Fifty Apache AH-64E Version 6 aircraft have been purchased from the United States to provide a state-of-the-art attack aviation capability that will be a key element of how the Army fights in the coming decades, as set out in the Future Soldier programme.
The AH-64E replaces the Apache Mk.1, which entered service in 2001 and proved itself as a battle winning asset on Afghanistan and Libya.
The Boeing-built AH-64E features new drivetrain and rotor blades to boost flying performance; improved sights and sensors; communications systems to share data with other helicopters, uncrewed aircraft systems and ground forces; and embedded maintenance diagnostic systems to increase aircraft availability.
3 Regiment Army Air Corps, part of 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team will be the first unit to field the AH-64E, with engineers and aircrew going on training courses in the USA to prepare themselves to operate the helicopter. The unit’s hangars at Wattisham Flying Station are busy with Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers soldiers conducting engineering checks on aircraft delivered from the USA, with flight testing now getting underway.
3 Regt AAC’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Simon Wilsey said: “The AH-64E Apache is a 21st Century attack helicopter that is more lethal, agile, survivable and integrated and will enhance the way the Army fights. It is a central part of Future Soldier and the British Army’s warfighting capability.
“What is key to the AH-64E’s improved capabilities is its ability to integrate with other ground and air assets, allowing us to share information so that we can find and strike the enemy before our forces are targeted themselves.
“Everyone in the Regiment – aircrew, engineers and groundcrew - is proud and excited to be at the forefront of bringing AH-64E into service. We have invested in the training of our people to maximise what we can do with such an advanced aircraft.”
Avionics supervisor Corporal Luke Salvatore leads a team of REME soldiers maintaining the Apache’s radar, navigation, communication, and sighting systems.
“To get ready for the E model we’ve gone out to the United States to do a four-week training package to learn about the aircraft and its systems,” he said. “I find working on the Apache is very motivating - as an engineer I’m working with a really knowledgeable and well-trained team on cutting-edge technology.”
Warrant Officer Class 2 ‘O’, an experienced pilot who is his squadron’s flying instructor, said: “I’m very excited about flying the AH-64E. It is more agile, faster, more powerful and it is going to allow us to support ground forces and other air assets much better.
“The interoperability of this Apache is vastly improved. We have better communications systems, better sensors, the fire control radar has been enhanced, we’ve got lots more radios and Link 16, which allows us to share data quicker and with higher fidelity to ground forces, manned or unmanned aircraft.”
Communications specialist Lance Corporal Dylan Jones works to programme the aircraft’s computer systems with the information needed to carry out missions.
“The new mission planning software on the AH-64E is far superior,” he said. “It gives us a lot more accuracy in mission planning and gives the aircraft a lot more information, which makes it easier for aircrew to fly and fight the aircraft.
“It’s exciting to be at the forefront of AH-64E transition, as we’re setting the trend for other squadrons to follow as they change over.”
Boeing Expands UK Military Support with Apache AH-64E Long-Term Services Contract
Boeing, January 21, 2022 - WATTISHAM FLYING STATION, United Kingdom – Boeing and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) have signed an agreement for Boeing to provide long-term training, support and sustainment for the British Army’s new fleet of 50 Apache AH-64E helicopters.
The announcement was made by Minster for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin MP, as he visited Wattisham Flying Station to see the Apache AH-64E.
“There can be no doubt these impressive Apache helicopters will help the Army sustain its battle-winning capabilities in future operations”, said Defence Procurement Minister, Jeremy Quin. “In addition to its vital defence purpose, this cutting-edge technology will create and support hundreds of UK jobs.”
Under the new $348 million Long Term Training and Support Services (LTTSS) contract, Boeing will work closely with the British Army to provide maintenance and engineering support, supply chain and logistics management at Wattisham. Boeing will also deliver aircrew and maintainer training from its advanced facility at Middle Wallop.
The new agreement, which will run until 2040, will create more than 200 jobs in the UK during the initial four-years, including more than 165 at Army Aviation Centre Middle Wallop and 45 at Wattisham Flying Station, plus dozens more with suppliers in the UK. Boeing already has more than 40 employees working alongside Army Air Corps personnel providing training for the Mk1 Apache.
In addition to the new Boeing roles, the training and support for the new Apache model will bring new roles and opportunities for Boeing’s UK supply chain. Yeovil-based Kuehne & Nagel will provide a Warehouse Management service at Wattisham with a dispersed store at Middle Wallop, creating 45 new jobs. H&S Aviation will carry out the repair and overhaul of the engines in Portsmouth, under subcontract to GE Aviation.
Cheltenham-based Pennant will also provide additional simulated training systems to Boeing as part of the contract, delivering several new and upgraded Part Task Trainers with E model compatibility, sustaining around 50 highly-skilled jobs in the local area.
The AH-64E is the most advanced variant of the Apache. It is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture, including the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It also features advanced digital connectivity, a Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and new composite main rotor blades. With 14 of the new variant already in the UK, the new Apache AH-64E fleet will grow to 50, with deliveries expected to be completed in 2024.
“We are proud to deliver the necessary support needed to ensure mission readiness and optimise the full capability of the AH-64E Apache fleet, which will provide a significant uplift in capability to the British Army,” said Anna Keeling, managing director of Boeing Defence UK. “The new Apaches join the Poseidon fleet at RAF Lossiemouth, the Wedgetail modification work in Birmingham, Chinooks undergoing major upgrades across Hampshire, and the C-17s at RAF Brize Norton underpinning the UK’s strategic airlift capability – all Boeing platforms, serving the UK’s armed forces and providing economic benefits up and down the country.”
Two of three Longbow Crew Trainer simulated devices for the E model are already in the UK. The first was declared “ready for training” at the end of 2020 and the second is undergoing testing and installation. The third and final is scheduled to be delivered in 2022. Situated with front-line Army Air Corps Apache squadrons, the devices will play a key role in transitioning the crews to the new variant.
About Boeing: As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing [NYSE: BA] develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity.
AAC Wattisham See also |
AH-64E Apache in
Army Air Corps 3 REGT
3 Regiment, AAC Army Air Corps British Army First AH-64E Apache to British Army
British Army AH-64E Apache Declared Ready for Duty
