UK Apache to deploy.
I have it on good authority that the Apache has flown over 1000 hrs in training and there are 20+ QHI's trained/qualified on type.
Now then, what a good opportunity to prove both man and machine with the war looming in the gulf.
The aircraft are in service, the groundcrew are trained, there are enough qualified aircrew (albeit QHI's) to man at least a flight and the tactics will be spot on (QHI's again).
This is the ideal opportunity to prove to the other services that we can deal with the beast. (or answer b, lets just not go!)
I'm suprised the papers haven't picked this one up!