AgustaWestland Apache
| WAH-64 Apache | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Attack | |
| Crew | 2 — one pilot, one co-pilot/gunner (CPG) | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 17.7 m (58.3 ft) with rotors | |
| Wingspan | 4.9 m (16.3 ft) | |
| Height | 3.87 m (12.7 ft) | |
| Wing area | 168.11 m² (1,809.5 ft²) main rotor disc | |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 5,165 kg (11,387 lb) | |
| Loaded | 8,006 kg (17,650 lb) | |
| Max take-off | 9,525 kg (21,000 lb) | |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 2 × Rolls-Royce RTM322 Turboshafts | |
| Power | 1,671 kW (2 240.84791 hp) | |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 365 km/h (197 kt) | |
| Combat range | 482 km (260 n miles) | |
| Ferry range | 1,899 km (1,024 n miles) | |
| Service ceiling | 6,400 m (21,000 ft) | |
| Rate of climb | 762 m/min (2,500 ft/min) | |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | M230 30mm automatic cannon, 1200 rds | |
| Missiles | Hellfire missiles (and Stinger, Starstreak, Sidewinder/Sidearm proposed) | |
| Rockets | CRV7 | |
The WAH-64 is a licence built version of the Boeing AH-64 Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the British Army. The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing, the remaining 59 by Westland at Yeovil.
In British Army service the Apache AH Mk.1 will replace the Lynx Anti-tank helicopters and will be operated by three regiments of the Army Air Corps as part of 16 (Air Assault) Brigade. The Apache will also operate in attack raids as US Army Apaches did on the first night of the Gulf War, destroying a major air defence node. Another mission is armed reconnaissance. Like the US Apache Longbow AH-64Ds the Westland Apache carries a Fire Control Radar (FCR) and Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), providing an integrated surveillance and attack system.
The UK's Strategic Defence Review called for Apaches to undertake amphibious attack missions, operating from HMS Ocean, the Invincible class aircraft carriers and their successors (CVF) and possibly the LPDs HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion.
One of the major differences in the UK Apaches from Boeing Apaches is the folding blade mechanism, a result of the maritime requirement. Other differences include:
- Rolls-Royce RTM322 turboshaft engines replacing the AH-64's General Electric T700s.
- Blade anti-ice protection
- BAE Systems (formerly GEC) Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS).
- Bowman secure communications system
- Capability to carry CRV7 rockets
- Capability to carry the advanced Brimstone missile.
Procurement of the Apache has been somewhat protracted. The UK began the search in 1991 with an initial requirement for 127 aircraft. This number was further reduced to 97 then 67 by the time the contract was signed in March 1996. The first helicopter, built by Boeing, was delivered in March 1999. The first Westland built aircraft was delivered in July 2000. The 67th and final Apache was handed over in July 2004. The cost of the helicopter is currently expected to be £3.1 billion, £71 million above the original approved cost. This increase is due to increased costs of trials. The total acquisition cost of the project, including the training package, is expected to be £4.117 billion.
Further problems occurred when it was realised that there were not enough trained pilots for the new aircraft and as such many were put into storage at RAF Shawbury in 2004.