AH-64D
Boeing Apache AH-64D helicopter becomes first rotorcraft to fly on sustainable bio-kerosene
Boeing and The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) today made aviation history when a Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopter became the first rotorcraft in the world to fly using a blend of sustainable bio-kerosene and standard aviation jet fuel.
The 20-minute flight, conducted at Gilze-Rijen Airbase, home of the RNLAF’s combat rotorcraft squadrons, was witnessed by dozens of industry observers and defense journalists.
A Boeing AH-64D Apache powered by a blend of sustainable bio-kerosene and standard aviation jet fuel releases flares over Gilze-Rijen Airbase during its first flight
The sustainable biofuel used in the flight was produced using algae-based biomass and used cooking oil, and processed by UOP, LLC, a Honeywell company, into a Bio-Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (Bio-SPK), which has been used in previous commercial biofuel flights. In a series of preflight tests, the 50/50 bio-kerosene and traditional jet fuel blend met or exceeded the JP-8 fuel specifications for the Apache. No engine or airframe modifications were made prior to flight.
“This is a tremendous achievement for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Boeing, Honeywell, and the engine manufacturer GE Aviation in our efforts to develop sustainable aviation fuel solutions,” said Al Winn, vice president of Apache Programs for Boeing, who attended the demonstration. “Both Boeing’s commercial and military customers are pursuing alternatives to fossil fuels, sharing a vision that was demonstrated flawlessly by our Apache customer today.”
“Today is an important milestone for the more intensive usage of sustainable bio-kerosene in aviation,” said Eimert van Middelkoop, Minister of Defense of the Netherlands.
The RNLAF biofuel flight test program encompasses seven flights that will highlight the technical feasibility of flying rotorcraft using renewable fuels that do not reduce the availability of food crops or water. The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands, which authorized the flight test program, has publicly stated its commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint of military aircraft.
“This program also will help stimulate market development for aviation biofuel within the Netherlands that can help improve the environmental performance of commercial and military aviation,” said Jan Närlinge, president of Boeing Northern Europe.
Boeing is engaged in sustainable biofuel research around the world and supported the Apache AH-64D flight and the RNLAF through preflight planning, testing and technical consultation based on a strong body of biofuel experience. The company supplied technical support to a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines biofuel flight aboard a Boeing 747 in November 2009, and also to the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet biofuel flight on Earth Day this year. Boeing also supported four previous biofuel flights using varying fixed-wing commercial aircraft and engine types.
Extensive laboratory testing by fuel processors, feedstock providers and engine manufacturers has further shown that aviation biofuels meet or exceed the high performance and quality standards specified for military and commercial jet fuels.
Lockheed's DAGR guided rocket fires successfully from Kiowa Warrior helicopter
Lockheed Martin hit the target in two tests featuring DAGR guided rockets launched from an airborne OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter. This is the fourth aircraft DAGR has fired from in the past year—prior platforms include the AH-64D Apache and the AH-6 Little Bird.
Two DAGRs were launched from the OH-58D Kiowa in airborne tests, at ranges of 3.5 and 5 km. Both hit within 1 meter of the laser aimpoint.
“With successful flights from the Apache, Little Bird and now Kiowa helicopters, DAGR is rapidly establishing itself as the laser-guided 2.75-inch rocket that our HELLFIRE customers have sought as a low-cost, low collateral damage complement to the HELLFIRE II missile itself,” said Randy Thomas, DAGR program manager at Lockheed Martin.
Because the DAGR system is designed to be compatible with the HELLFIRE family of launchers, it offers potential integration on all rotary-wing HELLFIRE platforms, including the Apache, Little Bird, Kiowa, Blackhawk, Cobra and Tiger helicopters. A mixed loadout of HELLFIREs and DAGRs can be mounted on the same launcher, providing operational flexibility that enables cost-effective multi-mission capability from a single platform.
The DAGR system has demonstrated its precision strike and maneuver capabilities in more than 20 successful guided flight tests, hitting short- and long-range off-axis targets close to the laser-designated aimpoint. This provides Warfighters with increased capability, quick response to “pop-up” threats and an expanded engagement envelope.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.
Boeing highlights commitment to India at Defexpo 2010
Boeing will present world-class products and services including the F/A-18IN Super Hornet, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I, AH-64D Apache and CH-47F Chinook to Indian government officials, military officers, and other valued stakeholders at Defexpo 2010. The exhibition takes place Feb. 15-18 at the Pragati Maidan complex in New Delhi.
“This is an important year for Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) in India,” said Vivek Lall, BDS vice president and India country head. “Many of our products and platforms are currently in competition or under active consideration by the government, and we are looking forward to demonstrating how they will quickly contribute to India’s defense modernization and bring long-term industrial benefits to the nation.”
Boeing is kicking off its Defexpo participation with a preshow briefing for the media at noon on Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Taj Mansingh Hotel. During the show, BDS executives will invite stakeholders into an F/A-18IN Super Hornet cockpit simulator to demonstrate the aircraft’s advanced features, including its superior air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities. Boeing also will provide media briefings on the C-17 Globemaster III and on two Boeing Rotorcraft products in current competitions — the CH-47F Chinook and AH-64D Apache. An Airborne Battle Management briefing will cover Airborne Early Warning and Control as well as the P-8I long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft. India selected the P-8I for its navy last year; the first of eight aircraft is scheduled to enter the fleet in 2013.
