Agusta Westland Apache

The **AgustaWestland 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 Turbomeca
 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 designated *Apache AH Mk 1* (often shortened to *Apache AH1*) by the Ministry of Defence.

The Apache was a valued form of close air support in the conflict in Afghanistan,
 being deployed to the region in 2006. The Apache has been an object of
controversy over the fitting of some munitions, such as cluster bombs 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.[4]
 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.[4] Westland and the Apache was selected in July 1995, a contract for 67 helicopters was signed in 1996.[1][5]

"I have no doubt whatsoever that the Attack Helicopter will represent
 the biggest single enhancement to the Army's capability for many years.
 It will change the way we go to battle. Now we have taken the decision
to buy the Apache, the Army must ensure that doctrine is developed to
allow us to make the fullest possible use of its tremendous capability."

In September 1998, Westland produced the first prototype WAH-64 Apache under licence from Boeing.[7] The first nine Apache AH1s were authorised for service by the director of British Army Aviation on 16 January 2001.[7] The 67th and final Apache was handed over to the British Army in July 2004.[8] The helicopter fleet's cost was around £3.1 billion, with a total acquisition cost of £4.1 billion.[2]
 Reliability had been questioned by US Apache operations, the entire
fleet in the Balkans had been grounded due to serious tail rotor
failures in 1999.[9][10]
 In 1998, the Longbow radar's development ran into problems regarding
its weight, impact upon overall agility, and data transfer abilities.[11] These problems with key aircraft components, and fleet's high cost, led to calls for its cancellation in 1999.[12]

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.[6] 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*.[13] Each squadron equipped with the Apache should have eight operational aircraft.[14]

An Apache's M230 30mm cannon

The Westland Apache experienced delays in entering service due to complications with the modifications made for British service.[15]
 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.[16][17]
 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.[2]
 These problems were corrected prior to entering service, a secure
communications suite was installed and Hellfire missiles are routinely
fired by Apaches.[18][19] In 2002, government sources stated that full operational capability was set to be achieved by 2010.[20]

In 2005, an out-of-service date for the Apache was forecast at 2030,[21] but the Army is looking at a capability sustainment programme (CSP) that will extend their life to 2040.[22]
 It was thought that updates would be necessary by 2017 because the US
Army is to withdraw support for the AH-64D Block I on which the British
Apaches are based,[22] but US budget problems pushed this back to 2019 or 2020.[23] A decision will be taken in 2014 on the extent to which Britain will adopt the Block III upgrades of the AH-64E[22]
 - the options range from abandoning the capability altogether to buying
 brand new Block III helicopters but Boeing believe it is most likely
that Britain will remanufacture, putting the existing engines and
avionics into new airframes.[23] As of August 2015, the UK has requested through a Foreign Military Sale, the upgrade of 50 of its Apaches to AH-64E standard.[24]

## Design

Apache in training at Lulworth-Bovington, 2002

External video

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.[25] The Rolls-Royce engine produces 1,565 kW (2,100 hp) vs. 1,410 kW (1,890 hp) for the GE T700C engine.[18]
 Compared to 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.[26] Another change is the folding blade mechanism to stow the helicopters in confined spaces;[27] 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.[28] The Selex ES (formerly BAE Systems Avionics) Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS) was also fitted.[29]
 The HIDAS system was retrofitted onto the aircraft in mid-2004 just
prior to entering service, along with several redesigned composite
bodywork components.[30] An eye-safe training laser to allow the Apache to function as a target designator was also installed.[31]

Instead of the American Hydra 70 rocket pods, the Westland Apache can carry up to 76 CRV7 rockets.[18][19]
 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".[32]
 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;[33] each rocket contained nine M73 submunitions.[34][35] In May 2008, several senior officers, such as General David Ramsbotham spoke out against British plans to keep the weapon.[35][36] In the same month, Britain, as one of the 111 participating nations, agreed to ban cluster bombs on humanitarian grounds.[37] Britain destroyed the last of its CRV-7 MPSMs in July 2009.[33]

Longbow radar screen

Like the US AH-64D Apache Longbow, the Apache AH1 carries a fire-control radar (FCR) and Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), providing an integrated surveillance and attack system.[18]
 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.[38] Additionally, the Longbow radar can monitor traffic in the Apache's airspace.[39] The radar can also be used for surveillance and terrain profiling.[40]
 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.[41]

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.[42][43] In 2009, it was announced that AgustaWestland was also integrating new external fuel tanks with ballistic protection.[44]
 Some of the internal fuel tanks can be removed, Apaches in Afghanistan
may have these removed to allow for extra ammunition for the cannon to
be fitted.[39]
 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.[45]

## Operational history

### Overview

Showing CRV7 rocket pods and rails for Hellfire missiles in 2012

In May 2005, the first Apache-equipped regiment achieved operational status.[46] The Westland Apache has replaced the Westland Lynx AH7 as the British Army's tactical attack helicopter.[47] 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 partially
navalised and now serves aboard Royal Navy ships in addition to its land-based role.[27] 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 AH1.[48]

