Second AH-64D Block III Test-bed Airborne

摘要

The first flight of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Block III Structures Test Aircraft took place at the Boeing Rotorcraft Facility at Mesa, Arizona, on November 23, during which its flight characteristics and handling manoeuvres were demonstrated. Block III technologies being tested by the helicopter include composite main rotor blades powered by new General Electric T700-GE-701D engines with an enhanced digital electronic control unit, and a split-rntorque face gear transmission that increases power throughput by more than 20% over the previous unit. A composite horizontal stabilator has also been fitted.