UK Apache
The British Army operates a fleet of 67 Apache AH-Mk.1 attack helicopters, the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter in the Army Air Corp. The multi-mission Apache is capable of hunting and destroying tanks, but is equally capable of providing Close Air Support (CAS), escort and independent precision attack which makes it exceptionally valuable in conflicts such as Afghanistan.
Boeing, as the systems Integrator and Design Authority for the Apache, designed the aircraft to meet the needs of the British Army. AgustaWestland, under license from Boeing, completed final assembly, test and delivery of the aircraft. The Apache entered service two years ahead of its scheduled in-service date and is battle proven on current operations.
The Apache is uniquely equipped with two Rolls Royce RTM322 engines that give it superior ‘hot and high’ capability. The ability to classify and prioritise ground and air targets, an accurate 30mm chin mounted machine gun and the flexibility to carry the latest in weapon technology make Apache suited to the precision attack, air escort, reconnaissance, anti-armour and deep operations required by the frontline. Self protection is assured by an integrated Defensive Aids Suite (DAS).
Boeing’s UK Rotorcraft Support team in England, with reach-back to the Apache world wide support organization in Mesa, Arizona, provides Technical Support and Logistics services for the UK’s fleet of Apaches, which are forward deployed in Afghanistan from the Apache main operating base at Wattisham Air Field in Suffolk. The Boeing team provides a wide range of technical services to assist with operation and maintenance of the aircraft. They also deliver spares, perform repair and overhaul and are responsible for the design integration support for Mission-Theatre Specific Equipment needed in the field.
Apache Integrated Operation Support (IOS)
In October 2009, the Ministry of Defence awarded the Apache Integrated Operational Support (IOS) contract to an AgustaWestland-led team supported by Boeing. The contract valued at £439 million (€480 million), covers an initial period to March 2014,to meet the Apache Attack Helicopter Future Support Arrangements (FSA) requirement.
The Apache IOS contract will deliver greater aircraft availability whilst reducing through life-cycle costs. The programme models the success of similar through-life contracts such as Boeing’s UK Chinook Through Life Customer Support (TLCS) and leverages the economy of scale of the Boeing company ‘s support of the Apache fleet worldwide with AgustaWestland’s experience with other IOS programs
At RAF Wattisham, on October 6th, the Apache Integrated Operational Support (AIOS) programme was formally launched. Similar to other Performance Based Logistics contracts, AIOS will see Boeing partner with AgustaWestland under the £439m contract until 2014. Mike Kurth, Managing Director, Boeing Defence UK accepted a service support excellence award from AgustaWestland and commented: “This is great recognition of the contribution that our engineers and logistics experts make to our
partners and troops on the front line.”MTADS
The first UK Apache to receive an upgraded sighting and targeting system, known as M-TADS/PNVS (Modernised Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor) took place in November 2008. Along with TEDAC (TADS Electronic Display and Control), MTADS provides Apache AH Mk.1 crews with greater situational awareness and combat effectiveness. Additionally the system delivers significant whole life cost savings over the service life of the aircraft.
The MTADS programme is performed by a MoD-Industry team with industry led by AgustaWestland and includes Boeing, Lockheed Martin Overseas Corporation and QinetiQ.
Aviation Training International Ltd. (ATIL)
Aviation Training International Limited (ATIL) - a joint venture Company of Westland Helicopters Limited and The Boeing Company - was selected in 1998 to provide Training Services to support the British Army’s Apache AH Mk1 attack helicopter. The contract with the UK Ministry of Defence has been let under the Private Finance Initiative ( PFI ) and is for a period of up to thirty years.
ATIL provides training for Army aircrew, ground crew and maintenance personnel in supporting the introduction and operation of the Apache AH Mk1, one of the British Army’s most sophisticated and capable weapons systems.
ATIL has its headquarters in Sherborne, Dorset, and conducts training at four purpose built Training Centres, employing state-of-the-art flight simulators, part task trainers and computer-based teaching and training technologies.
General Characteristics:
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Crew:
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2
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Length:
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17.73 m
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Height:
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4.64 m
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Wing Span:
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5.227 m
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Engines:
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1,566 kW (2,100 hp) each
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Primary Mission Gross Weight
6838 kg
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Standard Day
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Hot Day ISA + 15C
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Hover In-Ground Effect (MRP)
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4845 m
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4525 m
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Hover Out-of-Ground Effect (MRP)
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3866 m
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3418 m
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Sea-Level Standard Day
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Hot Day 2000 ft 70 F (21 C)
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Vertical Rate of Climb (MRP)
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2,175 fpm (663 mpm)
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2,050 fpm (625 mpm)
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Maximum Rate of Climb (IRP)
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2,915 fpm (889 mpm)
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2,890 fpm (881 mpm)
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Maximum Level Flight Speed
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150 kt (279 kph)
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153 kt (284 kph)
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Cruise Speed (MCP)
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150 kt (279 kph)
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153 kt (284 kph)
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Two high-performance turbo-shaft engines and maximum cruise speed of 284 kph
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Laser, infrared, and other systems (including target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track, and attack targets.
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A combination of laser and RF-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds
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Apache can operate in all weathers, day or night and detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds.
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In addition to the distinctive Longbow Radar located above the rotor blades, this aircraft is equipped with a Day TV system, Thermal Imaging sight and Direct
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View Optics. Defensively it possesses a state of the art fully integrated Defensive Aid Suite.
Background
Between 1984 and 1997, Boeing produced 937 AH-64A models, the predecessor of the AH-64D, for the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.The British Army took delivery of their 67 WAH-64’s between 2002 and 2004.
Nearly 1,600 Apaches have been delivered to customers around the world since the Apache went into production. Other international customers include Japan, Kuwait, and Singapore. The Apache fleet has accumulated more than two million flight hours since the first prototype aircraft flew in 1975.