On September 1, 2023, at Wisconsin Army Airfield in Clay Kaserne, Germany, two brand-new Apache helicopters with cutting-edge upgrades to its sensors, software, and armament systems were delivered to the U.S. Army’s 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Officially known as AH-64E Version 6 Apache Guardians, the new Apaches are the first of 24 that are expected to be delivered. After being unloaded from a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane, two of the unit’s current AH-64 Delta models boarded the transport to be sent to a separate U.S. Army combat aviation brigade. The AH-64E V6 is built for interoperability within the multi-domain operating environment and has several improvements to its sensors, software, and weapons performance. With increased reach, mobility, and performance, ground force commanders may now employ the deadly, resilient, and nimble AH-64E V6 system.
“The new aircraft offers us a great deal more capability. The aircraft has been upgraded in a plethora of ways that will improve our capacity to serve our Allies in the European Theater, according to U.S. Army 1st Lt. Bridgit Duffy, who leads the maintenance platoon in 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion), 12th CAB.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Weisskopf, the brigade standards officer with the 12th CAB, stated, “This aircraft will allow us to fire the AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile and further integrate the Spike NLOS [a multi-purpose, electro-optical/infrared missile system].” “It also has a complete instrument suite that enables IFR [cloud flying], enabling us to deploy in inclement weather.”
The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade is upgrading its AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter as part of its modernization initiatives, continuing training, and deployment of new equipment. Boeing’s AH-64E V6 is a fully integrated, battle attack helicopter that is truly unique in its class. It delivers and integrates capabilities through a layered effect of onboard and off-board sensors, stand-off long-range weapons, and the connectivity required to use all the tools the ecosystem can bring. The AH-64E V6 is equipped with 2.75-inch laser guided point-detonating Hydra rockets, an M230 30 mm chain gun that can fire 625 rounds per minute with a range of, and air-to-ground Hellfire missiles that are semi-active laser or radar guided. These weapons can be used to deliver airpower, personnel, and materiel targets in obscured battlefield conditions.
The 12th CAB dispatched a few pilots to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama, for basic training prior to the arrival of these V6s. Conversely, the training program for maintainers is expected to start in October here in Germany and last until January 2024. Over the following few months, USAACE plans to send its New Equipment Training Team to teach the pilots and maintainers. With the U.S. Army investing in next-generation technologies and building the Army of 2030, the Apache provides an inexpensive Modular Open Systems Architecture capability that will be a key component of the future Multi-Domain Operations battlefield.
