The Block III Apache kicked off the year with a successful first powered flight of the Longbow unmanned aerial system (UAS) data link assembly. The data link allows sensor and flight path control of UAS’ at long ranges, and reception of real-time, high-definition streaming video on the Apache’s multi-function displays. In April an AH-64D successfully flew with a new radar electronics unit configuration of the Longbow fire control radar. During May, Egypt requested a possible sale of 12 AH-64D Block II Apaches, while the administration blocked a similar request from Israel for six Block II AH-64Ds, citing concern over connected Palestinian casualties.

In June an Apache Block III prototype successfully demonstrated Level IV UAS connectivity, fully controlling the navigation of an assigned UAS. The following month, the Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $142 million production contract for the Apache Arrowhead target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor. If Block III stays on track, the program will see a Milestone C production decision in April 2010.

The Washington, D.C. National Guard became the first National Guard unit in the country to operate the EADS North America UH-72 Lakota in March, receiving three of a total of eight. The Lakota has also been put forward by EADS as a possible candidate for a future armed aerial scout helicopter in the wake of the recently killed Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter program. A re-competition of the ARH program remains on hold while the Army completes an analysis of alternatives. In July a UH-72A successfully completed high altitude/hot temperature flights, demonstrating its potential to meet mission profiles required by the Army for its ARH successor. The Lakota variant is called the Armed Scout 645 by EADS North America, and would be built at the same American Eurocopter Columbus, Miss., facility where the company is producing 128 (345 possible) UH-72As for the Army.

As far back as October 2008, Boeing announced it would offer its AH-6 when the Army revives its ARH competition. The company reiterated the offer, and added a lighter version of its AH-64 as a possible armed aerial scout helo candidate in March. The Hughes/MD 500-derived AH-6 demonstrated the high/hot capability an ARH successor will need in a series of May-June flight tests. As potential competitors position themselves for the ARH follow-on, the Army continues moving to keep its aging OH-58D Kiowa scouts flying. In April the service signed a contract with Bell Helicopter Textron to modify an additional 27 OH-58Ds under the Kiowa Warrior Safety Enhancement Program. The program is set to end in 2010, making a timely decision on a new scout helicopter increasingly important.

In May, Sikorsky unveiled its X2 Light Tactical Helicopter technology demonstrator at the Army Aviation Association annual convention. The X2 design emphasizes high speed, maneuverability and low acoustic signature. Sikorsky sees the X2 in applications from armed recconnaissance and close air support to combat search and rescue and unmanned roles. The X2 first flew in August 2008 and is progressing toward the milestone of achieving a 250 knot cruise speed.

The U.S. Navy continued its effort to recapitalize its medium lift SH-60B/F, HH-60H Seahawk, HH-1N Huey, UH-3H Sea King, and CH-46D Sea Knight fleet with the acquisition and introduction of the MH-60R/S. The new multimission Seahawks deployed on a carrier (USS John C. Stennis, CVN 74) for the first time in January and were subsequently cited for the commonality and interoperability facilitated by their open architecture software.