Westland WAH-64 Apache
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| Westland WAH-64 Apache | |
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| WAH64 Apache on display at RAF Fairford | |
| Type | Attack helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Westland (under licence) |
| Introduced | January 2001 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary user |  British Army - Army Air Corps |
| Produced | 1998-2004 |
| Number built | 67 |
The WAH-64D 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 kits purchased from Boeing.
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[edit] Mission
In British Army service the Apache AH1 will replace the Westland Lynx Anti-tank helicopters and will be operated by three regiments of the Army Air Corps 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 Gulf War, destroying a major air defence node. Another mission is armed reconnaissance. Like the US Apache Longbow AH-64Ds 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.
[edit] Differences from AH-64
The UK's Strategic Defence Review called for Apaches to undertake amphibious attack missions, operating from HMS Ocean, the Invincible class aircraft carriers and their successors, the (Royal Navy CVF programme), and possibly the amphibious assault vessels HMS Bulwark and HMS 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 ship.
The Apache will serve aboard Royal Navy ships having achieved maritime certification in December 2005 aboard the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean. Then on November 17th, 2006, HMS Ark Royal became the first RN aircraft carrier to land a WAH-64D AH Mk 1 Apache at Portsmouth Naval Base.
There are other differences between them, including
- Rolls-Royce (British-made) RTM322 engines instead of the US 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.[1]. 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.[2]
- Anti-ice protection for rotor blades.
- SELEX (formerly BAE Systems Avionics) Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS).
- Connectivity with the BOWMAN secure communications system.
- Capability to carry and fire CRV7 rockets and the advanced Brimstone missile.
- A downgrading of the laser used for training by the Apache for target designation, as it is deemed too powerful for use in Britain, where the risks posed to the civilian population by blinding are higher than in America.
[edit] Project history
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:
- British Aerospace and Eurocopter – Tiger
- GEC-Marconi and Bell Textron – Cobra Supervenom (a version of the Super Cobra)
- Westland and McDonnell Douglas – Apache
- Boeing and Sikorsky – Comanche
- Agusta – A129
The Apache was selected in July 1995 and a contract for 67 helicopters was signed in 1996. The first helicopter, built by Boeing, 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. 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.
Further problems occurred when it was realised that there were not enough trained pilots for the new aircraft and as such many were put into storage at RAF Shawbury in 2004.
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 North 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.
[edit] Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 58 ft 4 in (17.7 m with rotors)
- Rotor diameter: 16 ft 4 in (4.9 m)
- Height: 12 ft 8 in (3.87 m)
- Disc area: 1,809.5 ft² (168.11 m²)
- Empty weight: 11,387 lb (5,165 kg)
- Loaded weight: 17,650 lb (8,006 kg)
- Useful load: lb (kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 21,000 lb (9,525 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce RTM322 turboshafts, 2,241 hp (1,671 kW) each
Performance
- Never exceed speed: mph (km/h)
- Maximum speed: 226.8 mph (365 km/h)
- Cruise speed: mph (km/h)
- Stall speed: mph (km/h)
- Range: 300 mi (482 km)
- Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
- Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)
- Disc loading: lb/ft² (kg/m²)
- Power/mass: hp/lb (kW/kg)
Armament
- Guns: M230 30mm automatic cannon, 1200 rds. Missiles: Hellfire (and Stinger, Starstreak, Sidewinder/Sidearm proposed). Rockets: CRV7
[edit] In popular culture
A WAH-64 was used in first episode of series 4 of the BBC car program Top Gear, where presenter Jeremy Clarkson attempted to dodge missile lock in a Lotus Exige. Clarkson was successful, so long as the Apache was restricted to the area above the racetrack; the Apache achieved lock within seconds once it was allowed to go further away.
