AgustaWestland Apache
The AgustaWestland Apache is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the British Army Air Corps. The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing; the remaining 59 were assembled by Westland Helicopters (later AgustaWestland) at Yeovil, Somerset in England from Boeing-supplied kits. Changes from the AH-64D include Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines, a new electronic defensive aids suite and a folding blade mechanism allowing the British version to operate from ships. The helicopter was initially designated WAH-64 by Westland Helicopters and was later given the designation Apache AH Mk 1 (also written as "Apache AH1") by the Ministry of Defence.
| Apache AH1 | |
|---|---|
| An Apache AH1 at the Duxford Autumn Airshow 2010 | |
| Role | Attack helicopter |
| National origin |
|
| Manufacturer | |
| First flight | September 1998 |
| Introduction | 2004 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | British Army |
| Produced | 1998–2004 |
| Number built | 67 |
| Developed from | Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow |
The Apache was a valued form of close air support in the conflict in Afghanistan, being deployed to the region in 2006. Naval trials and temporary deployments at sea have proven the aircraft as an able platform to operate from the decks of ships, which is a unique application of the Apache amongst its operators. British Apaches also served in the NATO 2011 military intervention in Libya operating from Royal Navy ships. The Apache AH1 is to reach its out of service date in 2024 and be remanufactured to the later AH-64E version.