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The final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters were handed over to the IAF at Air Force Station, Hindan. Earlier in March, Boeing handed over the last five of 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the IAF.

Boeing has completed delivery of all new AH-64E Apache and CH-47F(I) Chinook military helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters were handed over to the IAF at Air Force Station, Hindan. Earlier in March, Boeing handed over the last five of 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the IAF.

“Customer centricity, commitment to the modernization and mission-readiness of India’s defense forces are key values to our partnership with India,” said Surendra Ahuja, managing director, of Boeing Defence India, in the company news release. “With this delivery of military helicopters, we continue to nurture this partnership and are fully committed to working closely with India’s defense forces to deliver the right value and capabilities to meet their operational needs,” Ahuja added.

India is one of 17 nations to select the Apache and has the most advanced variant, the AH-64E Apache which is also flown by the U.S. and many other countries. The AH-64E Apache is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture including the latest communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems. It has an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System that provides day, night, and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. In addition to classifying air and ground targets, the Fire Control Radar has been updated to operate in the maritime environment. It is uniquely suited to meet a commander’s needs, including reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, and lethal attack, across myriad environments – without reconfiguration.

Twenty defense forces around the world either have Chinooks in service or are on contract to receive them. The iconic tandem-rotor helicopter has been the world’s most reliable and efficient heavy-lift helicopter for more than 50 years, allowing customers to operate in climatic (hot), altitude (high), and crosswind conditions that typically keep other helicopters from flying. The CH-47F(I) Chinook contains a modern machined airframe, a common avionics architecture system (CAAS) cockpit, and a digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS). Those innovations and technologies will help the Indian Air Force meet evolving mission demands, maximize interoperability, and reduce lifecycle costs. 

The Indian Ministry of Defence finalized its order with Boeing for the production, training, and support of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters in September 2015. Earlier this year, India and the U.S. signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apaches for the Indian Army during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to New Delhi.

Boeing’s joint venture in Hyderabad, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) has been producing aero-structures for the AH-64 Apache helicopter for both US Army and international customers. TBAL marks a major step towards the co-development of integrated systems in aerospace and defense in India. Boeing’s suppliers in India are manufacturing critical systems and components for the Chinooks, including the crown and tailcone assembly by Tata Advanced Systems and the ramp and aft pylon by Dynamatic Technologies. Boeing today works with over 200 suppliers and partners in the country in support of “Make in India” and “Skill India.”

Photo by Boeing

Legacy Apache deliveries, including new-build and remanufactured helicopters, include 937 A-models through 1997, more than 1,000 AH-64Ds between 1997 and 2013, and more than 500 E-models since 2011.

Boeing recently delivered its 2,500th AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, an E-model Apache for the US Army, from the company’s production line in Mesa, Arizona.

The first production AH-64, an A-model Apache, rolled off the assembly line on Sep. 30, 1983, and was delivered by Boeing heritage company McDonnell Douglas to the US Army in January 1984. Today, Boeing produces and delivers AH-64E helicopters to a growing list of customers around the world.

“The Apache has built an impressive legacy of success, and is well-positioned to bring relevant technologies and capabilities that defense forces require today and in the future,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president of Attack Helicopter programs and senior Mesa site executive, in the company news release. “Company teammates and suppliers worldwide are focused on assembling, delivering, and supporting the US and global customers working to deter aggression and defend freedom. Apache is ready to have a key role in the future of multi-domain operations.”

Today’s E-model Apache features integrated technologies, including communications and navigation capabilities to enhance situational awareness and coordination; a new, faster multi-core mission processor for advanced systems integration; and maritime capability in the Fire Control Radar for watercraft detection and identification, along with a shorter engagement timeline. The helicopter’s improved drive system includes a split-torque face gear transmission, a 701D engine, and composite main rotor blades that ensure the Apache succeeds as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform.

Selected by, or in service today with the US Army and the defense forces of 16 nations, Apache helicopters are slated to fulfill the requirements of aviators and battlefield commanders for decades to come. Planned modernization has ensured that Apaches have evolved with revolutionary technologies. Today’s helicopters feature capabilities for resiliency in multi-mission operational environments.

