The U.S. Army to get rid of the ageing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters to make room for the new aircraft, according to a notice posted to the U.S. government’s main contracting website this week. The Army Contracting Command- Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA) is looking for contractors to disassemble hundreds of the service’s remaining helicopters in the AH-64D configuration.

The AH-64D Apache is an attack helicopter widely used by the U.S. Army for various missions, including close air support, anti-armor operations, and reconnaissance. It has been a critical asset in the Army’s aviation fleet for many years. The U.S. Army has been transitioning to the newer AH-64E Apache Guardian variant, which incorporates advanced technologies and upgrades over the AH-64D model.

While the Army’s transition to the AH-64E is ongoing, it does not necessarily mean that all AH-64D Apache helicopters will be retired immediately or in large numbers. Some AH-64D helicopters may be retained for certain roles or undergo refurbishment and modernization programs to extend their operational lifespan.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the U.S. Army’s plans regarding the retirement of AH-64D Apache helicopters, I recommend referring to recent news articles or official statements from the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense.

“The United States Government (USG) Army Contracting Command- Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA) is conducting market research to determine potential sources for the depopulation of the Apache AH-64D for the Project Manager for Apache Attack Helicopter (PM AAH) within the Program Executive Office for Aviation (PEO AVN),” the notice reads. “The USG seeks to identify potential sources that possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements necessary to depopulate the Apache AH-64D Attack Helicopter, sourced directly to the Government.”

The Apache Project Office is looking for new innovative partnerships with industry to provide plans, procedures, production information, and reports addressing the depopulation of 3-7 AH-64D aircraft per month. Additional work scope includes minor repairs in order to maximize reuse of components for production of the Apache AH-64E. The notice gives further details and said that the period of performance for this work is from January 2022 through December 2027 with the first delivery required in June 2023 and the last delivery required in March 2027.

Boeing-built AH-64 Apache is the Army’s attack helicopter. It is capable of destroying armor, personnel and materiel targets in obscured battlefield conditions. The current Army Aviation fleet contains both AH-64D Longbow Apaches and AH-64E models. The Apache is fielded to both Active Army and Army National Guard armed reconnaissance battalions and cavalry units. The aircraft is designed to support Brigade Combat Teams across the full spectrum of ωɑɾʄɑɾε.