الخبر باللغه الانجليزيه

Construction on the first fuselage of the next-generation AH-64 Block III Apache helicopter has begun by US Army.

The
new attack helicopter will be built with a stronger engine, improved
avionics, better computer networking capability and increased
maneuverability when compared with current models, service officials
said.

“The first Block III aircraft is being built at a Boeing
facility in Mesa, Arizona, will roll off the production line this
fall,” Lt. Col. Dan Bailey, product manager for the programme said.

The
first two aircraft will be used for developmental purposes, and the
next five after that will be used to train the first unit equipped, he
said.

The Apache Block III aircraft will begin to be fielded with units by the end of 2012, Bailey said.

Overall,
the Army plans to acquire 690 Block III Apaches between now and 2026 at
a production rate of roughly two battalions per year, beginning in FY
2013. Of this amount, 643 will be re-manufactured aircraft and 56 will
be "new builds," Bailey explained.

As part of its preparation of
the Block III Apache, the programme completed a "logistics
demonstration" in March designed to show that the aircraft will be
maintainable once fielded. The demonstration checked on the avionics,
wiring, gear boxes, cockpit seat and electronics, among other things.

The
Block III Apache features a 701D engine, composite rotor blades,
improved networking and communications avionics, and an Improved Drive
System of the 21st Century -- known as IDS-21 -- Face Gear Transmission.