Boeing flies AH-6i helicopter

Mesa, Ariz. – Boeing's AH-6i light attack/reconnaissance helicopter has flown for the first time in its production configuration, moving the program another step closer to full-scale production while continuing to prove the helicopter's close air support and attack capabilities. 

 

Boeing pilots flew the aircraft for less than 20 minutes at low speeds in forward, rearward, and sideward flight at low elevations during a recent test. Future tests will expand the flight envelope over the next several months.

 

"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," said Boeing AH-6 Program Director Scott Rudy.

 

The AH-6i is a single-turbine helicopter that is based on the combat-proven OH-6A Cayuse. It is an advanced variant of the AH-6M helicopter operated by the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, and it incorporates advanced technologies from the Boeing AH-64E Apache multirole attack helicopter.

 

The helicopter is intended to provide close-air support for land-based forces and serve as an attack platform for destroying tanks, armored vehicles, and fortifications.