Westland Apache

Westland Apache
Name	Westland Apache
Type	Attack helicopter
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Westland Helicopters
Introduction	2004
Status	In service
Primary user	British Army
Number built	67
Developed from	Boeing AH-64 Apache

Westland Apache. The Westland Apache is the designation for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter manufactured under licence in the United Kingdom by Westland Helicopters for the British Army. Based on the American Boeing-designed AH-64D Apache Longbow, the variant incorporated significant modifications including Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines and updated avionics to meet UK requirements. Entering service as the Apache AH1, it has formed a cornerstone of the Army Air Corps' attack capability, seeing extensive combat in Afghanistan and Libya.

Development and design

The programme originated from the British Army's Army Air Corps requirement for a new attack helicopter following the cancellation of the Westland Lynx-based WG.30 project. A competition evaluated the Bell AH-1 SuperCobra, the Eurocopter Tiger, and the AH-64 Apache, with the Apache Longbow selected in 1995. The UK Ministry of Defence contracted Westland Helicopters at Yeovil to licence-produce 67 AH-64D airframes, integrating substantial national modifications. Key changes included the installation of more powerful Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines, which required redesign of the engine nacelle and transmission system, and a custom mission computer and software suite developed by Lockheed Martin UK. The helmet-mounted display system was also uniquely sourced from BAE Systems, differing from the standard Rockwell Collins unit used by the United States Army.

Operational history

Deliveries to the Army Air Corps began in 2000, with the type officially entering operational service with 673 Squadron AAC in 2004. Its first major combat deployment came during operations in Afghanistan, where Apaches from the Regiment's 664 Squadron AAC and 656 Squadron AAC provided crucial close air support for ISAF and British Army forces in Helmand Province. The helicopters were heavily utilized for armed reconnaissance, escort duties, and precision strike missions, often operating from Camp Bastion. In 2011, Apaches deployed aboard the helicopter carrier HMS *Ocean* played a decisive role in Operation Ellamy, the UK's contribution to NATO intervention in the Libyan Civil War, conducting strikes against pro-Gaddafi forces. The fleet has undergone continuous upgrades, including the integration of Hellfire missiles and CRV7 rockets, and is now being upgraded to the AH-64E standard under the Apache Capability Sustainment Programme.

Variants

* Apache AH1: The initial designation for all 67 licence-built Westland AH-64D aircraft delivered to the British Army. This variant is equivalent to the AH-64D Apache Longbow but with RTM322 engines and UK-specific avionics. * Apache AH Mk.1: An alternative designation for the AH1, used in official documentation. * AH-64E Apache Guardian: The designation for the upgraded standard under the Apache Capability Sustainment Programme. This remanufacture updates the airframes to the latest Boeing AH-64E configuration, featuring improved driveshafts, new composite rotor blades, enhanced data linking with unmanned aerial vehicles like Watchkeeper WK450, and more powerful General Electric T700-series engines.

Operators

* United Kingdom: The sole operator is the British Army's Army Air Corps. Frontline units have included 653 Squadron AAC, 656 Squadron AAC, 663 Squadron AAC, 664 Squadron AAC, and 673 Squadron AAC. Training is conducted by 662 Squadron AAC at Wattisham Flying Station, the main operating base. The aircraft are maintained through a Private Finance Initiative partnership with Boeing and Lockheed Martin UK.

Specifications (AH-64 Apache)

General characteristics * Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot gunner) * Length: 58.17 ft (17.73 m) including rotor system * Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m) * Height: 12.7 ft (3.87 m) * Empty weight: 11,387 lb (5,165 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 23,000 lb (10,433 kg) * Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft engines, 2,100 shp (1,600 kW) each * Rotor system: 4-bladed main rotor, 4-bladed tail rotor

Performance * Maximum speed: 182 mph (293 km/h, 158 kn) * Range: 300 mi (480 km, 260 nmi) * Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m) * Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (13 m/s)

Armament * Guns: 1 × 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 chain gun * Hardpoints: Four pylons under stub wings * Rockets: 70 mm Hydra 70 or CRV7 rocket pods * Missiles: AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles

Avionics * AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar (mast-mounted) * Target Acquisition and Designation Sight (TADS/PNVS) * Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System (IHADSS) from BAE Systems

Category:Attack helicopters Category:Military aircraft of the United Kingdom Category:Westland aircraft