Army Air Corp Apache AH-64E

In the heart of Hampshire, a dozen of the newest Army Air Corp (AAC) helicopters are used to train the next cadre of pilots to fly the lethal Boeing AH-64E Apache. The Army Air Corp (AAC) said goodbye to the Apache AH.1 last year and has seen the steady influx of new AH-64Es at both Army Aviation Centre/Army Air Corps HQ at Middle Wallop, Hampshire and Wattisham, Suffolk with 12, of the 50 ordered, still to be delivered from Mesa, Arizona, where the conversion occurs. The procurement of the new aircraft has been a success story with the project coming in on time and on budget.

Airspeed Media had the opportunity to visit Middle Wallop and speak to 4 AAC personnel about the new AH64E. Both Major ‘Mc’ and Major ‘S’ are pilots at Middle Wallop, with Staff Sargent ‘A’ a Ground crew commander and Lance Corporal ‘A’ an Arming Loading Point Commander providing information related to ground crew operations with the Apache.

Design

The AH-64E ‘Guardian’ Version 6 is the latest iteration of the nearly 50 years old Apache design. The Agusta Westland-Boeing AH-1s had many parts that were used to add into the new AH-64E airframes with the addition of many of the new systems to the new helicopter. This work was completed at the Boeing facility in Mesa, Arizona and saw the first new helicopters arriving in the hold of a Royal Air Force (RAF) to Army Air Station Wattisham at the end of 2020. The 7th Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) complete all the necessary checks to the newly arrived helicopters and make any adjustments needed for AAC operations which included quality assurance and airworthiness, together with certification by the UK Military Aviation Authority and assurance of aircraft documentation.

The aircraft’s design ethos centres on four pillars: to be survivable, agile, integrated and lethal.

Survivable

The AH64E has a multitude of features that increase its survivability from differing threats. The basic airframe protection gives the ability for it to survive attacks by small arms fire include the self-sealing fuel tanks filled with nitrogen to stop potential ignition, Electro Slag Remelt metal to absorb incoming rounds, Kevlar armour plating under the pilot seats, designed to withstand 23mm projectiles, and a ballistic blast shield that separates the pilots. Major Mc said, “many of the systems have a redundancy which is found in a different section of the aircraft to allow for damage to be caused yet the aircraft still to function.”

With larger and more lethal threats the AH64E is being fitted with the Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aid Suite (HIDAS). Major S stated, “this is United Kingdom project which at this time is going through trials, with approvals coming through at a good pace.”

The information below is from the Leonardo website:

The Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS) utilises multi-spectral sensors and preloaded intelligence to produce comprehensive tactical pictures of the operating environment. The system offers optimum self-protection by rapidly identifying hostile weapon systems and initiating appropriate tactics and countermeasures. HIDAS is a suite of products which can be scaled to meet the requirements of every helicopter platform. Components of HIDAS include:

▪ Radar warning receiver

▪ Laser warning receiver

▪ Missile warning system

▪ Countermeasures dispensing system

 ▪ Defensive aids system controller ▪ Directional infra-red countermeasures (optional)

▪ Radio Frequency countermeasures (optional)

▪ Electronic warfare operational support facilities.

Key Benefits

▪ Advanced integrated defensive aids system tailored for helicopters

▪ Rapidly detects, identifies, prioritises and counters threats to helicopters, without the need for crew intervention

▪ Greatly enhances helicopter survivability, even in dense threat environments

▪ Long term, cost effective electronic warfare solution for helicopter.

Agile

With changes to the engines, main rotor blades and the wiring system this has created a more agile platform for the crew to utilise in their missions, even when operating a full combat load out.

The AH-64E is fitted with two General Electric T700-701D turboshaft engines, in place of the AH1’s more powerful Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322.  The aircraft has a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and can climb quicker thanks to new composite rotors.  Though these engines provide less power than the previous engines on the AH.1 “the gear box is more robust, which means the crew can get all the power from the engines into the main rotors. The extra power allowed for the extension of the blades with an extra 30 cm being added to the main rotor creating greater performance.” Major S explained.

The T700 is also notably smaller than the RTM322, giving engineers greater access for maintenance and servicing both in the hangar and in the field.

Integrated

As with all modern aircraft the communication and sensor suites are what give them the edge over their opponents. The “software and communications now use optical fibres which means a weight drop, due to not using copper wiring, and allows a much faster processing power,” Major Mc stated, this linked with the ability to transmit and receive data via Link-16 increases ability to engage targets quicker and more efficiently.

