Talk:MBDA Apache

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Is there really a nuclear varient of Apache/Storm Shadow? A quick Google finds nothing relevant.

I removed the RAF nuclear reference. Even if the RAF wished to use the missile in a nuclear role they would use the SCALP/Storm Shadow - not a modified Apache missile. The RAF were stripped of their nuclear role when the WE177 was retired without replacement.

"to give to UK a symbolique minimal nuclear impact force based on british Tornado aircrafts"

The UK has anything but a "minimal nulcear impact force," the Trident missile system deployed on four Vanguard class submarines gives the UK all the nuclear striking force they require - too much for some group's liking, e.g. Trident Ploughshares. Mark 11:03, 1 Jun 2004 (UTC)

Are you sure of that you said? I found that info (about Aérospatiale modification of the Apache missiles to carry nuclear warheads) on the DID F22-ADF manual, maybe DID was wrong? please check and note that those infos were printed in 1998 and I don't knew that any SCALP EG was yet produced at this time... I thought that the SCALP EG was an evolution designed mainly by british engineers after the experiences made on the french Apache modifications (SCALP EG is VERY VERY VERY similar to APACHE) but I could be wrong (together with DID staff...)

So please to check your sources, even because I know that British nuclear force should be very minimal (200warheads built by Aldermaston, Berkshire) while the Trident missiles bought from US were only 64... so the information I have was apparently right, the dismission of WE177 happens in later 1998 so the Apache page should be perfectly fitted about those informations about symbolic minimal nuclear force (the page is about Apache missiles, not about history of british nuclear force! :-)) so please check and tell me if you agreed to revert to my edits, ok? User:Aytharn 0:24 CET 28 Jun 2004

What I object to is the idea that the Apache missile was to form the basis (or any part of) the UK's nuclear deterrent. Yes, this page is not about the history of the British nuclear force but I cannot argue with your assertion that the Apache was to form a part of the UK deterrent without describing the actual plans of the UK.

The UK retired the WE.177 in 1998. The WE177 operated in the sub-strategic/tactical role while the strategic role was carried out by Polaris, later Trident. The UK inititiated studies to replace the WE177 with an air launched nuclear missile, but these were soon cancelled. i.e. Britain has long ago given up the idea of the Tornado force operating in the nuclear role. Instead the UK now deploys Trident in both the sub-strategic and strategic role - each submarine has around 4 missiles armed with just one warhead, these missiles (with a variable nuclear yield) operates in 'tactical' nuclear or 'battlefield' role. The same submarine will carry missiles with the full 8 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV)s for the full strategic role.

Frankly the rest of this disagreement is semantics. I did not suggest that the Storm Shadow was to be part of the UK deterrent - and hence you arguments over its production dates are not that relevant. However France and the UK signed the SCALP/Storm Shadow contract in 1997 and it was flying by 1999. I cannot see what correlation you draw between the number of UK warheads and the accuracy of your contribution. What do you want me to agree to?

• That you edit the article to say the Apache was modified to be fitted with a nuclear warhead?
  I honestly don't know, it may well be true, if you are sure of your facts please include this.
• That you edit the article to say the Apache was to form a part of the UK nuclear deterrent?
  I cannot agree to this, it has no basis in fact. Regards Mark 11:30, 28 Jun 2004 (UTC)