Boeing to upgrade AH-64 Apache attack helicopter flight simulators to match capabilities of latest aircraft

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – Military experts at the Boeing Co. will upgrade transportable flight simulators for the U.S. Army AH-64D and AH-64E Apache Longbow helicopter to make these flight trainers compatible with the latest versions of the Apache helicopter fleet.

Officials of the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., announced an $18.9 million contract Tuesday to the Boeing Defense, Space & Security segment in St. Louis to upgrade and field the Longbow Crew Trainer (LCT) Generation 4 and Generation 5.

Boeing will field AH-64D and AH-64E aircraft concurrency enhancements and a functional obsolescence upgrade for the generation (Gen) 4 and generation (Gen) 5 AH-64 LCT flight simulator.

The attack helicopter simulation and training systems can be used for in-theater training capability to the warfighter to enable Apache Longbow aircrews to keep their skills sharp, even while deployed in remote areas.

The Apache LCTs have high-resolution display systems optimized for attack helicopter operations; a dynamic motion cueing sea; distributed interactive simulation (DIS); high-fidelity crew stations; integrated helmet and display sight system (IHADSS); and full-fidelity aircraft operational flight programs.

Related: Boeing to provide Apache Longbow simulation and training systems in $14.4 million contract

These AH-64 Apache combat helicopter simulators use aircraft and improved data modem operational flight programs; simulate the Target Acquisition Display Sight (TADS) system; offer electronics display and control assembly (TEDAC); simulate high-resolution sensors; and offer data capture for after action review.

Boeing will handle Apache simulator concurrence enhancements, hardware and software improvements, information assurance controls, and mitigation of obsolete operating systems.

The company also will maintain concurrency of the primary training device to the fielded aircraft; upgrade the LCT virtual environment; enhance its Image Generator Pilot Night Vision System Intensification (PNVS12); and incorporate AGM-114R Hellfire missile, 70-millimeter rocket, and Gunnery Conduct of Fire Trainer (GCOFT) weapons enhancements.

The contract also calls for Boeing to develop modernized maintenance laptop computers; support training aids devices simulators and simulation (TADSS); and maintain concurrency of the primary training device to the fielded aircraft its latest enhancements. In addition, Boeing will field U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) LCT full motion system (FMS) and display kit enhancements.

On this contract Boeing will do the work in St. Louis, and should be finished by April 2022. For more information contact Boeing Defense, Space & Security online at www.boeing.com/defense, or the Army Contracting Command-Redstone at acc.army.mil/contractingcenters/acc-rsa.