Boeing receives $411 million Apache contract for Britain

June 12 (UPI) -- Boeing has received a $411 million modification to an existing contract for helicopters sold to Britain, the Department of Defense announced last week.

The contract calls for the sale of 38 Apache attack helicopters, three crew trainers for the Longbow variant of the aircraft, and spares for both systems.

Work will be completed in Mesa, Ariz., and is estimated to be completed by Feb 28, 2023. Fiscal 2010 and other funds in the amount of $201 million were obligated at the time of the award.

The Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter is designed primarily for close air support. The rotorcraft carries a 30mm chaingun on a rotating turret, along with hard points for carrying Hellfire laser-guided missiles, unguided rockets and other ordinance.

The Apache Longbow is the latest variant of the helicopter, and features greater stand-off attack capability and more capable sensors. Over 2,200 Apaches have been manufactured since the aircraft was introduced in 1984 and it is the primary attack helicopter of the U.S. Army, in addition to being exported to allied countries across the world.