US Army realigns AH-64E Apache FOTE
The US Army is realigning its Follow-On Test and Evaluation (FOTE) of technology insertions for the AH-64E Apache helicopter, the army announced on 9 January.
Rather than taking place in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, FOTE II is now planned to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019.
The army said that the realignment will improve efficiency and effectiveness of operational testing through a combined operational test event for joint air-to-ground missiles and AH-64E V6. It will allow time to focus on the final requirements and further development and refinement of AH-64E V6 capabilities with user input prior to fielding.
The FOTE event will test capability improvements in the AH-64E Apache to include Version 6, which is focused on increased lethality, improved situational awareness and improved navigation.
Col. Joseph Hoecherl, US Army’s project manager for Apache Helicopter, said: ‘The realignment of the FOTE is partially related to technical maturity but more heavily influenced by the opportunity to improve efficiency, effectiveness and align multiple capabilities.
‘Realigning FOTE II enables the army to maximise its relevance and the combat effectiveness of the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter while efficiently using the army’s resources.’
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