AgustaWestland Apache The AgustaWestland AH Mk 1 Apache is a licence - built version of the AH - 64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the British Army ' s Army Air Corps . The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing ; the remaining 59 were assembled by Westland Helicopters ( now part of AgustaWestland ) at Yeovil , Somerset in England from Boeing - supplied kits . Changes from the AH - 64D include Rolls - Royce engines , a new electronic defensive aids suite and a folding blade mechanism allowing the British version to operate from ships . The helicopter was named " WAH - 64 " by Westland Helicopters . It is designated " Apache AH Mk 1 " ( or shortened to " Apache AH1 " ) by the Ministry of Defence . The Apache has become a valued form of close air support in the continuing conflict in Afghanistan , being deployed to the region since 2006 . The Apache has been an object of controversy over the fitting of some munitions , such as cluster bomb s and thermobaric weapons . 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 served in the NATO 2011 military intervention in Libya operating from Royal Navy ships . Development . The requirement for a new attack helicopter was identified by the British government in the early 1990s . In 1993 , invitations to bid were issued . Bids received included the Eurocopter Tiger , a modernised Bell AH - 1 SuperCobra , the AH - 64 Apache , the Boeing / Sikorsky RAH - 66 Comanche , and the Agusta A129 Mangusta . Both the Tiger and Cobra variant were derided for requiring development , and thus risk , while the Apache was combat proven , however its performance in the First Gulf War was criticised by competitors . Westland and the Apache was selected in July 1995 , a contract for 67 helicopters was signed in 1996 . The first prototype WAH - 64 Apache was produced by Westland , under licence from Boeing , in September 1998 . The first nine Apache AH Mk1 helicopters were authorised for service by the director of British Army Aviation on 16 January 2001 . The 67th and final Apache was handed over to the British Army in July 2004 . The cost of the helicopter fleet was around £3 . 1 billion , with a total acquisition cost of £4 . 1 billion . Reliability had become questioned by US Apache operations , the entire fleet in the Balkans had been grounded due to serious failures with the tail rotor . In 1998 , the development of the Longbow radar ran into problems regarding its weight , impact upon overall agility , and the ability to transfer data . These problems with important parts of the aircraft , and the high cost for the fleet , led to calls for its cancellation in 1999 . When the requirement for the Apache had been formalised in the early 1990s , military doctrine assumed that a large conventional armoured assault from the Eastern Bloc was Britain ' s main threat . Following the collapse and break - up of the Soviet Union , the concepts of flexibility and rapid response took precedence . The UK ' s Strategic Defence Review called for Apaches to undertake amphibious attack missions , operating from the helicopter carrier HMS " Ocean " , the " Invincible " class aircraft carriers and their successors , the " Queen Elizabeth " class aircraft carriers , and possibly the amphibious assault vessels HMS " Bulwark " and " Albion " . Each squadron equipped with the Apache should have eight operational aircraft . The WAH - 64 experienced delays in entering service due to complications with the modifications made for British service . Prior entering service in 2004 , several development problems were noted , including a lack of the ability to securely communicate with other helicopters and a risk of damage to the tail rotor and airframe from firing its Hellfire missiles . The problem with using the Hellfire was debris generated by the firing of missiles , both the Hellfire and CRV7 rockets , could strike the body of the aircraft and cause damage ; resolving this issue created a delay to training programmes . These problems were corrected prior to entering service , a secure communications suite was installed and Hellfire missiles are routinely fired by WAH - 64s . In 2002 , government sources stated that full operational capability was set to be achieved by 2010 . In 2005 , an out - of - service date for the Apache was forecast at 2030 , however the service life could be extended by decades if a major life - extension upgrade is performed . Design . Several deviations were made to the standard Apache design used by the US and those exported to other countries . One major difference is the use of a pair of Rolls - Royce Turbomeca RTM322 01 / 12 engines , replacing the original General