As the sun rose slowly over the Apache helicopter flight line at the Boeing site in Mesa, Ariz., a ceremonial drumbeat and a prayer uttered in the Apache Indian language petitioned the creator to bring home safely the Apache Block III aircraft and the soldiers that would become its future pilots and maintainers.

White Mountain Apache Indian Tribal Chairman Ronnie Lupe’s aircraft blessing was an appropriate beginning to the Nov. 2 ceremony delivering the first AH-64D Apache Block III helicopter to the U.S. Army. After all, the helicopter was bestowed with the name Apache by the U.S. Army to respectfully acknowledge the legend and legacy of the Apache Indian. 

Nearly 30 years after the first Apache helicopter was delivered to the U.S. Army, the first Block III aircraft was unveiled and the keys handed to the Army, during a ceremony Wednesday at the Boeing plant. The Army’s plan calls for 690 Block III aircraft. In addition, a growing number of defense forces worldwide are under contract or considering upgrading to Block III.
The Block III helicopter has 26 new technologies to enhance its capabilities, including an improved drive system; a new composite main rotor blade; an increase in the hover ceiling altitude at greater gross weight; and a more powerful on-board computer system to help pilots remotely fly unmanned aircraft and streamline maintenance.

Spiritual leader of the White Mountain Apache Tribe Ramon Riley (left) White Mountain Apache Chairman Ronnie Lupe (middle) and Lupe’s assistant Jerry Gloshay perform a blessing on a Boeing Apache Block III helicopter Nov. 2.   Photo by Mike Goettings / Boeing.