Westland WAH-64 Apache
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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 by Westland at Yeovil.
In British Army service the Apache AH Mk.1 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.
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.
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 far more power than their GE counter-parts, and are currently under evaluation by the U.S. Government, with a view to updating the American AH-64s.
- Anti-ice protection for rotor blades.
- BAE Systems (formerly GEC) Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS).
- Utilisation of the BOWMAN secure communications system.
- Capability to carry and fire CRV7 rockets and the advanced Brimstone missile.
- A downgrading of the laser used 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.
Project history
Procurement of the Apache has been somewhat protracted. The UK began the search in 1991 with an initial requirement for 127 aircraft. This number was further reduced to 97, and then 67, by the time the contract was signed in March 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 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 will be 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.
Specifications
In Pop 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.External links
- [Army Technology: Apache]
- [BBC News: MoD condemned for Apache delays]
- [BBC News: Army grounds Apache helicopters]
- [National Audit Office: The Introduction of the Apache Helicopter]
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