AgustaWestland Apache

AgustaWestland Apache. The AgustaWestland Apache is a twin-turboshaft attack helicopter developed for the British Army by the UK-based manufacturer AgustaWestland, now part of Leonardo S.p.A.. It is a license-built, extensively modified version of the American Boeing AH-64 Apache, tailored to meet specific UK Ministry of Defence requirements. The helicopter, designated WAH-64D and later AH Mk1 by the British Army, entered service to replace the Westland Lynx in the anti-tank role and has been a cornerstone of British Army Air Corps aviation.

Development and variants

The program originated from the British Army's requirement for a new Attack helicopter under the Army Air Corps' Attack Helicopter Capability program. Following a competition that included the Eurocopter Tiger, the AH-64D Apache Longbow was selected in 1995. The UK Ministry of Defence awarded the contract to Westland Helicopters, which later became AgustaWestland, for a license-built version with significant modifications. Key changes included the integration of more powerful Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines, a new composite material rotor system, and avionics compatible with NATO and UK-specific systems. The first WAH-64D prototype flew in 1998, with deliveries to the British Army beginning in 2000. A single-seat demonstrator, the AH Mk1 Battlefield Apache, was also developed to explore future attack helicopter concepts.

Design and features

The airframe is based on the AH-64D Apache Longbow but incorporates several critical UK-specific systems. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft engines, which provide greater power and performance in hot and high conditions compared to the American General Electric T700 engines. The helicopter features a Lockheed Martin AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar mounted above the rotor mast, capable of detecting and classifying multiple armoured targets. Its primary armament is the Boeing AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile, and it also carries a 30mm M230 Chain Gun in a chin turret. The cockpit is equipped with Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS) and multifunction displays compatible with UK data links and Bowman communications systems.

Operational history

The type entered operational service with the British Army's Army Air Corps in 2001, initially with 673 Squadron. Its first major combat deployment was during the Iraq War, where it provided close air support and armed reconnaissance for coalition forces, including during the Second Battle of Fallujah. The Apache saw extensive and intensive use during the War in Afghanistan, operating from Camp Bastion in support of ISAF and British Armed Forces operations across Helmand Province. Missions included close air support, armed escort, and counter-insurgency strikes. The fleet underwent a major upgrade program to the AH-64E Apache Guardian standard, with the first upgraded aircraft delivered by Boeing in 2020 to maintain interoperability with the United States Army and other allied forces.

Operators

The sole operator is the British Army's Army Air Corps. The helicopters are operated by several front-line and training squadrons, including 3 Regiment AAC and 4 Regiment AAC based at Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk. Key operational squadrons have included 656 Squadron AAC, 663 Squadron AAC, and 664 Squadron AAC. The Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) at Boscombe Down has also operated the type for test and evaluation purposes. All airframes are scheduled to be upgraded to the AH-64E standard.

Specifications (AH Mk1)

* Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot/gunner) * Length: 17.73 m (58 ft 2 in) with rotors turning * Height: 4.64 m (15 ft 3 in) * Empty weight: 5,165 kg (11,387 lb) * Max takeoff weight: 9,525 kg (21,000 lb) * Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft engines * Maximum speed: 284 km/h (176 mph, 153 kn) * Range: 480 km (300 mi, 260 nmi) * Armament: * 1 × 30mm M230 Chain Gun (1,200 rounds) * Up to 16 × AGM-114 Hellfire missiles * 76 × 70mm Hydra 70 rockets in pods

Category:Military helicopters Category:Attack aircraft