“As a former Army aviator with military service dating back to October 1978 and later selected to fly the first AH-64A and later the AH-64D model Apaches, it’s a thrill today to be a part of the crews who complete flight testing on aircraft during development and prior to delivery to customers,” said Dave Guthrie, Boeing’s chief pilot for Apache programs. “I know that I’m part of this helicopter’s history and its future.”

Legacy Apache deliveries, including new-build and remanufactured helicopters, include 937 A-models through 1997, more than 1,000 AH-64Ds between 1997 and 2013, and more than 500 E-models since 2011.

Photo by U.S. Army

Marcus Luttrell did not witness the CH-47 Chinook helicopter being shot down, as seen in the movie.

Based on the non-fiction book by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson, the acclaimed, 2013 American biographical military action movie Lone Survivor dramatizes the US Navy SEALs’ counter-insurgent mission Operation Red Wings which took place on Jun. 28, 2005, in Afghanistan. During the mission, a four-man SEAL reconnaissance and surveillance team was given the task of tracking down the Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. The film was written and directed by Peter Berg and stars Mark Wahlberg (Marcus Luttrell), Taylor Kitsch (Michael P. “Murph” Murphy), Emile Hirsch (Danny Dietz), Ben Foster (Matthew “Axe” Axelson), and Eric Bana (Erik S. Kristensen).

While the movie was based on actual events, it has been noted that it contained a number of historical inaccuracies.

For instance, Luttrell did not witness the CH-47 Chinook helicopter being shot down as seen in the film, Guy D McCardle, Jr. (Check out his Space here for more interesting content), Army officer during OIF I and OIF II (2003-2004), explains on Quora.

‘At about 1140Z, two CH-47 Chinooks from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) were approaching the base of Sawtalo Sar, the last known position of the SEALs on the ground in Operation Red Wings. The call signs of these quick reaction force helicopters were Turbine 32 and Turbine 33.

‘In the clip below from Lone Survivor, we see the Hollywood version of what went on in those two helicopters as they approached the mountain. Marcus Luttrell is shown cheering as he saw his fellow SEALs (and Night Stalkers) coming to his rescue. In reality, Luttrell never saw the helicopters and only heard about the downing of Turbine 33 later while he was still in captivity. He thought the Taliban was making up the story and he didn’t believe it at first.

‘In the attempt to provide assistance to the troops in contact, Turbine 33 took the lead and was approaching a landing zone (LZ) in an open meadow surrounded by scrubby trees about 650 meters from the peak of the mountain.’

McCardle continues;

‘As they prepared to settle on the LZ, a white smoke trail was seen streaking up from the trees below. The projectile impacted Turbine 33’s exhaust duct and exploded.

‘The Chinook rolled over in mid-air after the impact and quickly fell to the mountain below where it became a ball of fire. All 16 men aboard, 8 Night Stalkers, and 8 SEALs died.

‘Still, under heavy ground fire, Turbine 32 turned away hard (knocking the men in the troop compartment to the deck) and began to circle the mountain, looking for survivors.

‘After researching many sources, I saw no evidence that anyone in Turbine 32 ever pointed a weapon at the pilot and demanded that they land. That part of the story seems to be pure Hollywood fiction.

‘A no-fire area was established for a 500-meter radius around the downed helicopter to avoid accidentally hitting any possible survivors.

‘The SEALs aboard Turbine 32 desperately wanted to land to aid and/or retrieve their brothers on the ground, but the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) ordered them to return to the airbase in Jalalabad at once.

‘In the film, we see LCDR Kristensen shout “RPG!!!” as he witnessed a projectile trailing a stream of white smoke behind it rushing toward the helicopter. This almost certainly didn’t happen. It was the consensus of the SEALs who witnessed the shoot-down that Turbine 33 was downed by a MANPAD (man-portable air defense) of some kind.’

McCardle concludes:

‘Contrary to what you see in the movie, RPGs don’t leave smoke trails like that. Missiles do.’

Photo by Lone Survivor Movie

Aviators are needed for AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, as well as CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks, and, in some instances, fixed-wing assignments.

With airlines running a reduced flight schedule and generally not hiring the US Army is open to accepting former aviators and crew members back into the service, according to the Army’s command chief warrant officer for the aviation branch.