Electric T700 - GE - 701C engines . The Rolls - Royce engine produces vs for the GE T700C engine . Unlike many helicopters used by coalition forces in Afghanistan , the Apache required less modification to serve in the region due to special filters incorporated into the design . Another change is the folding blade mechanism to stow the helicopters in confined spaces ; the rotor blades also have anti - ice protection to allow operations in Arctic environments . There were changes made to the sensor and avionics outfitting the craft as well ; connectivity with the BOWMAN secure communications system to interact with other British military units being a significant one . The SELEX ( formerly BAE Systems Avionics ) Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System ( HIDAS ) was also fitted . The HIDAS system was retrofitted onto the aircraft in mid - 2004 just prior to entering service , along with several redesigned composite bodywork components . An eye - safe training laser to allow the Apache to function as a target designator was also installed . Instead of the American Hydra 70 rocket pods , the Westland Apache can carry up to 76 CRV7 rockets . The CRV - 7 uses a modular warhead : " a high explosive , semi - armour piercing warhead for attacks on unarmoured targets and a kinetic energy penetrator , which contains no explosive , for attacks on armoured targets " . There used to be a third type of warhead : the Multi - Purpose Sub Munition ( MPSM ) , which was a controversial weapon as it has been classified as a cluster bomb ; each rocket contained nine M73 submunitions . In May 2008 , several senior officers , such as General David Ramsbotham spoke out against British plans to keep the weapon . In the same month , Britain , as one of the 111 participating nations , agreed to ban cluster bombs on humanitarian grounds . Britain destroyed the last of its CRV - 7 MPSMs in July 2009 . Like the US AH - 64D Apache Longbows , the Apache AH Mk 1 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 ; radar placement above the rotors allows the Apache to hover behind cover scanning for targets , with only the radar unit exposed . Additionally , the Longbow radar can monitor traffic in the Apache ' s airspace . The radar can also be used for surveillance and terrain profiling . A modem is interfaced into the Longbow radar and other sensor systems to relay information to other aircraft , this allows other Apaches to fire on targets identified by only a single helicopter . AgustaWestland have since made several upgrades to Britain ' s Apache fleet . In May 2005 , a $ 212 million contract was awarded to equip all 67 Mk1 helicopters with the Apache Arrowhead sensor system upgrade , to be completed by 2010 . In 2009 , it was announced that AgustaWestland was also integrating new external fuel tanks with ballistic protection . Some of the internal fuel tanks can be removed , WAH - 64s in Afghanistan may have these removed to allow for extra ammunition for the cannon to be fitted . It has been suggested that advanced rotor blades and additional controls to improve the agility of the aircraft may be fitted in a mid - life update of the fleet . Operational history . Overview . In May 2005 , the first Apache - equipped regiment achieved operational status . The Westland Apache has replaced the Westland Lynx AH7 as the British Army ' s tactical attack helicopter . The Apache is currently operated by two regiments of the Army Air Corps ( 3 Regt AAC and 4 Regt AAC ) as part of 16 ( Air Assault ) Brigade . The Apache is intended to operate in the armed reconnaissance and attack roles , similar to the US usage of Apaches during the 1991 Gulf War . Unlike US versions , the Westland Apache has been navalised and now serves aboard Royal Navy ships in addition to its land - based role . It achieved maritime certification in December 2005 aboard HMS " Ocean " . On 17 November 2006 , HMS " Ark Royal " became the first aircraft carrier to land an Apache AH Mk 1 . In August 2006 , the intense usage of Apaches in Afghanistan led to British commanders admitting that weapons and spare parts were being used at a far greater rate , and subsequently a greater cost , than anticipated . On 11 November 2007 , it was reported that half of the Apache gunships in British service had been grounded as they had fallen below the level considered " fit for purpose " , along with several other British Helicopters such as the Chinook and Merlin HC3 . A year later in November 2008 the situation had declined further , out of 67 aircraft only 20 were available for combat operations . In late 2009 , AgustaWestland was awarded a contract to transfer support services for the Apache