Category: Helicopters

The AH-64D Apache’s Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) is to receive an upgrade after Lockheed Martin was awarded a US$65m (A$66m) four year contract to address “obsolescence issues and reliability and capability gaps.” “The Modernized DSA replaces vintage 30 year old hardware,” said US Army Apache Sensors Product Manager Lt Col

The US Army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior fleet will be substantially upgraded in the wake of two unsuccessful attempts to replace it, and will be redesignated as the OH-58F. At least 158 OH-58Ds will go through the Cockpit and Sensor Upgrade Program (CASUP) which will see them fitted with a new nose mounted sensor, improved control

The US Army awarded Boeing a US$247m (A$251m) contract on October 22 to begin Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the AH-64D Apache Block III attack helicopter. This initial contract covering eight aircraft, will see the new the AH-64D receive enhanced 1500kW T700-701D engines, composite main rotor blades, a new split-torque face gear transmission, the

Production of the Robinson R66 five seat turbine helicopter commenced on October 26 after the helicopter was certified by the US FAA on October 25. The R66, powered by the Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine, is Robinson’s first foray into turbine powered machines, and examples are available to Australian customers from the first quarter of 2011