Article Posted on : - May 02, 2014

The AH-6i light attack chopper. A Boeing photo

MESA, ARIZONA (BNS): Boeing has flight tested the AH-6i light attack/reconnaissance helicopter for the first time in its production configuration, inching close toward the chopper's full-scale production.

The helicopter, designed to provide close-air support to land forces while also serving as an attack platform for destroying tanks, armoured vehicles and fortifications, was flight tested recently with Boeing pilots flying the aircraft for less than 20-minutes at low speeds in forward, rearward and sideward flight at low elevations, the company announced on May 1.

"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 defence forces around the world," said Scott Rudy, Boeing AH-6 Programme Director.

The AH-6i single-turbine helicopter is based on the combat-proven OH-6A Cayuse. It is an advanced variant of the AH-6M helicopter operated by the US Army Special Operations Forces.

The AH-6i incorporates advanced technologies from the Boeing AH-64E Apache multirole attack helicopter that give it superior performance over other aircraft in its class, according to the manufacturer.

Boeing began working on the first AH-6i prototype at its Mesa facility in early 2009. The helicopter successfully completed maiden flight in September 2009.

The AH-6i is primarily designed for the export market.