India’s Military Receives Complete Helicopter Fleet
Boeing completed delivery of all new AH-64E Apache and CH-47F(I) Chinook military helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters were handed over to the IAF at Air Force Station, Hindan, following the delivery of the last five CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in March.
“Customer centricity, commitment to the modernization and mission-readiness of India’s defense forces are key values to our partnership with India,” said Surendra Ahuja, managing director of Boeing Defence India. “With this delivery of military helicopters, we continue to nurture this partnership and are fully committed to working closely with India’s defense forces to deliver the right value and capabilities to meet their operational needs.”
Around the same time, Boeing delivered its 2,500th AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, an E-model variant, to the US Army from its Mesa, Arizona, production facility. The first production AH-64, an A-model, rolled off the assembly line on September 30, 1983, and was delivered to the US Army in January 1984.
Apache Capabilities and Global Reach
India is one of 17 nations to select the Apache and operates the most advanced variant, the AH-64E, which is also flown by the U.S. and many other countries. The AH-64E Apache features an open systems architecture with advanced communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems. Its improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System provides day, night, and all-weather target information with night vision navigation capability. The Fire Control Radar, updated to operate in maritime environments, enables detection and identification of watercraft. The Apache is uniquely suited for reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, and lethal attack across diverse environments without reconfiguration.
Today’s E-model incorporates integrated technologies, including a new, faster multi-core mission processor for advanced systems integration and a shorter engagement timeline. The improved drive system includes a split-torque face gear transmission, a 701D engine, and composite main rotor blades that enhance stability as an aerial weapons-delivery platform.
Chinook Production and Heritage
Twenty defense forces worldwide have CH-47F(I) Chinooks in service or are contracted to receive them. The iconic tandem-rotor helicopter has remained the world’s most reliable and efficient heavy-lift helicopter for over 50 years, operating in high-temperature, high-altitude, and crosswind conditions that typically ground other aircraft. The CH-47F(I) variant contains a modern machined airframe, a common avionics architecture system (CAAS) cockpit, and a digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS)—innovations enabling the Indian Air Force to meet evolving mission demands, maximize interoperability, and reduce lifecycle costs.
Indian Ministry of Defence Contract and Manufacturing
The Indian Ministry of Defence finalized its order with Boeing for 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters in September 2015. Earlier, India and the U.S. signed a contract for the acquisition of six additional Apaches for the Indian Army.
Boeing’s joint venture in Hyderabad, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), has produced aero-structures for the AH-64 Apache for both the US Army and international customers, marking a major step toward co-development of integrated aerospace and defense systems in India. Boeing suppliers throughout the country manufacture critical components for the Chinooks, including crown and tailcone assemblies by Tata Advanced Systems and ramp and aft pylons by Dynamatic Technologies. Boeing currently works with over 200 suppliers and partners in India in support of “Make in India” and “Skill India” initiatives.
Production History
Legacy Apache deliveries comprise 937 A-models through 1997, more than 1,000 AH-64Ds between 1997 and 2013, and more than 500 E-models since 2011. Selected by or in service with the US Army and defense forces of 16 nations, Apache helicopters are slated to fulfill requirements for decades to come through planned modernization.
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