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| 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 (xxxx shp) | |
| 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/Hellfire II (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 YeovilYeovil is a town in south Somerset, England, on the A37. It has a population of about 30,000, and is the old constituency of Paddy Ashdown. It is home of the FA cup giant killing team Yeovil Town FC. Home town of the man with pins in his head in the 'Hell.
In British Army service the Apache AH Mk1 will replace the LynxThe Westland Lynx is a helicopter designed by Westland Aircraft and jointly produced with Aerospatiale, first flying on 21 March 1971 as the Westland WG. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the d Anti-tank helicopters and will be operated by 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 reconnaisance. 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 ReviewThe Strategic Defence Review (or SDR) was a policy document produced by the Labour Government that came to power in 1997. Then Secretary of State for Defence, George Robertson, set out the initial defence policy of the new government, with a series of key called for Apaches to undertake amphibious attack missions, operating from HMS OceanThe sixth HMS Ocean (L12 of the Royal Navy is a Landing Platform, Helicopter, the only one in its class, built by Kvaerner Govan on the Clyde taking advantage of commercial build methods and facilities, before sailing from Barrow-in-Furness for fitting ou, the Invincible classThe Invincible class aircraft carrier is a design currently in use by the Royal Navy. There are three carriers of this class in operation HMS Invincible (R05, 1980), HMS Illustrious (R06, 1982) and HMS Ark Royal (R07, 1985 (initially she was to be the Ind aircraft carriers and their successors ( CVFThis page relates to the future aircraft carrier for the Royal Navy. For information about the planned Marine Nationale carrier, built to a similar design please see Future French aircraft carrier. A new generation of aircraft carrier developed for the UK) and possibly the LPDs HMS BulwarkThere have been seven HMS Bulwarks of the Royal Navy, ranging from an incomplete ship, to the current LPD (Landing Platform Dock Ship), each serving her nation faithfully and boldly,through peace and war. Her motto is "Under Thy Wings I Will Trust". Const 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:
Procurement of the Apache has been somewhat protracted. The UK began the search in 1991 with an inital 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.