bobdina
11-02-2010, 07:07 AM
Boeing to start production of new generation of Apache
3 comments by Art Thomason - Nov. 2, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
The Boeing Co. plant in Mesa will start building 59 of the latest high-tech versions of the Army's AH-64D Apache helicopter, thanks largely to a new $247 million deal with the Department of Defense.
The first phase of production eventually will lead to the manufacture of 690 of the new Apache Block III aircraft for the Army, Boeing officials say.
The contract was hailed as a major boost to the southeast Valley's economy and to the continued stabilization of Boeing's Mesa operations. Click here to find out more!
Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said it represented "a segment of economic stability that goes out for the next 10-plus years."
Boeing spokeswoman Carole Thompson said "it's beyond huge."
A memorandum signed by Defense Department officials last month authorized the program to enter "Low Rate Initial Production" to produce 51 of the Apache Block III aircraft. Delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for October 2011. A separate contract with the government signed on Oct. 22 covers production of eight helicopters.
The Army's objective calls for delivery of 690 of the new Apaches, which could extend production for nearly a decade or more, Thompson said.
Since the first Apache, called the A model, was delivered in January 1984, more than 1,700 various models of the rotorcraft have been manufactured for the Army and nations that are not considered threats to the U.S.
Boeing has been gearing up for months to begin the manufacturing process for the Block III, which is described as the world's most advanced, multirole combat helicopter.
To enhance production, Boeing added equipment and created another assembly line, although there are no plans to hire additional employees.
"It's a continuation of what is generally a very stable workforce," Thompson said. Boeing employs 4,700 in Mesa and is one of Mesa's largest employers.
While the latest Apache models are rolled out, production of the Block II model will continue into March 2013 when the last of that series will be delivered, Thompson said.
Boeing officials say the Block III helicopter enhances the capabilities of the Apache by delivering superior flight performance and dramatically increased networked-communications capabilities.
For aviators, improvements include a better drive system featuring the 701D engine, composite main rotor blades and a new split-torque face gear transmission.
"The road map for the Apache Block III program has been clearly defined and the U.S. Army and Boeing are successfully working together to provide these advanced attack helicopters to soldiers in the field," said Lt. Col. Dan Bailey, Apache Block III product manager for the Army, in a prepared statement.
Scott Rudy, Boeing's Block III program manager, said, "Working together throughout the Apache Block III program's system development and demonstration phase since 2006, the Army, Boeing and our industry teammates have achieved our objectives on cost and on schedule.
"I'm confident that the team will continue to effectively apply its collective expertise as the program moves into the production phase."
Smith said he expected the Apache program to bolster Boeing's Mesa operations.
"This community made a huge investment a long time ago to get a helicopter company that is now Boeing," he said. "That investment has paid off so many times over the years."
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2010/11/01/20101101biz-boeing1102.html#ixzz147dVRyuN
3 comments by Art Thomason - Nov. 2, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
The Boeing Co. plant in Mesa will start building 59 of the latest high-tech versions of the Army's AH-64D Apache helicopter, thanks largely to a new $247 million deal with the Department of Defense.
The first phase of production eventually will lead to the manufacture of 690 of the new Apache Block III aircraft for the Army, Boeing officials say.
The contract was hailed as a major boost to the southeast Valley's economy and to the continued stabilization of Boeing's Mesa operations. Click here to find out more!
Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said it represented "a segment of economic stability that goes out for the next 10-plus years."
Boeing spokeswoman Carole Thompson said "it's beyond huge."
A memorandum signed by Defense Department officials last month authorized the program to enter "Low Rate Initial Production" to produce 51 of the Apache Block III aircraft. Delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for October 2011. A separate contract with the government signed on Oct. 22 covers production of eight helicopters.
The Army's objective calls for delivery of 690 of the new Apaches, which could extend production for nearly a decade or more, Thompson said.
Since the first Apache, called the A model, was delivered in January 1984, more than 1,700 various models of the rotorcraft have been manufactured for the Army and nations that are not considered threats to the U.S.
Boeing has been gearing up for months to begin the manufacturing process for the Block III, which is described as the world's most advanced, multirole combat helicopter.
To enhance production, Boeing added equipment and created another assembly line, although there are no plans to hire additional employees.
"It's a continuation of what is generally a very stable workforce," Thompson said. Boeing employs 4,700 in Mesa and is one of Mesa's largest employers.
While the latest Apache models are rolled out, production of the Block II model will continue into March 2013 when the last of that series will be delivered, Thompson said.
Boeing officials say the Block III helicopter enhances the capabilities of the Apache by delivering superior flight performance and dramatically increased networked-communications capabilities.
For aviators, improvements include a better drive system featuring the 701D engine, composite main rotor blades and a new split-torque face gear transmission.
"The road map for the Apache Block III program has been clearly defined and the U.S. Army and Boeing are successfully working together to provide these advanced attack helicopters to soldiers in the field," said Lt. Col. Dan Bailey, Apache Block III product manager for the Army, in a prepared statement.
Scott Rudy, Boeing's Block III program manager, said, "Working together throughout the Apache Block III program's system development and demonstration phase since 2006, the Army, Boeing and our industry teammates have achieved our objectives on cost and on schedule.
"I'm confident that the team will continue to effectively apply its collective expertise as the program moves into the production phase."
Smith said he expected the Apache program to bolster Boeing's Mesa operations.
"This community made a huge investment a long time ago to get a helicopter company that is now Boeing," he said. "That investment has paid off so many times over the years."
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2010/11/01/20101101biz-boeing1102.html#ixzz147dVRyuN