Westland WAH-64 Apache

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WAH-64 Apache
An Apache on display at RIAT, RAF Fairford
Type Attack helicopter
Manufacturer Westland (under licence)
Status Active service
Primary user British Army Air Corps
Produced 1998-2004
Number built 67
Developed from AH-64 Apache

The WAH-64 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. The WAH-64 is designated Apache AH Mk 1 or AH1 by the UK's Ministry of Defence.

Contents

[edit] Mission

In British Army service the Apache AH1 will replace the Westland Lynx AH7 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 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.

[edit] Differences from AH-64

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 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 ships.

The Apache will serve aboard Royal Navy ships having achieved maritime certification in December 2005 aboard HMS Ocean. Then on November 17th, 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

[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:

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.

[edit] Use in Afghanistan

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. As of February 2007 there are eight WAH-64 Apaches deployed in Afghanistan.[3] 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.[4]

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.[5] 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 four volunteer marines 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.[6] The Apaches landed under fire; one inside the compound, and the four marines dismounted and were able to recover the body of Lance Corporal 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.[7] This is believed to be the first time the Apache has been used in such a manner.[8]

[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

Armament

[edit] 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.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ APACHE IN FOREIGN SERVICE
  2. ^ Apache Moves On
  3. ^ February 26, 2007, "Parlimentary questions to the The Secretary of State for Defence (Des Browne)", Hansard, 122586
  4. ^ Calvert, Denis J.. "Fact File: UK Air Power in Afghanistan.", Aircraft Illustrated, Ian Allan, February 2007, pp. 34.
  5. ^ MoD news release
  6. ^ News Of The World article
  7. ^ Helicopter rescue marines hailed
  8. ^ Troops made rescue bid for marine

[edit] External links

[edit] Related content

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Related development

Comparable aircraft

Designation sequence

YUH-61 - XCH-62 - YAH-63 - AH-64 - HH-65 - RAH-66 - TH-67

Related lists

See also

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