successful,” Woody said. With a rounded cockpit, smaller frame and T-shaped tail stabilizer, the AH-6’s differences from the larger Apache are evident at first glance. But the two models share many common systems, especially evident in the weapons management and cockpit control systems. “They look almost identical in the cockpit,” Brown said. That commonality is a benefit for military forces that already fly the Apache and have pilots familiar with its cockpit systems. And smaller militaries 36 | BOEING FRONTIERS aren’t in the position to procure the Apache can still benefit from the AH-64’s advanced technology for weapons management, obstacle avoidance and other systems in a smaller, less expensive rotorcraft, Woody said. The helicopter is able to carry Hellfire missiles, laser-guided rockets and guns of several calibers, aided by sensors and targeting systems that are tied into the pilot and co-pilot’s cockpit controls. The AH-6 has a range of 179 nautical miles (206 miles, or 331 kilometers) and a maximum cruise speed of 125 knots (144 mph, or 232 kilometers per hour), as well as the ability to fly well at extremely low, “nap-of-the-earth” altitudes to avoid detection. In addition to the existing launch order, Woody said the helicopter has attracted interest from militaries in Europe, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region. As the first production models start flying, she and others in the program expect more potential customers will order the aircraft. With developmental flight-testing of the Little Bird complete and production Photos: (From left) The AH-6 airframe, seen on the Mesa production line, is designed to protect the cockpit crew in combat and other missions; employees work on the AH-6 production line. BOB FERGUSON | BOEING
Frontiers May 2016 Issue
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