AH-64D block 2 for Egypt

[Tintin]

Defense Industry Daily
28-May-2009 20:35 EDT

Egypt Aims to Add AH-64D Block II Attack Helicopters


May 22/09: The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] Egypt’s formal request for 12 AH-64D Block II Apache Longbow attack helicopters, 27 T700-GE-701D engines, 36 “Arrowhead” Modernized TADS/PVNS sensors, 28 M299 Hellfire Longbow missile launchers, 14 AN/ALQ-144v3 “disco ball” infrared jammers, and 14 AN/APR-39Bv2 radar signal detecting sets. Egypt will also buy composite horizontal stabilizers, Integrated Helmet and Display Sight Systems (IHADSS), helicopter repair and return, transportation, depot maintenance, spare and repair parts, and other related support items and services.

These helicopters would join 35-42 AH-64s already operated by the Egyptian Air Force, which have been upgraded to AH-64D Block I status. The estimated cost for this order is $820 million, but a DSCA request is not the same thing as a formal contract. The exact details are a matter for negotiation, unless Congress blocks the sale within 30 days.

The prime contractors would be Boeing in Mesa, AZ and St. Louis, MO (AH-64); GE in Lynn, MA (engines); and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando, FL (Arrowhead, M299). Note that the APR-39B is a Northrop Grumman product, BAE Systems makes the “disco ball”, and IHADDS is a Honeywell product – but they are not prime contractors. Implementation will require the assignment of a U.S. Government representative to Egypt for a period of 6 years to provide intensive coordination, monitoring, and technical assistance, as well as 6 Contractor Field Service Representatives for a period of 5-10 years.