AAC AH-64E Arrives in the UK
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AAC AH-64E Arrives in the UK
ZM704 and ZM705 looking rather smart were seen leaving Brize Norton by road today. One assumes that they must have arrived by C-17 in the last few days.
I assume the first four AH2s ZM700-703 are still at Fort Rucker?
In 2018 the plan was to have 10 AH2/Es by the end of 2020 with the AH1/Ds reduced to 35 and 22 v 21 by the end of 2021. Would be interesting to know if this is likely to get back on track - last I heard the schedule had slipped by 6 months which would explain first deliveries in late November.
Also when are the three crew trainers are scheduled for delivery? (if they haven't already been). I assume to ATIL?
The 2020 total accounts for all/most of the stored airframes which were RTP for components for the remanufactured element of the new airframes - I think I read 70% somewhere. The AAC goes environmental - reduce, reuse, recylcic, (Hat, coat etc...)
In 2018 the plan was to have 10 AH2/Es by the end of 2020 with the AH1/Ds reduced to 35 and 22 v 21 by the end of 2021. Would be interesting to know if this is likely to get back on track - last I heard the schedule had slipped by 6 months which would explain first deliveries in late November.
Also when are the three crew trainers are scheduled for delivery? (if they haven't already been). I assume to ATIL?
The 2020 total accounts for all/most of the stored airframes which were RTP for components for the remanufactured element of the new airframes - I think I read 70% somewhere. The AAC goes environmental - reduce, reuse, recylcic, (Hat, coat etc...)
Thanks, Boeing should update their website as they still refer to ATIL as their wholly owned subsidiary providing the Attack Helicopter Training Service. I assume having bought out Leonardo the name is superfluous.
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Would appear the r/w is past its best.
Would appear the r/w is past its best.
We didn't get a discount when the first D-model ones were flown in to Middle Wallop from Yeovil and the MFDs removed from them, put in a car and driven back to Yeovil for a repeat trip. They were classed as delivered, contract met, money paid.
*Thread Drift Alert*
This reminded me of being held up trying to get out of Cemetery Hill in Odiham on the way to work in 2018. Only to find something larger was also avoiding the road works. Again wondering - as I believe it was on it's way to Mali - why a C-17 hadn't come to take it. I know a C-17 brought one to Odiham in April this year (see below).
Source @GHRBerksHants via RAF Odiham Twitter
Source RAF Odiham Twitter
23 October 2023 "The first regiment flying the British Army’s new Apache AH-64E attack helicopter has been declared ready for frontline duty." Is this a long winded way of declaring IOC achieved?
https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-eve...tlefield-test/
https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-eve...tlefield-test/
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Lots of things towed up to Odiham, a Puma from Micheldever to Odiham, using a tow bar and a Landrover is one I remember.. 
It does seem strange not to assemble and fly them from Brize, after all there will be more coming. The Chinny's were done at the docks before flying to Odiham, and bar the odd bit falling off, it was successful (forward port emergency cabin window assy, over I think Southampton)
It does seem strange not to assemble and fly them from Brize, after all there will be more coming. The Chinny's were done at the docks before flying to Odiham, and bar the odd bit falling off, it was successful (forward port emergency cabin window assy, over I think Southampton)
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AH-64E will deliver a significant enhancement to the UK's 1st Aviation Brigade
New engines, drivetrain, main rotor blades and avionics will deliver a significant boost in aircraft performance. Embedded system-level diagnostics will increase aircraft availability. Extended range Fire Control Radar with maritime mode will ensure the aircraft can operate in the maritime environment. Link 16, Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe and, in time, Manned-Unmanned Teaming bring theatre entry-standard equipment fits and vastly increase crew battle-space awareness. The UK has strived to make the aircraft best value for money by utilising a large amount of parts from the Apache Mark 1, which reduces production costs and aims to be more environmentally sustainable. Plus, the new aircraft will be easier to maintain and more reliable, so that it will be more straightforward to sustain in any operational environment.
New engines, drivetrain, main rotor blades and avionics will deliver a significant boost in aircraft performance. Embedded system-level diagnostics will increase aircraft availability. Extended range Fire Control Radar with maritime mode will ensure the aircraft can operate in the maritime environment. Link 16, Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe and, in time, Manned-Unmanned Teaming bring theatre entry-standard equipment fits and vastly increase crew battle-space awareness. The UK has strived to make the aircraft best value for money by utilising a large amount of parts from the Apache Mark 1, which reduces production costs and aims to be more environmentally sustainable. Plus, the new aircraft will be easier to maintain and more reliable, so that it will be more straightforward to sustain in any operational environment.
The first two new Apache Attack Helicopters (AH-64E variant) have been delivered to the British Army from the US Government. They arrived at Wattisham Flying Station on 26 Nov 20 with Aviation Technicians from 7 Aviation Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (7 Avn Spt Bn REME), who will maintain and service the new aircraft.
Last edited by NutLoose; 26th Oct 2023 at 11:28.