Apaches Afloat
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Monkeys ride bikes, ever seen one fix a puncture??
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Apaches Afloat
So when a Sea King or a Merlin goes for a swim, they have the emergency floats available.. No such luxury for the Apache.
Anyone know of any forward plans for the maritime role of Apache, i.e. Pilots attending remedial swimming classes or perhaps a safety upgrade for the aircraft?
Anyone know of any forward plans for the maritime role of Apache, i.e. Pilots attending remedial swimming classes or perhaps a safety upgrade for the aircraft?
Yes, Him
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: West Sussex, UK
Posts: 2,689
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Waay back, Hughes had plans for a marinised Apache aimed at the USMC. It featured a large balloon type float fitted to each main wheel hub, a la Wessex, and, I think one or two smaller floats on the tailwheel. Also featured powered main rotor folding and several other bits and bobs such as extra tie down points. Marines took the cheaper AH-1 Cobra instead.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Belfast
Age: 39
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I remember seeing a mock up of an apache cockpit at "The Dunker" at Yeovilton. I also remember thinking it would not be a pleasant place to be when submerged and upside down!
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Down South...
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At least you can blow the bloody doors off..
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Somerset
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Lynx flotation gear is only designed to go off as a result of a controlled ditching, not a crash situation. All recent accidents were outside of the design specification of the system apart from the loss in the Gulf where the crew simply ran out of fuel - silly boys!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Falmouth
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That was HMS Nottingham's Lynx..... I think that the BOI stated that they didn't run out of fuel. Both engines were working and had plenty of fuel available when the aircraft ditched. The flot bags didn't inflate correctly.
Join Date: May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
there is indeed an Apache module at the dunker, and the aircraft has undergone recent embarked trials....for the second time. Issues with suitable liferaft are the main issue, and the Apache makes the Lynx look like a rubber duck when it comes to floatation....