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The AgustaWestland Apache is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the British Army. The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing; the remaining 59 were assembled by Westland Helicopters (now part of AgustaWestland) at Yeovil, England from Boeing-supplied kits. Changes from the AH-64D include Rolls-Royce engines, a new electronic defensive aids suite and a folding blade mechanism allowing the British version to operate from ships. The helicopter was named "WAH-64" by Westland Helicopters. It is designated Apache AH Mk 1 (or shortened to Apache AH1) by the UK's Ministry of Defence.
[edit] DevelopmentThe requirement for a new attack helicopter was identified in the early 1990s with initial suggestions that 125 would be ordered, however an invitation to bid was not issued until February 1993. The bids were:
The Apache was selected in July 1995 and a contract for 67 helicopters was signed in 1996. The first helicopter, built by Boeing (which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997), was delivered in March 1999. The first Westland built aircraft was delivered in July 2000. The 67th and final Apache was handed over in July 2004.[1] The cost of the helicopter fleet is currently expected to be £3.1 billion, £71 million above the original approved cost. This increase is due to increased costs of trials. The UK's Strategic Defence Review called for Apaches to undertake amphibious attack missions, operating from the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, the Invincible class aircraft carriers and their successors, the (Royal Navy CVF programme), and possibly the amphibious assault vessels HMS Bulwark and Albion. Before its introduction into service in 2004, several problems were noted, including lacking the ability to securely communicate with other helicopters and a risk of damage to the tail rotor upon use of the Hellfire missiles;[2][3] the latter problem having been corrected as Hellfires are now routinely carried and used by WAH-64s in British service. [edit] Design One of the major differences between the UK WAH-64 Apache and US AH-64 variants is the folding blade mechanism, required to stow the helicopters in the confined space onboard ships. There are other differences between them, including
[edit] Operational historyThe Apache serves aboard Royal Navy ships. It achieved maritime certification in December 2005 aboard HMS Ocean. Then on November 17, 2006, HMS Ark Royal became the first RN aircraft carrier to land an Apache AH Mk1 at Portsmouth Naval Base. The Westland Apache has replaced the Westland Lynx AH7 as the British Army's tactical attack helicopter.[7] The Apache is to be operated by two regiments of the Army Air Corps (3 Regt AAC and 4 Regt AAC) as part of 16 (Air Assault) Brigade. The Apache will also operate in attack raids as US Army Apaches did on the first night of the 1991 Gulf War, destroying a major air defence node. Another mission is armed reconnaissance. Like the US AH-64D Apache Longbows; the Apache AH Mk1 carries a fire-control radar (FCR) and Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), providing an integrated surveillance and attack system. The 'Longbow’ radar is the bulbous unit over the rotor hub assembly. Radar placement above the rotors allows the Apache to hover behind cover scanning for targets, with only the radar unit exposed.[8] The Apache's first operation tour is as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade in Afghanistan. On May 22, 2006, a UK Apache operating in Afghanistan's South Helmand province fired one of its Hellfire missiles to destroy a French armoured vehicle that had been crippled during a firefight the previous day, as attempting to recover the vehicle would have been too hazardous. This is the first "kill" by a UK Apache in a hostile theatre. As of February 2007 there are eight Apache AH Mk1s deployed in Afghanistan.[9] These are drawn from No. 656 Squadron and No. 664 Squadron of 9 Regiment AAC, based at RAF Dishforth, which take turns to deploy for 3 months.[10] On 13 January 2007 a 200-strong British force, led by Royal Marines, launched an operation to attack Jugroom Fort, a major Taliban concentration in southern Helmand Province.[11] After several hours of intense fighting the Marines regrouped and it was discovered that Lance Corporal Mathew Ford of 45 Commando Royal Marines was missing. A rescue mission was launched to recover Lance Corporal Ford using three volunteer Royal Marines and a volunteer Royal Engineer strapped to the aircraft wings of two Apaches. The helicopters could not be flown faster than 50 mph to ensure the safety of the extra passengers from down thrust of the rotor blades.[12] The Apaches landed under fire with one inside the compound, then the rescuers dismounted and were able to recover the body of LCpl Ford. Ford's body was flown out in the same manner that the passengers had flown in. A second pair of Apache aircraft hovered above throughout and provided suppressive fire. None of the rescuers were injured in the recovery mission and were later hailed for their bravery.[13][14] There was a friendly fire incident in July 2008, in which an Apache fired upon a position thought to be held by enemy forces, but instead hit members of a British patrol.[15] Unlike their American counterparts in Afghanistan, the Apache AH Mk1 is being deployed with its Longbow Fire Control Radar, which enables the pilot to better manage traffic in their airspace.[16] [edit] Operators[edit] Specifications (Apache AH1)Data from AgustaWestland page[17] Jane's Air Forces[18] General characteristics
Performance
Armament
[edit] See alsoRelated development Comparable aircraft Related lists
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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