A British Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopter takes flight (UK MoD)
AVALON AIR SHOW — Australian companies will supply components for all new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, including the 29 aircraft Australia is buying to replace its smaller fleet of Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance helicopters, prime manufacturer Boeing announced Wednesday.
The announcement represents the first bite at the AH-64 supply chain for the Australian aviation industry, which has manufactured components for the F-35 Lightning II and other US-manufactured aircraft, but never for the Apache.
Specifically, Australian company Thomas Global Systems will design and manufacture cockpit avionics for the global fleet of AH-64 Apache helicopters, and Australian firm Cablex will manufacture cabling for all new Apaches.
When it comes to Australia’s 29 Apaches, four companies — Cablex, Ferra, Axiom Precision Manufacturing and Mincham — will supply wiring harnesses, electrical panels, the vertical spar box, machined parts, fairings and composites.
The supplier contracts come under an Australian Industry Capability (AIC) Deed for the Apache Program signed here by Maj. Gen. Jeremy King, head of the Australian Defense Force’s Joint Aviation Systems Division, and Kathleen Jolivette, VP of Boeing Vertical Lift.
King said Defense had worked with the US Army, Boeing and Australian industry to ensure the best capability for the ADF.
“We look forward to continuing to work together through this agreement signed today to seek further opportunities for local industry involvement in both the production of Australia’s Apaches and the broader global fleet product and support activities,” he said.
“By partnering with the Australian government and investing in local businesses including small-and-medium enterprises, this agreement will help create jobs, develop Australia’s aerospace and manufacturing capability, and grow the local economy,” Jolivette said.
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said here today that this would generate jobs for Australian industry and is “expected to bring millions of dollars to local defence industry companies.”
In another announcement concerning Australian industry, Boeing announced that its supplier base for the new MQ-28 Ghost Bat had grown by 60 percent and now stood at 55 companies.
“The support of agile local suppliers has been vital to the rapid manufacture of this revolutionary uncrewed aircraft and its payloads,” said Glen Ferguson, Boeing Australia director of the MQ-28 Global Program.
“The Boeing MQ-28 program proves Australian industry can create a seamless link between airpower capability needs, local innovation and job opportunities.”
Boeing said aircraft development was progressing, with a robust flight test program under way and validation of the aircraft’s operational capabilities in an all-digital environment to refine mission sets.
