U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground conducts comprehensive testing of SPIKE missile from AH-64

In a series of rigorous tests spanning five days, the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) played host to the evaluation of the cutting-edge SPIKE missile, launched from the formidable AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. The trials, conducted in various scenarios, showcased the missile’s versatility and resilience across different operational conditions.

A primary responsibility of U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is to support developmental testing to improve existing weapons systems, even on platforms considered the most lethal of their kind. A recent example of this is testing in support of an airworthiness release that will allow the Spike non-line of site missile to be integrated into the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. Over the course of five days in December 2023, testers fired eight full-up rounds in a variety of test scenarios: day and night shots, against both moving and static targets such as a mock SA-22 and a real Dodge Dakota truck, at different distances, from hovers close up to more than 30 kilometers away.

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New bill would allow Medal of Honor recipients to lie in honor in the Capital Rotunda

U.S. Congressman Jake Ellzey has recently introduced a significant bill, HR 6378, which aims to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. The proposed legislation, currently in the Veterans Affairs Committee, seeks to permit the remains of any Medal of Honor recipient to lie in honor in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.

Medalsofhonor
Likely the U.S. military or government, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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JGSDF AH-64s practice acting as escort for USMC MV-22B

In a remarkable display of cooperation and interoperability, aviation units from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) joined forces during the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23, held from October 14 to October 31, 2023.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts a bilateral formation flight alongside Japan Ground Self-Defense Force AH-64 Apaches with 1st Squadron, 1st Combat Helicopter Battalion, Western Army Aviation Group, during the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 over Kumamoto, Japan, Oct. 18, 2023. RD 23 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and allied Japan Self-Defense Force personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

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Apache Version 6.5 takes flight

On Oct. 11, the AH-64E Apache achieved another milestone with the successful flight of the latest Version 6.5, marking a significant leap in the modernization of the world’s premier attack helicopter. This new configuration, known as the V6.5, is a critical step toward streamlining training and maintenance processes, all while enhancing the Apache’s operational capabilities.

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Photo: U.S. Army

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