Netherlands receives AH-64E Version 6 Apache attack helicopters
The freshly arrived AH-64E Apaches were remanufactured from the Netherlands AH-64D fleet. (Photo: US DoD/Netherlands Air Force)
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has received two advanced AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters remanufactured from the service’s AH-64D fleet.
The US has delivered two new AH-64E, Version 6 Apache Guardian attack helicopters to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF), the US Program Executive Office has announced. The rotorcrafts were transported by a US Air Force C-17 to Woensdrecht Air Base Logistics Center-Woensdrecht (LCW) for initial inspection and inventory.
Currently, the Netherlands has a total of 28 Boeing-made Apaches on order. The two deliver helicopters and follow-on aircraft will be assembled and tested at Woensdrecht, before being flown to their future operating station of Gilze-Rijen Air Base. Final delivery of the upgraded aircraft has been scheduled to take place in 2025.
The freshly arrived AH-64E Apaches were remanufactured from the Netherlands AH-64D fleet. Although the AH-64Es use parts from the original AH-64D, all the systems have been reset, so can be considered new aircraft.
Upgrades in the E model have incorporated the most modern configuration, including more powerful engines, an upgraded gearbox and new composite rotor blades. The new attack helicopters also feature updated communications, navigation, sensors, data correlation and pilot cognitive decision aiding systems.
“The successful delivery of the new AH-64E v6 Apache is a turning point for the Netherlands and is emblematic of the significant long-term partnership between the US Army and the RNAF,” said Alexa Alejo, a product manager with PEO Aviation’s Apache project office. “The Apache is the most advanced attack helicopter and the RNAF is gaining a significant increase in attack power, versatility, situational awareness and interoperability.”
The Netherlands Armed Forces have been operating the Apache since 1998.
Version 6 of the AH-64 is not the latest type. Boeing announced last October the successful maiden flight of the latest version of the AH-64E, known as Version 6.5 (V6.5). The company said that the upgraded configuration represented a vital step in modernising the attack helicopter.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![L3 Technologies awarded $587 million contract for next stage of new Growler jammer]()
L3 Technologies awarded $587 million contract for next stage of new Growler jammer
The Next Generation Jammer-Low Band (NGJ-LB) is part of a larger NGJ system that will augment and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System on the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.
-
![BAE Systems wins $4 million in DARPA cash for AI programme]()
BAE Systems wins $4 million in DARPA cash for AI programme
The challenges of getting artificial intelligence into a jet fighter’s cockpit have proved considerable to date. BAE Systems will take a machine-learning approach to the problem.
-
![Lockheed Martin wins Indian C-130J Super Hercules support contract]()
Lockheed Martin wins Indian C-130J Super Hercules support contract
India has a requirement for as many as 80 medium transport aircraft and the country already operates 12 C-130J aircraft.
-
![US Air Force tests the use of autonomous flying capabilities in austere, contested scenarios]()
US Air Force tests the use of autonomous flying capabilities in austere, contested scenarios
Technologies to remotely control aeroplanes were demonstrated in logistics missions during the AGILE FLAG 24-3 exercise.
-
![US approves more AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles for Singapore]()
US approves more AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles for Singapore
The approval of the sale of Raytheon (RTX) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Singapore follows similar approvals of the missile to Israel, Japan, Norway, Poland and Sweden in the past 12 months.
-
![Dutch $691 million request for Sidewinder missiles approved]()
Dutch $691 million request for Sidewinder missiles approved
The approval for the purchase follows other orders approved or placed in the past year by Romania, Poland, Italy and South Korea.