As explained by Gary Sheftick, Army News Service, in the article With airlines lagging, Army looking to bring former aviators back, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jon Koziol appeared on a Facebook livestream on Jun. 17, 2020, from Fort Rucker, Alabama, and explained the opportunities to those tuning into the page for the Rotary to Airline Group, known as RTAG, founded to help veterans transition to the airline industry.

“As we are all well aware, this global pandemic has made unprecedented impacts on the world’s economies and our personal way of life,” he said. “Some of those impacts may have directly affected your ability to pursue your goals of working for the commercial sector, specifically the airlines.”

The Call to Active Duty, or CAD program, allows Army Reserve and National Guard aviators to apply for a three-year stint back on active duty, Koziol said. Aviators are needed for AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, as well as CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks, and in some instances, fixed-wing assignments.

The retiree recall program is also a possibility, Koziol said, and other programs exist for veterans who only served a few years in the branch.

“No matter how much time you have served in the Army, you are still a Soldier for Life and part of this team,” he said. “We could use your expertise.”

Some Army civilian positions are available for aviators on Fort Rucker, he said, directing listeners to check the USAJobs website. In addition, contractor positions are available under instructor and maintenance contracts.

UH-72 Lakota pilots are needed to instruct the Initial Entry Rotary Wing and other courses. He said test pilots are also needed and additional opportunities exist for fixed-wing pilots, mechanics, and others.

“Basically, across the board, there is more than likely a good chance that we can find a spot for you where you can help,” Koziol said.

While there’s no current shortage of OH-58D Kiowa pilots, some other positions may be available for those aviators, said Chief Warrant Officer 5 David J. Stock II, aviation branch warrant officer proponent.

“We do have the ability, in some instances, for the right officer to bring back some OH-58D pilots and use them in a non-flying position,” Stock said.

Koziol said recent studies indicate it may take commercial airlines two or three years to get back to the operating schedules they had before the pandemic.

In addition to the active force, the Army Reserve and National Guard also have positions available for aviators, Koziol said. He explained that positions vary depending upon location and the aircraft in each state.

Photo by Spc. Hunter Garciaand Tyler Greenlees / U.S. Army

The Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant recently achieved 205 knots, surpassing the top speed of the legendary Black Hawk.

Released on Jun 9, 2020, the interesting video in this post features the Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant helicopter continuing its test regiment and expanding the flight envelope. The Defiant recently achieved 205 knots, surpassing the top speed of the legendary Black Hawk, Lockheed Martin announced in a news release.

Sikorsky Chief Test Pilot, Bill Fell remarked that this milestone is just the beginning and that the SB>1 Defiant has “got a lot more in it.” Reaching new speeds in low-level flight will be key to providing the US Army the capabilities they need to dominate the multidomain battlefields of the future. 

To replace the Black Hawk, the Army’s next-generation helicopter must conduct air assaults from extremely long distances and evade enemy anti-aircraft systems. It is crucial that the aircraft can fly at the lowest possible altitude with a precise combination of speed and maneuverability. The aircraft needs to land quickly in tight landing zones under fire, deliver soldiers, and immediately depart.

The SB>1 Defiant is uniquely suited to achieve those objectives. Its revolutionary compound design leverages game-changing technologies to offer an integrated solution with increased speed, range, maneuverability, and survivability to extend the warfighter’s capabilities on the modern battlefield – all while fitting in the same footprint as its Black Hawk predecessor.

Through innovative design and development activities throughout the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstration (JMR-TD) program, the SB>1 team has refined its understanding of the X2 Technology that can be leveraged to fill the capability needs of the Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). With the data gained from the wind tunnel, Power System Test Bed (PSTB), and test flights, this team is ready to take the next steps in designing an affordable, survivable, and sustainable FLRAA solution.

The SB>1 Defiant is specifically designed to demonstrate technology for the FLRAA mission. The helicopter’s superior handling qualities and speed allow it to safely get to the objective, perform the complex mission, and depart quickly. The SB>1 team chose this configuration featuring coaxial rotors and a rear-mounted pusher propulsor for a specific reason – to achieve the common goal that they have with the U.S. Army to design the absolute best next-generation air assault aircraft.

