The unconfirmed report comes from the United States: after a career of more than 40 years, the two legendary models might still dominate the skies of the future

Don’t call them oldies. Helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache and the CH-47 Chinook, easily recognisable also by the public, have been a cornerstone for the US Army operations. The first one will blow out 40 candles next year (40 years from its maiden flight); on the other hand, to trace the origins of the Chinook helicopter we need to take a step backward to 53 years ago.

Their career, however, has never been questioned. On the contrary, during the last days, Boeing has opened a window for the future of the two helicopters. To tell the truth, the engineers and sales office of the American company had decided to celebrate the Apache’s 40 years with a new model (its E version, which entered service last year), and the CH-47’s 53 years with the F variant, chosen also by the Italian Army.

According to several observers, especially in the States, this should be an extended swan song. Indeed, the deliveries of the CH-47F will last until 2019, when the assembling process of the AH-64E helicopters will start (the models that are currently used are an upgrade of the F version).

A SUPER FAST APACHE

Is this all? Apparently, no: Boeing is far from abandoning the development project. According to two executives of the company, the Apache and the Chinook helicopters shall fly for another ten years, until the CH-47 celebrates its 100^th birthday. Boeing managers had already expressed their idea to improve the Apache helicopter.

Thanks to its two 3000-shp turboshafts, included in part of the US Army’s ITEP program, the F version of the legendary attack helicopter will have 30% more power than the E version. Other options concern the adoption of a retractable landing gear, a new design for the winglets and a rotor tail able to swing to 90 degrees, boosting the horizontal thrust.

In other words, the AH-64F helicopter would be a perfect candidate to compete in the FVL program (Future Vertical Lift) of the US Department of Defense, which should choose four new helicopters as a squadron for the US future war operations.

‘The FVL substitute of the Apache won’t enter service before 2040 – told David Palm, director of business development in Boeing-. This is why we think that the AH-64 will undergo at least another technological evolution.’

THE NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CHINOOK WIL BE MORE POWERFUL

Boeing’s idea to improve the legendary CH-47 is quite simple: producing a new version of the F model. Boeing had already considered a new variant with a maximum takeoff weight of 31 tons, a fuselage section 30 cm wider, able to carry also the US Army’s Humvee reconnaissance helicopters.

Another improved model shall be inspired to the F project, but with a reduced size. Thanks to a new propulsion system, the hypothetical H model should be able to guarantee a load carrying capacity of more than 1.800 kg, higher than the latest variant, which is currently on the market.