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Latest AH-64 Apache grounding likely to last months, officials say
The U.S. Army has grounded roughly 400 AH-64E Apache helicopters equipped with the Improved Drive System after identifying a transmission problem, affecting aircraft across active-duty and National Guard units. The October 2 restriction covers more than half of the approximately 700-aircraft Apache fleet while inspections and repairs are organised worldwide. An internal failure can damage the accessory gearbox and interrupt tail-rotor thrust, electrical power and hydraulic functions, prompting the precautionary action. Inspections could take months, with units adjusting operations around available helicopters; the restriction concerns this drive configuration and is separate from the older-variant Apache crash at Fort Hood in August.