They first appeared in combat as part of Operation Herrick in Afghanistan in May 2006.[22]
 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.[49]
 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.[50] By November 2008, the situation had further declined, out of 67 aircraft only 20 were available for combat operations.[51]
 In 2009, AgustaWestland was awarded a contract for support services for
 the Apache and many components such as the Longbow radar; in the
following months senior officers noted that the support change had
resulted in higher availability.[52] In June 2011, civilian maintainers of the Apache at Wattisham Airfield threatened industrial action over a pay dispute.[53]

In October 2008 it was announced that Prince Harry had begun the process of qualifying to become an Apache pilot.[54] In May 2010, the terrorist organisation Al Qaeda threatened to abduct the prince if he piloted an Apache in Afghanistan.[55] In April 2011, Prince Harry was promoted to captain following his completion of Apache conversion training.[56] In June 2011, sections of the media reported that Prince Harry was to deploy to Afghanistan as an Apache pilot in 2012.[3] He subsequently deployed to Afghanistan as part of 662 Squadron in September 2012.[57]

### 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.[58] These were drawn from No. 656 Squadron and No. 664 Squadron of 9 Regiment AAC, based at Dishforth Airfield.[59]
 Unlike their American counterparts in Afghanistan, the Apache AH1 is
deployed with its Longbow Fire Control Radar to enable the pilot to
better manage traffic in their airspace.[39] Initially pilots had to often fly for 16–18 hours at a time due to the low number of Apaches in the theatre;[60]
 typically each Apache would be stationed in Afghanistan for eight weeks
 before returning to Britain for roughly eight weeks of maintenance.[61] 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.[62]

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.[63] 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."[62] It has been noted that Taliban forces refer to the aircraft as the "Mosquito".

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.[64][65] 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.[64] 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.[64] Other Apaches hovered above, providing suppressive fire throughout.[66] None of the rescuers were injured in the recovery mission and they were later hailed for their bravery.[67]

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.[68] 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.[69]
 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.[70] 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.[71] This was the first time that a British aircraft had been involved in a blue-on-blue incident in Afghanistan.[72] Although the Apaches have become targets for insurgents, as of November 2008 no British Apaches have been lost to enemy fire.[26][51]
 In September 2008, an Apache was seriously damaged by a crash shortly
after takeoff in Helmand province, no loss of life occurred[73] but the airframe was written off.[22]

In early to mid-2009, several narcotics and bomb-making facilities were raided by British forces, supported by Apaches.[74][75] In April 2009, it was reported that an Apache had been used to intercept a suicide bombing attack in Helmand province.[76] 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.[75]
 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.[77]
 During the Summer 2009 operations, a senior Taliban leader, Mullah
Mansur, and several accomplices were killed in a precision strike
launched by an Apache.[78]

On 13 October 2010, newspapers reported that Army Air Corps
maintenance workers had accidentally sent a live CRV-7 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.[79]
 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.[80][81]

From 2006 to April 2014, British Apache helicopters flew 50,000 hours
 in Afghanistan, representing one-third of all UK Apache flying.[82]

### Naval operations and Libya

Operating from HMS *Ocean* off Libya, 2011

Apache and Chinook at sea on HMS *Ocean* in November 2014

In May 2011, the MoD announced that the Apache fleet had reached
100,000 hours flying time, and describing it as a "vital battlefield
tool in Afghanistan".[83]
 The Apache was also recognised as having established a "limited
maritime strike capability" and were deploying on vessels such as HMS *Ocean*.[83]
 On 17 May 2011, the Apache tested its Hellfire missiles against sea
targets for the first time, 9 missiles were fired with a 100% success
rate.[84]
 Media speculation 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.[85]

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.[86][87] The Apaches were also to assist in Operation Unified Protector, the enforcement of an embargo and no-fly zone upon Libya.[88] 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.[89]

On 4 June 2011, Apaches struck targets within Libya for the first
time, destroying a radar site and an armed checkpoint near the town of Brega.[90] Further precision strikes were launched by Apaches, typical targets were mobile air defenses, and were occasionally engaged by AK-47 fire from ground troops.[91][92] In early June, Apaches conducted attacks on Gaddafi loyalists assaulting the town of Misrata.[93]
 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.[94][95] On 25 June, in coordination with RAF Panavia Tornado strikes, Apaches attacked loyalist infantry and vehicles around Brega and its airfield.[96] On 1 July, British Apaches were reportedly involved in a 'fierce' battle at the town of Khoms.[97] On 2 July, Apaches destroyed several tanks and a bunker at a military camp near Zawiya.[98] On 5 August, Apaches participated in the rebel push for the town of Zliten was reported.[99]

By 21 June 2011, the Libyan government had dubiously claimed to have
successfully shot down dozens of aircraft, including five Apaches; NATO
denied these claims and no Apache losses have been acknowledged to date.[100][101]
 On 8 July 2011, the MoD released information on the first month of
Apache combat operations over Libya; noting that Apaches had engaged
targets within Libya on 39 occasions.[102]
 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.[103] On 6 August, Apaches struck a military communications facility and troops at Al Watiyah.[104] Both the Apache and the Eurofighter Typhoon were withdrawn from Libyan operations in September 2011 as operational demands decreased.[105]