Photo by Lockheed Martin

The Containerized Flight Training Device provides realistic cockpit or system displays (i.e. visual resolution, tactile, spatial, audio, and functionality) and can simulate weather and tactical environments.

The H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters program office (PMA-261) took delivery of the first training device for the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter on Apr. 14, 2020.  The Containerized Flight Training Device (CFTD) is housed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, Jacksonville, NC.

According to a NAVAIR news release, the CFTD, built by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Veraxx, provides realistic cockpit or system displays (i.e., visual resolution, tactile, spatial, audio, and functionality) and can simulate weather and tactical environments. It is also capable of connectivity with other simulators for Enhanced Attitude Control and other aircraft training scenarios.

“The CFTD is an amazingly capable training device,” said Colonel Jack Perrin, PMA-261 program manager. “It is a much less expensive practice than using operational equipment and provides near-aircraft fidelity into a state-of-the-art training simulator for the fleet.”

Tom Gordon, Vice President of Lockheed Martin training and simulation solutions said: “This state-of-the-art simulator prepares Marine Corps aviators to fly this digital, fly-by-wire aircraft in a cost-effective highly immersive virtual environment. Training in these devices will prepare Marines, both aircrew and pilots, for operational deployment.”

The CFTD is the first in a series of new training devices being developed for the CH-53K. All training devices will eventually be located at the Center for Naval Aviation Technology Training (CNATT) at MCAS New River, where all of the aircraft’s aircrew and maintenance maintainers will be trained. Delivery of two other CH-53K training devices – the Helicopter Emulation Maintenance Trainer and the Composite Maintenance Trainer are also expected this year.

The CH-53K is completing development tests, leading to the Initial Operational test and Evaluation in 2021. The first fleet deployment of the aircraft will be in 2023/24. The simulation software continuously updates, so as the program team makes necessary modifications to the CH-53K in the future, the CFTD will also change.

The CH-53K King Stallion advances Sikorsky’s 50 years of manufacturing and operational success with its CH-53A, CH-53D/G, and CH-53E predecessors. Built to thrive on the modern battlefield, including shipboard operations, the CH-53K aircraft is designed to be intelligent, reliable, low maintenance, and survivable in the most austere and remote forward operating bases.

The CH-53K helicopter has been designed and built to the exacting standards of the US Marine Corps (USMC) and will serve as its critical land- and sea-based logistics connector. The new heavy lifter will allow the USMC and international militaries to move troops and equipment from ship to shore and higher altitude terrain, more quickly and effectively than ever before.

Photo by U.S. Navy

The 4.5-hour test was accomplished over Chesapeake Bay with a KC-130J aerial refueling (AR) tanker

The CH-53K King Stallion recently aced an air-to-air refueling test, successfully demonstrating long-range logistics support capabilities for the U.S. Marine Corps. The 4.5-hour test was accomplished over the Chesapeake Bay with a KC-130J aerial refueling (AR) tanker.

“The aircraft went to the tanker this week and it was very successful, proving it is a long-range vertical logistic workhorse,” said Col. Jack Perrin, H-53 heavy lift helicopters (PMA-261) program manager, in NAVAIR News Release.

According to the CH-53K test team, the wake survey test assessed the performance of the aircraft when flying behind the tanker in strong, turbulent air. The aircraft’s crew successfully plugged the drogue, a funnel-shaped basket towed behind the KC-130J. These tests were performed at increasing closure rates to ensure the CH-53K can handle the forces on the refueling probe when contacting the drogue during aerial refueling.

“The aircraft was able to meet the desired performance for all engagements,” said Perrin. “The ‘K’ is the long-range enabler that we need now and into the future.”

“The successful air-to-air refueling test reinforces the superior capabilities of the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter and its ability to carry more Marines, cargo, and equipment over longer ranges and in more challenging environments than any other rotorcraft in the world. As the only fully marimized heavy lift helicopter, it will allow the Marines the operational flexibility and reach to fly over open waters to complete long-range missions in support of expeditionary advanced base operations,” Bill Falk, Sikorsky program director, CH-53K, pointed out.

The CH-53K King Stallion continues to execute within the reprogrammed CH-53K timeline, moving toward completion of the developmental test, leading to the initial operational test and evaluation in 2021 and the first fleet deployment in 2023-2024.

Photo by U.S. Navy