The Australian Army AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter program has reached an important milestone with the recent establishment of a $306 million Apache initial support contract with Boeing Defence Australia. The first seven Boeing Defence Australia employees have commenced work in locations across Queensland, focused on the development of Apache training materials and establishing a logistics and maintenance site in Townsville. The contract will provide maintenance, engineering and logistics support, as well as aircrew and technician training for the Apache fleet. This paves the way for growth in the logistics and engineering disciplines within the Attack Helicopter systems program office. Townville is also set to become an industry hub, following the expansion of Army Aviation’s presence in the region.
Director General of Army Aviation Systems Branch, Brigadier Andrew Thomas, said,“The workforce would continue to grow, with an initial 71 positions to be filled by January 2025. The Apache program was expected to reach full strength by 2030. “Over its seven-year term, this contract will provide over 230 industry jobs across the Queensland locations of Townsville, Brisbane and Oakey. As part of this increased presence, the new fleet of Apache helicopters will be introduced alongside Army’s Chinooks. Both platforms are supported by Boeing Defence Australia as the prime contractor; generating a regional hub of rotary wing excellence for both the ADF and local industry. The support offered to these two platforms will generate employment stability for the current and future workforce of these helicopters,” Brigadier Thomas said.
Announced in May 2022, Australia will acquire a fleet of 29 Boeing-built AH-64E “Guardian” variant of the Apache attack helicopter as part of the AU$5.5 billion LAND 4503 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter replacement program. Heavily armed, the Apache can be outfitted with up to 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 2.75-inch rockets, 1,200 30mm chain gun rounds, and it can achieve a top speed of more than 250 kilometres per hour. The Australian government sought to replace the beleaguered ARH Tiger helicopters with a “proven and mature, off-the-shelf manned armed helicopter”. To support Australia’s fleet of Apaches, a further AU$500 million has been earmarked to upgrade aviation facilities and infrastructure at Townsville. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2025, with initial operating capability projected for 2026 and full operating capability expected by 2028.
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. Primarily operated by the U.S. Army, the AH-64 has also become the primary attack helicopter of multiple nations. Formerly known as AH-64D Block III, in 2012, it was redesignated as AH-64E Guardian. The AH-64E incorporates a range of technologically advanced capabilities, including advanced digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with upgraded face gear transmission to accommodate more power, the capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles, and a new composite main rotor blade. New composite rotor blades, which completed testing in 2004, increase cruise speed, climb rate, and payload capacity.
