REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (November 4, 2016) -- A recent collaborative effort between the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center, or RTC, and Boeing, along with support from the Navy, the Air Force and the LONGBOW Limited Liability Company, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, has tested a new capability for the American warfighter.

The AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter has been undergoing developmental testing over the last few years, in which multiple versions of hardware and software capabilities were introduced incrementally. The updates include improved digital connectivity, new composite main rotor blades, extended-range fuel tanks and the capability to control unmanned aircraft systems.

This is the third phase of a three-phase testing process aimed at upgrading the airframe to modernize it as a whole. Historically, the Apache has supported ground troops. New testing is aimed at expanding the aircrafts' mission to over-water support with the use of an upgraded LONGBOW Fire Control Radar, or FCR.

The objective for current developmental testing is to conduct missions with the LONGBOW FCR scanning against a variety of targets, which aids in verifying the new capabilities. LONGBOW FCR data collection tests consisted of an amalgam of various targets including both rotary-and-fixed-wing platforms. Since maritime capability is new to the LONGBOW FCR, multiple maritime targets were used during the LONGBOW FCR data collection tests, including a Navy littoral combat vessel (the FSF-1 Sea Fighter) and a large Navy hovercraft (landing craft air cushion). Smaller targets like inflatable boats and jet skis were also used.

"This was the first time this capability has been inserted on this airframe, and it was the first time this type of testing has been done by RTC," said Michael Meely, RTC test pilot and test lead for AH-64E development. "Hovering far out over water at a low altitude with no land in sight presents challenges to pilot awareness. It was exciting and nerve-racking at the same time."

Traveling to multiple test facilities were required due to the vast test scope needed to exercise the LONGBOW FCR. Test facilities included Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and RTC.

"With the number of people and agencies involved, the coordination and test execution was very efficient. Every one clearly knew their roles and executed them in a proficient and professional manner," said Justin Pearson, RTC flight test engineer. "It was a great team effort."

"The joint effort was very successful. We had good weather, lots of targets and the aircraft performed well. Test coordination was executed very well, which allowed for a successful test effort," Meely said. "We are providing a capability that allows the warfighter to better complete their mission in an expanded, overwater battle area."