With the addition of the Satellite Communication this will, in the future, allow the crews to have access to ROVER data utilising Manned/Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). The link gives the pilot the ability to see and share real-time live information from unmanned platforms, including, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, Watchkeeper WK450 and RQ-7 Shadow. The MUM-T “allows the UAV to complete the recce and designate targets, where the Apache can remain in cover and employ weapons to defeat the target.” Major Mc explained. “Upgrades will be throughout the life of the aircraft and there are plans to have a bespoke UAV that talks to the Apache expanding its lethality.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated into some of the systems including the new CDAS (Cognitive Decision Aid System) allowing the battlefield to mapped through this system, Link-16 communication and integration with other platforms. One of the abilities the AI gives you is through scanning for incoming radar-emissions and comparing them with known sources, the CDAS can identify potential threats and either provide a targeting solution or a navigation routing option avoiding air defence systems to reach other targets. The system can also map the topography of the terrain to allow for masking during the ingress and egress from the target. The crew still make the final decision on the routing options and target designation.

Lethal

Along with the Longbow FCR (Fire Control Radar) and a range of weaponry and weapon loads at its disposal, the AH-64E will still be able to engage a wide variety of targets on the battlefield.

Attached under the nose of all Apache’s is the 30mm M230 chain gun which is used for offence and defence. There has been a change to the gun with the removal of the ‘resolver’ which “measured the recoil, picking up on the first, second and third rounds fired and then the resolver would counter the recoil by hydraulics ensuring the rounds all hit the target. Different techniques are now in the training syllabus to allow for the change to the gun not having the resolver,” stated Major Mc.

The next step up from the gun are the new 19 round rocket pods which fit to the pylons on the stub wings. There have been changes in the procedures due to the software and wiring changes on the AH-64E which “have allowed for the rocket launchers to be loaded with different munitions in each of the 19 positions. Before it was limited to zones across the pod.” said Staff Sargent A. These include the Parachute illumination, Flechette and Point detonating High Explosive rockets.

The Load Maintenance Panel (LMP) has allowed for weapons to be loaded without having to go through the processes in the cockpit when loading weapons. The LMP “counts the rounds for the gun and reads the rockets as they are loaded loosely knowing what they. We are there to complete the final checks and that the aircraft has read all the munitions correctly.” explained Staff Sargent A.

The final weapon in the arsenal is the well-used Hellfire AGM-114 anti-armour missile. The AGM-114L is still in use at this time but it is confirmed that the ‘L’ will be replaced by the AGM-114R and the new AGM-179 Joint Air-to Ground Missile (JAGM). The ‘R’ will replace the ‘L’ due to a multi-purpose warhead which can be employed against soft, armoured and embedded targets on land or at sea. This change will eliminate the need for the AH-64E to carry multiple different versions of the Hellfire and improve the aircrafts effectiveness on the battlefield.

The JAGM features dual-mode Semi-Active Laser (SAL) and millimetre wave (MMW) radar sensors offering a fire-and-forget capability. Manufacturer Lockheed Martin states that alongside stationary and moving land and maritime targets, the weapon can also prosecute airborne threats. The new JAGM head is fitted to the body of the Hellfire which means that there is not a need to change the rails on the pylon.

The Longbow Fire Control Radar has been upgraded with the information from the Northrop Grumman website describing the what the upgrades entail.

The FCR's primary combat targeting modes include Ground Target Mode (GTM), Air Targeting Mode (ATM), and a new Maritime Targeting Mode (MTM) for the AH-64E. These modes provide rapid detection to engagement timelines. The FCR performs wide area search, precise detection, location and classification of up to 256 simultaneous moving and stationary targets. From these, the system then prioritizes the top 16 targets for immediate evaluation and, if desired, engagement by the aircrew. This system enables the potent Apache attack helicopter to prosecute targets day or night, in adverse weather and obscured conditions.

Additional modes include Terrain Profile Mode, which significantly aids aircrew situational awareness to avoid terrain and large obstacles under degraded environments, including weather and battlefield conditions; and Target Location Cueing to the Apache's Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System (MTADS) for positive target identification.

In addition to the new Maritime Targeting Mode, other significant advanced capabilities provided to the AH-64E include: Doubling target detection ranges from the original 8 km to 16 km (4X increased detection volume) - further extending crucial situational awareness; 360 degree surveillance and single target track across land, air and sea missions and improved detection of smaller unmanned aerial vehicles.

