Huntsville, United States: The United State Army's Program Executive Office Aviation introduced the newest version of the Apache helicopter, the AH-64D Longbow Apache Block III, on Friday. The newest variant of the attack helicopter is the third in a long line of development that dates back to the mid-1990s, when the Block I programme began.

The Block III takes the current Block II version and updates it to 21st century technology, according to the US Army.

The Army's Redstone Test Centre put the Block III version through its paces before an interested audience.

It is likely that this is the version that may have been offered to India for its tender for 22 attack choppers.

The Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation is the US Army manager for the Apache Helicopter, Cargo Helicopter, Utility Helicopter, Unmanned Aircraft System, Armed Scout Helicopter, and Aviation Systems programmes.

Apache Block III programme manager Lt Col Dan Bailey said the new version incorporates lots of new features, a 25 per cent increase in power, and features Modular Force Connectivity achieved through global information system grid connections.

The new Apache also features Level IV Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) control, new extended range sensors and weapons, and reduced pilot workload through the use of cognitive decision aiding technologies.

The version also reduces the weight of the rotorcraft by hundreds of pounds and offers greatly improved cruise speed. Block III will be able to operate at 6,000 feet and reach a top speed of 164 knots, about 20 knots faster than the Block II version, as well as achieve an out-of-ground effect hover at an air temperature of 95 degrees with a full mission payload.

"This is a game changing aircraft," Lt Col Bailey said. "Besides the increase in top speed, it will turn faster and tighter, more like a sports car than a sedan."

The aircrafts new cognitive decision making technologies make the helicopter easier to fly, reducing pilot stress, and allowing the pilot to focus more on situational awareness. "Everything is automated. It really saves pilot effort," said Lt Col Bailey.

Lt Col Bailey said the Block III has finished limited user testing, and the aircraft is now in its workload assessment for training. "We're testing its airworthiness, making sure it performs as designed," he said.

The Block III programme adds a major development in aerial combat – the ability for the Apache pilot to communicate with unmanned aerial vehicles and remotely control their flight paths and weapons systems. 

Boeing director of business development for army aviation programmes, Ray Handy, said this allows Apache pilots to make kills without being anywhere in the enemy's vicinity. "It uses what we call Level of Operability 4, which gives you the ability to take operational control of the UAV and its sensor," Handy explained.

PEO Aviation expects to field the first Block III Apaches sometime in 2012, with complete fielding of 56 platforms scheduled for FY 2013.