Boeing

The first group of AH-64A Apache maintainers from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has completed its training on the AH-64D Apache, the world's most advanced multi-mission combat helicopter.

Seven maintainers completed their hands-on training program this month at The Boeing Company in Mesa, Ariz., home of the AH-64D Apache. The maintainers began their classes in mid-January. Six AH-64A pilots from The Netherlands began training Jan. 25 and will complete training in March. These are the first international pilots and maintainers to be trained on the next-generation AH-64D. They are from the RNLAF's 302 Squadron.

Boeing, the prime contractor on the AH-64D Apache, is providing training for The Netherlands, which has purchased 30 AH-64Ds. Over the next two years, 64 Dutch personnel will be trained by Boeing.

The Netherlands became the first international customer to take delivery of an AH-64D in May 1998. To date, five new RNLAF AH-64Ds have been delivered.

The advanced, multi-mission AH-64D features fully integrated avionics and weapons plus a state-of-the-art modem that transmits real-time, secure digitized battlefield information to a wide range of air and ground forces. The AH-64D incorporates a series of enhancements that make it more survivable in combat, and easily deployable and maintainable in the field.

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