Maintenance and support

The maintenance and support for the AH-64Es at Middle Wallop and Wattisham is provided by Boeing Defence UK under a £288 million Long Term Training and Support Services (LTTSS) contract, Boeing work closely with the British Army to provide maintenance and engineering support, supply chain and logistics management.

Training

The majority of pilots who flew the AH.1 variant have now transferred to the AH-64E, and this was completed through a “first phase of training was completed in the US utilising their bridging course. Once this initial cadre of pilots returned, they began teaching the remaining crews in the UK and this continues now.” Major S.

From the new crew’s initial arrival at Middle Wallop from RAF Shawbury, after completing the Basic and Advanced training, it is a 16-month course to learn to the conversion to type and then the conversion to role. There are 12 new pilots arriving at Middle Wallop at one time to go through the training with additional courses running at the same time which bring past AH.1 crews, who have been on staff roles or returning to the squadron, back to fly the AH-64E.

Simulator training ensures that hours are not put onto the airframes. These three Longbow Crew Trainers are spread across Middle Wallop and Wattisham playing a key role transitioning the crews to the new variant. The high-fidelity flight simulator is utilised by pilots and other personnel to practice aircraft procedures and train for the multitude of missions the AH-64E is used for. These simulators are containerised and deployable, allowing in-theatre training under a wide range of conditions.

In relation to the ground crews the training is a two-week course for the AH-64E maintenance and then there is consolidation and currency which is delivered by Boeing. It isn’t only maintenance but aircraft movements which is completed by the ground crews, “Boeing support with the movements of the aircraft on the ground at Middle Wallop but the green skinned ground crews learn from them and then apply these learning out on the ground in field.” Staff Sargent A explained.

Exercise Sabre Junction

Between 25th August -19th September 2024 the biennial exercise Saber Junction was held at the Joint Multinational Readiness Centre in the Hohenfels Training Area, southeastern Germany. This was a British led battlegroup exercise involving the AAC AH-64E and Agusta Westland AW159 Wildcat working with the US Army AH-64Es from Charlie Company, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.

With over 4000 troops from 10 countries participating in the one of the most realistic exercises that the forces had attended, the exercise allowed them to practice the execution of unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with Allied and partner nations.

As part of the combined forces environment, the exercise used helicopter gunships and scout/reconnaissance helicopters to destroy enemy armour, tanks and mechanized infantry.

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Lambert, Commanding Officer, 4 Regiment Army Air Corps Battlegroup, “We’ve got about 405 personnel here, that comprises about 16 helicopters and over 100 vehicles and then we've got 661 Squadron, with their Wildcats, with about 100 personnel from RNAS Yeovilton, we've got all of the 4 Regiment assets with the headquarters and an Apache squadron with six Apache’s.”

"We've also got Charlie Company, which is a US Apache company, who've got eight Apache’s and about 80 personnel."

"The Americans have put a lot of money and effort into making these missions as real as possible," said Captain Si Longworth, a squadron qualified helicopter instructor.

He added that it is intended to give everyone involved "the feeling that we are actually at war".

Lance Corporal A was deployed for exercise Sabre Junction attached to 664 Squadron and said “there was great integration with the US Army personnel allowing for cross learning. This worked especially well in the Forward Arming and Refuelling Points.”

Scenario

A pair of Wildcats, acting as reconnaissance helicopters, departed 40 minutes before the Apaches. British Army’s Capt. Si Longworth, described the drill and tactics employed by the Wildcats during this mission, “which played ‘hide and seek’ with the enemy, using vegetation and terrain features to mask the helicopters while collecting intelligence.”

Longworth said “the Wildcats would be looking into a Target Area of Interest (TAI), a small region in the forested area where they need to find camouflaged enemy armour.”

“Manoeuvring around the Battle Positions (BP) with their ‘playmate,” as the other Wildcat was referred to on the radio, “the helicopters would ‘mask’ or ‘unmask’ from the tree line or a geographical feature to obtain a line-of-sight on the enemy.“ The intelligence was then passed to the strike package of AH-64Es, either designating the target for them or allowing the AH-64Es to designate and then electronically simulate launch their AGM-114 Hellfires to destroy the target.

Thank you to P. Plaster, Major S, Major Mc, Staff Sargent A and Lance Corporal A for the opportunity to visit Middle Wallop and discuss the AH-64E Apache.