Contributor - UK

David Donald

Boeing continues to work on developments for its two primary in-production military helicopters—the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook. Both types are planned to still be in service into the 2060s, and continual improvements—both in aircraft systems and mission capabilities—are necessary to achieve that goal.
Although it is likely that the AH-64D will shortly be removed from U.S. Army Aviation, force plans envision more than 600 AH-64E Apaches remaining in the active inventory, regardless of the outcome of fleet reviews. Last week, Boeing flew the version 6.5 software upgrade for the first time as part of its continual Apache improvement program.
V6.5 caters for the insertion of greater autonomy and more capability into the AH-64E’s systems, with capacity to accept more functions as they are developed or required. Greater autonomy is being introduced to reduce crew workload and to handle ever-greater data flows.
This applies to the increasing use of “launched effects” with helicopters, in which multiple small drones can support the mission through a range of defensive and offensive effects, in addition to intelligence-gathering functions. The Apache is a natural candidate to act as a node for crewed-uncrewed teaming operations, and the V6.5 software prepares it for handling large numbers of drones and the data they generate, albeit retaining a human in the loop at all times.
Another area being studied is counter-UAS capability, and how the Apache can defend itself against small-drone attacks while keeping ground-based assets safe from large-scale UAS swarm raids.
Autonomous elements are also being adapted to the CH-47F Block II, the latest Chinook variant, initially with the aim of improving safety and reducing workload. The active parallel actuator subsystem (APAS) interfaces with the flight control system and, among other functions, provides indications if they approach potentially dangerous areas of the flight envelope.
Pilots receive warning indications through the flying controls—akin to a “lane-assist” feature in an automobile, reducing the need to continually monitor instruments during aggressive flying or in high-risk phases of flight. Additionally, the feature has a beneficial effect on maintenance since aircraft will cross over into high-load areas of the envelope with less frequency. APAS will also be integrated into the Apache, having already been trialled in the simulator.
Boeing’s other rotary-wing products include the MH-139A Grey Wolf, a version of the Leonardo AW139 tailored to U.S. Air Force requirements. The type is approaching initial operating capability and will be available for foreign military sales. It is also the subject of interest from other U.S. government agencies. This domestic and international interest has already led to five direct conversations, Boeing said.
In 2027, Boeing will deliver its last subassemblies for the V-22 Osprey program, which has been conducted in partnership with Bell. It is expected that the V-22 will remain in U.S. service until at least 2055 and will require upgrades and modifications. Currently, these are focused on cockpit upgrades and maintenance-related improvements.

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