Boeing has delivered the first Extended Block II AH-64D Apache Longbow crew trainer (LCT) to the U.S. Army at Fort Drum, N.Y.

This Block II trainer maintains concurrency with the AH-64D attack helicopter, allowing pilots to train for operations using an Elbit IDM V304 modem that supports tactical fire, target handovers, fragmentary orders, enemy/friendly location updates, graphic updates and changes, and delivery of other information from commanders.

“The Apache LCT we delivered to Fort Drum in December is the first device to include the new display-system upgrade,” said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president of Training Systems and Services. “It incorporates a new out-the-window display using projectors, screens and mirrors to dramatically improve the scene that is presented to the aircrew.”

The Army has also contracted Boeing for an additional three LCTs over the next two years. One will include a Defense Department-direct threat server and another will be supplied to the National Guard. The third is planned to be used as a future LCT development platform.

Boeing delivered four other LCTs throughout 2009, all of which are operational. These include two for training for the Army at Fort Hood, Texas; one in Illesheim, Germany; and the first delivery of an LCT to the Egyptian Air Force in November. This was a record year for LCT delivers, according to Boeing.