AgustaWestland Apache is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the British Army Air Corps.
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21 Facts About AgustaWestland Apache
2.
AgustaWestland Apache was a valued form of close air support in the conflict in Afghanistan, being deployed to the region in 2006.
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3.
The AgustaWestland Apache AH1 is to reach its out of service date in 2024 and be replaced by the AH-64E.
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4.
Westland and the AgustaWestland Apache was selected in July 1995, and a contract for 67 helicopters was signed in 1996.
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5.
The first nine AgustaWestland Apache AH1s were authorised for service by the director of British Army Aviation on 16 January 2001.
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6.
Westland AgustaWestland Apache experienced delays in entering service due to complications with the modifications made for British service.
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7.
The AgustaWestland Apache AH1 is to be retired and replaced by AH-64E Version 6 aircraft.
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8.
Several deviations were made to the standard AgustaWestland Apache design used by the US and those exported to other countries.
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9.
In 2009, it was announced that AgustaWestland Apache was integrating new external fuel tanks with ballistic protection.
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10.
The Westland AgustaWestland Apache has replaced the Westland Lynx AH7 as the British Army's tactical attack helicopter.
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11.
The AgustaWestland Apache is currently operated by two regiments of the Army Air Corps as part of 1st Aviation Brigade .
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12.
Unlike US versions, the Westland AgustaWestland Apache has been partially navalised and now serves aboard Royal Navy ships in addition to its land-based role.
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13.
In 2009, AgustaWestland was awarded a contract for support services for the Apache and many components such as the Longbow radar; in the following months senior officers noted that the support change had resulted in higher availability.
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14.
AgustaWestland Apache subsequently deployed to Afghanistan as part of 662 Squadron in September 2012.
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15.
Unlike their American counterparts in Afghanistan, the AgustaWestland Apache AH1 is deployed with its Longbow Fire Control Radar to enable the pilot to better manage traffic in their airspace.
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16.
On 22 May 2006, a UK AgustaWestland Apache operating in Afghanistan's Helmand province used a Hellfire missile to destroy an abandoned French vehicle to protect sensitive equipment.
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17.
AgustaWestland Apache quickly became a highly valued tool against insurgents, able to rapidly respond to Taliban forces on the ground.
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18.
In June 2008, a British AgustaWestland Apache fired a thermobaric Hellfire missile; the controversial usage of such weapons was approved after extensive legal and ethical evaluations within the MoD.
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19.
In September 2008, an AgustaWestland Apache was seriously damaged by a crash shortly after takeoff in Helmand province; no loss of life occurred but the airframe was written off.
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20.
On 25 July 2011, the MoD announced that during a combat operation in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province, several Afghan children had been injured from crossfire by an AgustaWestland Apache; they were flown to Camp Bastion for medical treatment.
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21.
The AgustaWestland Apache was recognised as having established a "limited maritime strike capability" and were deploying on vessels such as HMS Ocean.
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