and many of its components such as the Longbow radar , in - house ; in the following months senior officers reflected that this organisation change had resulted in higher availability . In June 2011 , civilian engineers maintaining the Apaches at Wattisham Airfield threatened to conduct industrial action and strikes over a pay dispute . In October 2008 it was announced that Prince Harry had begun the process of qualifying to become an Apache pilot . In May 2010 , the terrorist organisation Al Qaeda threatened to abduct the prince if he piloted an Apache in Afghanistan . In April 2011 , Prince Harry was promoted to captain following his completion of Apache conversion training . In June 2011 , sections of the media reported that Prince Harry was to deploy to Afghanistan as an Apache pilot in 2012 . He subsequently deployed to Afghanistan as part of 662 Squadron in September 2012 . Afghanistan . The Apache ' s first operational tour was as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade in Afghanistan ; there were eight Apache AH1s deployed in Afghanistan in February 2007 . These were drawn from No . 656 Squadron and No . 664 Squadron of 9 Regiment AAC , based at RAF Dishforth . Unlike their American counterparts in Afghanistan , the Apache AH Mk 1 is deployed with its Longbow Fire Control Radar to enable the pilot to better manage traffic in their airspace . Initially pilots had to often fly for 16 – 18 hours at a time due to the low number of Apaches in the theatre ; typically each Apache would be stationed in Afghanistan for eight weeks before returning to Britain for roughly eight weeks of maintenance . On 22 May 2006 , a UK Apache operating in Afghanistan ' s Helmand province used a Hellfire missile to destroy an abandoned French vehicle to protect sensitive equipment . The Apache quickly became a highly valued tool against insurgents , able to escort ground and air forces and rapidly respond to Taliban forces on the ground . Major Huw Williams , second in command of 3rd Battalion , The Parachute Regiment , stated that : " We ' re really impressed [ with the Apache ] . It ' s a very effective beast . " It has been noted that Taliban forces refer to the aircraft as the " Mosquito " . Although the Apaches have become targets for insurgents , as of November 2008 no British Apaches have been lost to enemy fire . In September 2008 , an Apache was seriously damaged by a crash shortly after takeoff in Helmand province , no loss of life occurred . On 13 January 2007 , a 200 - strong British force , led by Royal Marines , launched an operation to attack Jugroom Fort , a major Taliban base in southern Helmand Province . After several hours of intense fighting , the Marines regrouped and it was discovered that Lance Corporal Mathew Ford of 45 Commando Royal Marines was missing . A rescue mission was launched using four volunteers , Royal Marines and a Royal Engineer , strapped to the stub - wings of two Apaches . The helicopters could not travel above 50 mph to ensure the safety of the extra passengers from rotor downwash . The Apaches landed under fire inside the compound , after which the rescuers dismounted and recovered the body of LCpl Ford . Ford ' s body was flown out in the same manner that the soldiers arrived . Other Apaches hovered above , providing suppressive fire throughout . None of the rescuers were injured in the recovery mission and they were later hailed for their bravery . In May and June 2008 , British and Afghan National Army forces conducted Operation Eagle ' s Eye , aimed at disrupting Taliban activities to the south of Musa Qaleh ; a key portion of which was a major night - time helicopter raid , rapidly deploying members of 2nd Battalion , Parachute Regiment into the town . In June 2008 , a British Apache fired a thermobaric Hellfire missile ; the controversial usage of such weapons was approved after extensive legal and ethical evaluations within the MOD . In June 2008 , a Taliban leader and several cell members were killed in Helmand Province by a Hellfire missile launched by an Apache of the 664 Army Air Corps . There was a friendly fire incident in July 2008 , in which an Apache fired upon a position thought to be held by enemy forces , but instead hit members of a British patrol . This was the first time that a British aircraft had been involved in a blue - on - blue incident in Afghanistan . In early to mid - 2009 , several narcotics and bomb - making facilities were raided by British forces , supported by Apaches . In April 2009 , it was reported that an Apache had been used to intercept a suicide bombing attack in Helmand province . During the Summer of 2009 , British Apaches were an integral component