This puts it into the right perspective from the WHL Apache Head shed note the contact number if more detail required.
UK Press looking for a scoop as usual
Wunper
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RECENT ADVERSE PUBLICITY FOR APACHE
· No doubt you have all seen the spate of adverse publicity for Apache and its Hellfire Missile in the UK National Press.
· The reports are largely incorrect and whilst containing a grain (excuse the pun as you will see later) of truth greatly exaggerate the consequences of a known issue
· The version of Hellfire missile bought by the UK from InSys (formerly Hunting Engineering Ltd) not WHL are configured with a motor that does have a debris problem
· The debris comes from a so-called “grain spacer” (the aforementioned pun).
· It is by no means clear that this debris represents any safety hazard and the UK are undertaking trials to quantify the risk
· The UK will either accept a minor risk or adopt a US developed modification that removes the grain spacer from the design The US has incidentally cleared for Operational use Hellfire missiles fitted with the same motor as the UK
· In the meantime, WHL has issued the Certificate of Design that permits the Army to fire the missiles in Training pending a full Operational release. This approach was adopted in agreement with the Army.
· Contrary to UK press reports, Apache has acquitted itself well in Afghanistan as can be seen from the attached Army Times report
· Also attached is the text of a short article from rotorhub.com which counters the adverse press reports
· It is not WHL policy to publicly rebut this sort of adverse publicity because it can become counterproductive. We have issued a statement to the MoD press office dealing with the issue. We will seek positive press opportunities.
· UK Apache continues to be one of the MoD’s most successful equipment programmes and you should all be proud of your contribution to that success
· If any of you are approached by any members of the National or Local Press you should politely decline to comment but redirect them to David Bath, Director Public Affairs on tel 01935-702007. Please advise me if anyone makes such an approach to you.
· Positive progress has recently been achieved on a wide range of fronts. eg software qualification, Certificates of Design, UK flight trials, first flight of #27 and #28 on Monday 25 March and excellent availability of Apache at Middle Wallop, to name but a few.
· Thank you and keep up the good work.
Chris Haynes
Head of Apache
27 March 2002
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