June 15, 2010
SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica Company, has delivered to prime contractor Boeing the 100th Aircraft Gateway Processor (AGP). The AGP provides the interface to an aircraft that allows all current and future Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) to be integrated fully into the aircraft processors and displays.
The AGP is being supplied as aircraft "A-kit" on all new and re-manufactured Extended Block II (EB II) and Block III AH-64D Apache helicopters. The AH-64D Apache entered service with the US Army in 1998 and there are currently around 630 Block I and Block II aircraft in service. Under a recently launched modernisation programme, these aircraft will be updated to the latest standard (Block III) that offers substantial improvements to the helicopter's structure, propulsion and avionics. The first AGP equipped Apache is expected to enter service with the US Army in 2011.
In addition to the US Army aircraft order, Boeing can expect to receive orders for several hundred re-build and newly manufactured aircraft from the export market.
The AGP is based on the DAS Controller used in the combat-proven HIDAS (Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System), currently protecting British Army Apaches in-theatre. The AGP will provide the US Apaches with survivability and situational awareness benefits via a combined threat picture and prioritised tactical response.
Beatrice Nicholas, Senior Vice President of Electronic Warfare at SELEX Galileo said, “We are delighted that the AGP has been tested successfully at Fort Rucker. The technology used in the AGP has been at the core of many of our Defensive Aids Systems and we know from experience that it will perform well under the exacting requirements of operations.”
The AGP delivers enhanced situational awareness and reduced pilot workload, and with a flexible and open architecture, can manage new and existing sensors and countermeasures.
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AH-64 Apache, Selex, US Army
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