of Operation Panther ' s Claw , which was aimed at pushing insurgents out of civilian areas in the runup to the 2009 Afghan Elections . During this major offensive , Apaches from the UK routinely flew alongside US Cobra helicopters to provide air support to soldiers of 3rd Battalion Black Watch and the Royal Marines conducting ground operations . During the Summer 2009 operations , a senior Taliban leader , Mullah Mansur , and several accomplices were killed in a precision strike launched by an Apache . On 13 October 2010 , newspapers reported that Army Air Corps maintenance workers had accidentally sent a live CRV7 missile in regular mail from Camp Bastion to the UK , a mistake which inspections had missed four times ; when the missile was discovered it sparked an evacuation , the MOD later changed procedure in regards to the incident . On 25 July 2011 , the MOD announced that during a combat operation in the Nahr - e - Saraj district of Helmand province , several Afghan children had been injured from crossfire by an Apache ; they were flown to Camp Bastion for medical treatment . Naval operations and Libya . In May 2011 , the MOD announced that the Apache fleet had reached 100 , 000 hours flying time , and was described as a " vital battlefield tool in Afghanistan " . The Apache was also recognised as having established a " limited maritime strike capability " and were being deployed on vessels such as HMS " Ocean " . On 17 May 2011 , the Apache tested its Hellfire missiles against sea targets for the first time , 9 missiles were fired with a success rate of 100 % . Speculation in the media has suggested that the speed on trialling and establishing an Apache maritime presence is due to the withdrawal of the British Aerospace Harrier II , as a stopgap replacement . On 27 May 2011 , military officials announced that Apaches would be deployed as part of Operation Ellamy , the ongoing military intervention in Libya . The helicopters operated from the flight deck of HMS " Ocean " in conjunction with French Eurocopter Tiger helicopters over Misrata . The Apaches were also to assist in Operation Unified Protector , the enforcement of an embargo and no - fly zone upon Libya . On 14 June 2011 , reports of British preparation to evacuate Yemen emerged , involving Apache and Merlin helicopters operating from Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels off the coast . On 4 June 2011 , Apaches struck targets within Libya for the first time , when both a radar site and an armed checkpoint were destroyed around the town of Brega . Further precision air strikes were launched by Apaches , typical targets being mobile air defenses ; occasionally the aircraft were engaged by AK - 47 fire from ground troops . In early June , Apaches conducted attacks on Gaddafi loyalists assaulting the town of Misrata . On 13 June , British Apaches destroyed several inflatable boats with 30 mm cannon fire , believed to be Libyan Special Forces , before engaging and destroying multiple vehicles along the coastline , including an anti - aircraft system . On 25 June , in coordination with RAF Panavia Tornado strikes , Apaches attacked loyalist infantry and vehicles around Brega and its airfield . On 1 July , it was reported that British Apaches were involved in a ' fierce ' battle around the town of Khoms . On 2 July , Apaches raided a military camp near Zawiya , destroying several tanks and a bunker . One reason for increased Apache activity in late June was the temporary unavailability of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle , beset multiple times by rough seas which halted carrier operations . On 5 August , Apache participation in the rebel push for the town of Zliten was reported . By 21 June 2011 , the Libyan government had dubiously claimed to have been successful at shooting down dozens of aircraft , including five Apaches ; NATO have denied these claims and no Apache losses have been acknowledged to date . On 8 July 2011 , the MOD released information on the first month of AH - 1 combat operations over Libya ; noting that Apaches had engaged targets within Libya on 39 occasions . Apache operations over Libya have been heavily influenced and supported by NATO reconnaissance flights and intelligence missions ; information is continually relayed to update target information , assess the threat of Surface to Air missiles ( SAM ) , and the presence of civilians , enabling real time changes to mission profiles . On 6 August , Apaches struck a military communications facility and troops at Al Watiyah . Both the Apache and the Eurofighter Typhoon were withdrawn from Libyan operations in later September 2011 as operational demands decreased .