US Army unveils Block III Apache Longbow
06 Aug 2011
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.