First flight for Boeing AH-6i attack/recon helicopter
NewsMay 01, 2014
MESA, AZ. The Boeing AH-6i light attack/reconnaissance helicopter was flown in its product configuration for the first time during a recent test flight. Boeing pilots flew the aircraft for approximately 20 minutes at low speeds in forward, rearward, and sideward flight at low elevations. Future tests are soon to follow to improve the helicopter’s attack capabilities and close-air support.
The AH-6i is a single-turbine helicopter that is based on the OH-6A Cayuse. It is an advanced variant of the AH-6M helicopter operated by the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, and it integrates advanced technologies from the Boeing AH-64E Apache multirole attack helicopter.
"This first AH-6 flight in the production configuration takes us closer to delivering an advanced light attack and reconnaissance helicopter that meets the needs of defense forces around the world," says Scott Rudy, Boeing’s AH-6 Program Director.
The AH-6i helicopter is designed to provide close-air support for land-based forces and also to serve as an attack platform for abolishing enemy armored vehicles, tanks, and fortifications.
For more information, visit www.boeing.com.
