The Apache Team has delivered all 67 UK Apache Attack Helicopter (AH) Mk1 and continues to sustain their capability.
The Apache AH Mk1 is based on the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow which is used by the US Army. It is armed with Hellfire (Semi-Active Laser (SAL) guided (and Longbow RF-guided anti-tank) missiles, CRV-7 70mm rockets and a 30 mm cannon.
The UK Apache, also known as the Westland AH-64D, has the more powerful Rolls Royce-Turbomeca RTM322 Mk 120 engines fitted (two off), and the aircraft is enhanced by the installation of a number of other UK-unique upgrades.
The AH Mk1 replaced the Army’s Lynx/TOW helicopters and is the key equipment within the Army’s Air Assault brigade. The 16 Air Assault Brigade is an airborne strike force capable of rapid deployment into war zones. Apache has proven to be hugely successful on operations in Afghanistan where it has greatly enhanced the Army’s capability.
The Apache team employs military and civilian staff. The bulk of the team is based at the site of its prime contractor, AgustaWestland, in Yeovil, and the Depth Support Unit at Wattisham, Suffolk, with an Officer at the US Army PEO Aviation, Radstone Arsenal, Alabama. The significant milestone of 100,000 flying hours has recently been achieved by the UK Apache Fleet.
The Apache Team is introducing the Modernised Target Acquisition and Designation Sight (MTADS) which has replaced obsolete TADS equipment fitted to the aircraft.
AgustaWestland, Boeing and other Apache programme companies have formed an industry alliance to offer the British Army a comprehensive performance-based logistics programme that will ensure consistent availability of the UK’s Apache AH Mk1 helicopters for the next two decades.
Training for British Army pilots and ground crew is managed through Aviation Training International Limited (ATIL) UK’s facilities in Middle Wallop, Arborfield, and Wattisham. ATIL is a 50-50 joint venture between AgustaWestland and Boeing, that provides air crew, ground crew and maintenance training. The service, set up in 1998 to support the AH Mk1, provides all the essential training received by soldiers on the Apache.
A range of equipment, simulators and trainers at ATIL facilities is used to represent the Apache’s sophisticated systems. The equipment is based on full-size aircraft systems and provides a high degree of fidelity, offering necessary tactile and visual cues, greatly reducing the need to use operational aircraft. Constant investment by ATIL in technology insertions ensures the training system remains one of the most up to date in the world.
Page updated 18 July 2011