Aviation

Boeing to Produce 184 Apaches for U.S. Army, International Customers

Boeing will build 184 AH-64E Apaches for the U.S. Army and international customers, including the first Apaches for Australia. This $1.9 billion award brings the total current funded value of the contract to $2.1 billion, and has the potential to increase to more than $3.8 billion with future obligations.

The AH-64E Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter that is designed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It is an upgraded variant of the AH-64D Apache Longbow, featuring a number of advanced systems and technologies.

Some of the key features of the AH-64E Apache include:

Enhanced sensors and avionics: The AH-64E Apache is equipped with advanced sensors and avionics systems, including an upgraded fire control radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and more.
Improved communications: The helicopter features improved communication systems, allowing it to more effectively communicate with ground troops and other aircraft.
Increased performance: The AH-64E Apache has a more powerful engine, allowing it to fly at higher speeds and altitudes than previous models.
Armament: The AH-64E Apache is armed with a variety of weapons, including a 30mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles, and Hydra rockets.

Boeing Delivers First Upgraded AH-64E Apache to Royal Netherlands Air Force(Opens in a new browser tab)

The AH-64E Apache is used by several countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, and others. It is primarily used for attack and reconnaissance missions, but it can also be used for other roles, such as air-to-air combat and close-air support.

The U.S. Army will receive 115 remanufactured Apaches, with an additional 15 Apaches to be procured as options, ensuring significant savings to taxpayers. The additional 54 aircraft will be delivered to partner nations as part of Foreign Military Sales.

The U.S. Army’s Apache fleet just surpassed five million flight hours, a milestone demonstrating the AH-64 is the most capable, dependable, and adaptable attack helicopter.

Boeing unveiled the New Apache Concept, which features an improved radar system and a longer firing arm.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Boeing Global Services will continue to deliver optimal readiness for the warfighter including training devices, spare provisions, support and test equipment kits, depot support, field engineering and technical manuals. Major advantages in the technical publication area allow for a streamlined process approach to re-use data which reduces operational and sustainment costs.

Under the first multi-year contract, signed in 2017, Boeing delivered 244 remanufactured Apaches to the Army and 24 new-build aircraft to an international customer. The AH-64E, built at the Boeing site in Mesa, Ariz., is the most advanced multirole combat helicopter in the world. There are more than 1,275 Apaches currently in operation around the world.

Aviation

Boeing Resumes 737 MAX Manufacturing After Seven-Week Strike

In a crucial move for its recovery, Boeing has restarted production of its best-selling 737 MAX jetliner, about a month after a significant seven-week strike involving 33,000 factory workers came to an end.

This marks a key milestone for the planemaker, which has been facing considerable challenges in recent years, including heavy debt and a series of setbacks.

Another Nation Set to Acquire Embraer C-390 Millennium Aircraft

According to the report from Reuters, Boeing resumed the production of the 737 MAX jetliner last week, a pivotal step as the company aims to meet the growing global demand for air travel. With over 4,200 orders from airlines, Boeing’s ability to get the 737 MAX production line back in motion is vital for its financial recovery.

Although Boeing had previously planned to restart production earlier, the company faced numerous obstacles that delayed this process. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) head Mike Whitaker told Reuters on Thursday that while Boeing had not yet resumed production, they had plans to restart by the end of the month.

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

The road to this point has been rocky for Boeing. Setbacks such as the tragic fatal crashes of the 737 MAX, the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing supply chain issues, production safety concerns, and increased regulatory scrutiny have all contributed to delays in the company’s efforts to ramp up production.

The seven-week strike, which involved thousands of Boeing’s factory workers, added yet another hurdle. Despite these challenges, production of the 737 MAX officially resumed on Friday, according to one of the anonymous sources.

Boeing, however, declined to comment on the matter. The planemaker is now focused on reaching its goal of producing 56 737 MAX airplanes per month, a target that has been delayed due to the many issues that have beset the company over the past few years.