The Westland WAH-64 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 at Yeovil from Boeing-supplied kits. Changes from the AH-64D include Rolls-Royce engines and a folding blade mechanism allowing the British version to operate from ships. The WAH-64 is designated Apache AH Mk 1 or AH1 by the UK's Ministry of Defence.
Development
The 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:
Westland WAH-64D Apache Longbow at a UK airshow
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 total acquisition cost of the project, including the training package, is expected to be £4.117 billion.citation needed
Further problems occurred when it was realised that there were not enough trained pilots for the new aircraft. Attrition replacement aircraft were put into storage at RAF Shawbury in 2004.citation needed
Design
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. As such, one of the major differences between the WAH-64 and AH-64 Apache variants is the folding blade mechanism, required to stow the helicopters in the confined space onboard ships.
The Apache will serve aboard Royal Navy ships having 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 a WAH-64D Apache AH1 at Portsmouth Naval Base.
There are other differences between them, including
- Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines instead of the General Electric T700s. The Rolls-Royce engines produce nearly 25% more power than their GE counter-parts, although only exploited during take-offs due to the existing Apache transmission system.[2] This engine is currently under evaluation by the U.S. Government, with a view to updating their AH-64s. A new transmission system to utilise all the available power is also in development.[3]
- Anti-ice protection for rotor blades.
- SELEX (formerly BAE Systems Avionics) Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS).
- Connectivity with the BOWMAN secure communications system is planned however is yet to be implemented.
- Capability to carry and fire CRV7 rockets.
- An eye-safe training laser was developed and fitted to allow training by the Apache for target designation in the UK, as the tactical laser could not originally be used in the United Kingdom due to range restrictions. These restrictions have now been addressed and it can be used on certain ranges with appropriate safeguards and precautions.
Operational history
In British Army service the Apache AH1 will replace the Westland Lynx AH7 Anti-tank helicopters and will 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 Westland Apache 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.[4]
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 WAH-64 Apaches deployed in Afghanistan.[5] 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.[6]
On 13 January 2007 a 200-strong British force, led by Royal Marines, launched an operation to attack a major Taliban fort in southern Helmand Province.[7] 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.[8] The Apaches landed under fire with one inside the compound, and the four marines dismounted and were able to recover the body of LCpl Ford. Ford's body was flown out in the same manner that the Marines had flown in. A third Apache hovered above throughout and provided suppressive fire. None of the rescuers were injured in the recovery mission and were later hailed for their bravery.[9][10]
Unlike their American counterparts in Afghanistan, the WAH-64 is being deployed with its Longbow Fire Control Radar, which enables the pilot to better manage traffic in their airspace.[11]
Operators
 United Kingdom
Specifications (Apache AH1)
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 17.7 m (58 ft 4 in with rotors turning)
- Rotor diameter: 14.6 m (48 ft)
- Height: 3.87 m (12 ft 8 in)
- Disc area: 168.11 m² (1,809.5 ft²)
- Empty weight: 5,165 kg (11,387 lb)
- Loaded weight: 8,006 kg (17,650 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 9,525 kg (21,000 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce RTM322 turboshafts, 1,671 kW (2,241 hp) each
Performance
Armament
See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
Related lists
References
- ^ "British Army Receives 67th Apache In Ceremony Held At The Farnborough Air Show 2004", AgustaWestland, 21 July 2004.
- ^ APACHE IN FOREIGN SERVICE, Vectorsite.net, 1 July 2007.
- ^ Apache Moves On
- ^ Give us an enemy to fight, says chief of Britain's Apache helicopter fleet
- ^ "Parliamentary questions to The Secretary of State for Defence (Des Browne)", Hansard, February 26, 2007, 122586, <http://www.publications.parliament.uk/cgi-bin/newhtml_hl?DB=semsimple&STEMMER=en&WORDS=apach&ALL=&ANY=&PHRASE=&CATEGORIES=&SIMPLE=apache&SPEAKER=&COLOUR=Red&STYLE=s&ANCHOR=70226-0002.htm_spnew19&URL=/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070226/debtext/70226-0002.htm#70226-0002.htm_spnew19>
- ^ Calvert, Denis J. (February 2007). "Fact File: UK Air Power in Afghanistan.", Aircraft Illustrated, Ian Allan, pp. 34.
- ^ MoD news release
- ^ News Of The World article
- ^ Helicopter rescue marines hailed
- ^ Troops made rescue bid for marine
- ^ Afghan Field Report: British WAH-64Ds - Defense Industry Daily
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