Longbow Apache, 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, Fort Campbell Ky., provides ground forces with air support from Forward Operating Base Speicher Iraq, Oct. 21, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway) (Released)
The 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, the “Expect No Mercy” Battalion, is the premier attack helicopter battalion in the United States Army. Its lethal fleet of 24 Ah-64D Longbow Apaches is currently conducting combat operations in Northern Iraq, caring on a long tradition of excellence among Army Aviation.
1-101st first gained notoriety during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, when it fired the first shots of the Gulf War during Operation Normandy, destroying key Iraqi radar sites and creating a safe corridor for US aircraft to commence the air campaign. The battalion again proved itself during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004, conducting several mobile strike deep attacks during major combat operations followed by eight months of quick reaction force (QRF), reconnaissance, and VIP security missions during stability and support operations (SASO). After a rigorous 19 months of training and maintenance back at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the “Expect No Mercy” battalion deployed to Iraq for its second OIF tour.
Since arriving in Iraq, the battalion has conducted an aggressive Relief-in-Place/Transfer-of-Authority (REP/TOA) with 8-229th Aviation Regiment from Fort Knox, Kentucky. The battalion is on track to fly over 1000 combat hours in October, and is already making an impact on operations in Iraq. Initial combat missions involved teams of two “No Mercy” aircraft along with one 8-229th aircraft conducting local area orientations (LAO) to familiarize aircrews with the environment, geography, and unity on the ground. By no means was an LAO an administrative mission though: while on orientations, aircrews participated in numerous reconnaissance
A typical stance of the Department of Defense regarding its objectives is to fight and win on any battlefield, both today and in the future. Boeing has aligned with this mission by aggressively modernizing one of the most iconic and battle-tested elements of the U.S. Army’s arsenal—the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
Updates to the Apache exemplify a paradigm shift in helicopter warfare, ensuring that this aircraft remains a formidable force in multi-domain operations (MDO).
The cornerstone of this modernization effort is a suite of enhancements aimed at extending the Apache’s range and endurance.
Key to this initiative is the integration of a new engine, the General Electric Aerospace T901, facilitated by Boeing’s contract award in 2019 under the U.S. Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP).
This powerplant promises not only greater fuel efficiency but also a significant power boost. Accompanying these engine enhancements are modifications to the helicopter’s tail rotor and fuselage, which, together, contribute to a striking 20% increase in range.
The result is an Apache capable of flying 135 nautical miles to the battlefield, remaining on station for approximately one hour, and returning—a remarkable doubling of the endurance featured in the current E-model configuration.
Moreover, this modernized Apache boasts increased payload capacity, allowing for 3,400 to 4,400 pounds of munitions, including the airborne long-range precision munitions and potential future directed energy weapon system integration.
Significantly, the modernized variant comes with the option of two additional pylons, increasing the total to six, thus expanding the helicopter’s weapons loadout capabilities.
In terms of connectivity and network integration, the AH-64E stands as the most heavily networked aircraft in the U.S. Army’s inventory, and the only platform that conducts integrated Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) for both intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and lethal effects.
The modernized Apache with capabilities for autonomous launch and in-flight digital link-up, positioning it as the nexus of the MDO battlefield.
It is designed to maneuver swiftly, communicate rapidly, strike from range, and endure in large-scale combat to consolidate the kill chain, thereby ensuring decision dominance and a unified situational awareness.
Enhancements in survivability are also integral to the upgraded Apache without compromising its reach or the safety of its aircrews.
A Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) is incorporated, allowing for the rapid integration of emergent technologies and capabilities. It is a design that ensures the Apache grows more capable and resilient with time, remaining combat credible against evolving threats.
Meanwhile, the newest version of the AH-64E Apache, Version 6.5 (V6.5), completed its first flight in Mesa, Arizona, on October 11, 2023.
V6.5 represents the next evolutionary stage of the Apache, aligning the entire E model fleet under a single software framework, simplifying training and maintenance, and establishing a path for sensor and capability parity.
Relevant articles:
– Deep Dive – Modernized Apache Capabilities, The Boeing Company
– Deep Dive – Modernized Apache Capabilities, The Boeing Company
– Newest Version of AH-64E Apache Completes First Flight, dvidshub.net
– US Army to trim Black Hawk helicopter fleet, defensenews.com