The new compromise NDAA bill to fund the United States military through FY 2025 has been released. On page 17, the bill includes a provision for the Army to submit a plan for providing five types of aircraft (the Apache, Chinnock, Gray Eagle, Black Hawk, and FLRAA/V-280 Valor) to the Army National Guard not later than March 31, 2025 (an agreement with the Air Force prohibits the Army from acquiring tactical fixed-wing aircraft). The US Army boasts the largest rotary-wing fleet in the world and its procurement spending on aviation rivals that of ‘weapons and tracked combat vehicles.’
1 AH-64E Apache
The US Army has around 824 Apaches in service
Role: Attack helicopter Entered service: 1986 Number built: Over 5,000
The Apache is perhaps the most recognizable attack helicopter in the world. It is armed with a 30mm M230 chain gun and has four hardpoints to carry missiles (like Hellfires) and other stores. The Apache is one of the world’s most popular attack helicopters with new orders flowing in – including a massive order for almost 100 Apaches from Poland .
Photo: United States Army
The AH-64E Apache is the backbone of the US military’s attack helicopter fleet. It was designed to offer close air support to troops on the frontline and combat enemy armored vehicles. Like the tank, many people have said the attack helicopter was becoming obsolete. However, unlike the A-10 Warthog, the Apache has found a new use in the Army as a deep raiding platform to strike the enemy rear (where air defenses are much weaker).
Related The Debate Over A-10 Warthog & Apache Obsolescence In One Word The A-10 and Apache may both have been designed as close air support assets, but the Apache’s role has since changed and the A-10 hasn’t.
2 MQ-1C Gray Eagle
The US Army has around Gray Eagles in service
Role: Unmanned combat aerial vehicle Entered service: 2009 Number built: Over 204
The General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle is the Army’s upgraded version of the MQ-1 Predator and is the smaller cousin of the larger Air Force MQ-9 Reaper. The Gray Eagle is used by the Army as a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone that can be used mostly in permissive environments ( the large number of Air Force MQ-9 Reapers being downed over Yemen demonstrates they can’t operate in a high-threat environment).
Photo: General Atomics
General Dynamics states,
5 Aircraft Congress Wants The US Army To Plan For The National Guard
