Boeing Delivers Republic of Singapore's First AH-64D Apache Longbow
MESA, Ariz., May 17, 2002 -- The Republic of Singapore accepted its first Boeing [NYSE: BA] AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter May 17 in a ceremony here.
Singapore recently contracted with the U.S. government to buy AH-64D Apaches, considered the premiere multirole combat helicopter in production worldwide.
Attending the ceremony were key representatives from Singapore, the U.S. Army and the Apache industry team.
Production numbers, schedules and fielding dates and locations have not been released.
Residents of Singapore got their first look at the Apache Longbow two years ago, when the Apache performed at the Asian Aerospace exhibition.
"We are extremely honored that our customer was so convinced about the capabilities of the Apache Longbow that a follow-on order was placed even before the first aircraft had been delivered," said Al Winn, vice president of Apache programs at Boeing in Mesa, where the world's leading helicopter is built. "That says a great deal about the quality, capabilities and effectiveness of the Apache Longbow. And it speaks equally well of the men and women around the world who contribute to this awesome aircraft."
The versatile multirole helicopter has performed aerobatic maneuvers - which demonstrate its agility in flight - at air shows around the world. The performances include a series of hammerhead stalls, split-S maneuvers, and loops and rolls at typical combat weights. The U.S. Army and defense forces from nine nations fly or have ordered AH-64A or AH-64D Apaches.
In addition to the U.S. Army, the growing worldwide customer base includes defense forces from the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
The AH-64D offers the most modern technology of any attack helicopter in the world. It distills a wide range of avionics, electronics and weapons into one fully integrated weapon system. Analyses show the Apache Longbow is 28 times more capable than its predecessor, the AH-64A Apache - long considered the world's best combat helicopter.
The AH-64D greatly enhances the operational commanders' ability to fight during daylight and also to dominate the night. It increases combat power and situational awareness.
Boeing has delivered more than 1,000 Apaches - including nearly 300 AH-64D Apache Longbows - to customers around the world, with plans to deliver 1,000 more to customers worldwide through the end of this decade.
The Apache Longbow fulfills a range of reconnaissance and combat missions, often without reconfiguring ordnance loads and electronic systems between missions. The advanced, multi-mission AH-64D Apache Longbow features fully integrated avionics and weapons plus state-of-the-art digital communications capabilities that enable real-time, secure transfer of battlefield information to air and ground forces. The Apache Longbow incorporates a series of enhancements that make it more survivable in combat, readily deployable and easier to maintain.
The Boeing Company is the world's largest manufacturer of satellites, commercial jetliners and military aircraft. In terms of sales, Boeing is the largest exporter in the United States. Total company revenues for 2001 were $58 billion.
Boeing Military Aircraft and Missile Systems designs, produces and provides follow-on support for fighters, bombers, transports, rotorcraft and weapons for the United States and its allies around the globe. As the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer, Boeing has delivered more than 130,000 military aircraft to the U.S. government and international customers. Among emerging businesses are unmanned systems, as well as military aircraft that are based on the company's renowned commercial airplanes.
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02-37
Contact Info:
Carole Thompson-Sutton
(480) 891-2219
carole.j.Thompson-sutton@boeing.com
Hal Klopper
(480) 891-5519
hal.g.klopper@boeing.com
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