U.S. Army, Boeing Agree to Second Multi-Year Apache Longbow ContractMESA, Ariz., Oct. 2, 2000 — The www.army.mil and The Boeing Company signed an option contract Sept. 29 for the remanufacture of 269 additional U.S. Army AH-64A Apaches into next-generation AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters. The Army expects to exercise the option once fiscal year 2001 funds become available later this month. The five-year, multi-year contract, worth more than $2.3 billion, will authorize Boeing to convert 269 AH-64As into AH-64D Apache Longbows from 2002-2006. By agreeing to a multi-year contract, the Army will save millions of dollars and provide stability for the Boeing assembly line here through 2006. Boeing is in the fourth year of its first five-year, multi-year contract with the Army to remanufacture 232 AH-64A Apaches into next-generation Apache Longbows. Nearly 150 remanufactured Apache Longbows have been delivered, and two combat-ready Apache Longbow units are in service with the U.S. Army. The Apache Longbow is the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter ever fielded. Under the two contracts, Boeing will remanufacture a total of 501 Apache aircraft for the Army. In addition to the remanufacturing of 269 aircraft, the second multi-year contract includes maintenance and operator training devices, spare parts, logistics and support services, and a variety of items designed to further improve maintainability and supportability. Apaches produced under the second multi-year contract will integrate numerous enhancements. The contract incorporates enhanced capabilities in communications, navigation, data management and safety equipment that provide a foundation in support of the Army' |