AH-64 Apache
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: W-s-M, UK
Well, the Apache's which aren't flying are obviously not flying for a reason. The computer equipment in them was not "up to scratch" for our Armed Forces and are not going to be flown untill it is upgraded.
But at the same time the MoD have a lot of money being spent on other projects for the Armed Forces, so are having to budget the costs into another year's expenditure. The need for the UK to have these attack helicopters is not immediate..thats what we are using America for in Iraq.
(Just what I heard)
Graham
But at the same time the MoD have a lot of money being spent on other projects for the Armed Forces, so are having to budget the costs into another year's expenditure. The need for the UK to have these attack helicopters is not immediate..thats what we are using America for in Iraq.
(Just what I heard)
Graham
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 1
From: UK
Go fly an Apache...oh, and bye the way only because we need it in Afghanistan for a 9 month deployment, mate!
From what I hear - the lads are uncomfortable with the idea of flying a management system that takes about 2hrs to pre brief and prepare. They are used to getting airborne quickly and flying the damn thing.
It's not a popular tour............................
From what I hear - the lads are uncomfortable with the idea of flying a management system that takes about 2hrs to pre brief and prepare. They are used to getting airborne quickly and flying the damn thing.
It's not a popular tour............................
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 18,633
Likes: 1,072
From: Downeast
Seems a lot of software issues in the UK MOD of late.....Chinook IF kit...Apache Flight Management system....guess one can always find an excuse to down tools.
If one winds up with a single eight aircraft unit down the road....just what kind of combat capability is that to plan for?
So much for the superiority of the British Military technology it seems....at least there is still some guts behind the bayonet....or can you use a bayonet on the SA-80 thing? Uh Oh....should not have mentioned that either....not the best of rifles is it?
If one winds up with a single eight aircraft unit down the road....just what kind of combat capability is that to plan for?
So much for the superiority of the British Military technology it seems....at least there is still some guts behind the bayonet....or can you use a bayonet on the SA-80 thing? Uh Oh....should not have mentioned that either....not the best of rifles is it?
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 288
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From: USA
the lads are uncomfortable with the idea of flying a management system that takes about 2hrs to pre brief and prepare.
Should there really be a shortage of Apache pilots, have the MOD give me a call, I will sign up and move to the UK.
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 18,633
Likes: 1,072
From: Downeast
Nimby...
Is this the usual "British" higher standards? The kind that prevent mission accomplishment and cause several Thousand Million Pounds Sterling worth of equipment to set idle while the troops need the stuff in order to carry out their combat essential missions? The same kind of "higher standards" that gets the Squaddie's boots that melt in the desert?
I would suggest it is "incompetence" that causes these problems....fighters without guns....Chinooks without IF capability....Apaches without pilots....rifles that don't work. "Higher Standards" is an excuse for arrrogance and incompetence. The Apaches are flying in combat daily and doing a good job for several militaries. Maybe one day the British Apaches will get to fire real bullets at real targets.
Is this the usual "British" higher standards? The kind that prevent mission accomplishment and cause several Thousand Million Pounds Sterling worth of equipment to set idle while the troops need the stuff in order to carry out their combat essential missions? The same kind of "higher standards" that gets the Squaddie's boots that melt in the desert?
I would suggest it is "incompetence" that causes these problems....fighters without guns....Chinooks without IF capability....Apaches without pilots....rifles that don't work. "Higher Standards" is an excuse for arrrogance and incompetence. The Apaches are flying in combat daily and doing a good job for several militaries. Maybe one day the British Apaches will get to fire real bullets at real targets.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: North of Watford
the lads are uncomfortable with the idea of flying a management system that takes about 2hrs to pre brief and prepare.
Thats pretty normal for the AirForce isn't it, maybe the wrong service are operating it!!
Thats pretty normal for the AirForce isn't it, maybe the wrong service are operating it!!
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,330
Likes: 74
From: White Waltham, Prestwick & Calgary
That's an interesting comment, Cheesaburger - when I first heard the AAC were getting Apaches, a friend and I came to the conclusion that the guys who go on the courses would do very well, but the AAC wouldn't be able to handle the machines at all.
Since the ultimate fate of any helicopter on a battlefield is to get blown up, I have also thought it was better to have lots of cheap machines with trained crews than a few expensive ones. For example, the Chieftain may well be the best tank in the world, but not so good with 200 enemy tanks in front of it! But then, what do I know?
Phil
Since the ultimate fate of any helicopter on a battlefield is to get blown up, I have also thought it was better to have lots of cheap machines with trained crews than a few expensive ones. For example, the Chieftain may well be the best tank in the world, but not so good with 200 enemy tanks in front of it! But then, what do I know?
Phil
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Beside the beach
Just looked in on this thread and I've never heard such uninformed bollo c ks being spouted in my life.
It's a tough tour sure, but the Apache drivers in Afghanistan are doing incredible stuff and, while the tour takes its toll, are very much enjoying slotting taliban by the truckload. They're also very good at it. They also allow most of the casevacs from warmer LZs to take place by virtue of raining flechette rockets on anyone who pops their head up and gives a dirty look at the IRT chinook.
Just ask 40 Cdo when they get back (round about now).
It's a tough tour sure, but the Apache drivers in Afghanistan are doing incredible stuff and, while the tour takes its toll, are very much enjoying slotting taliban by the truckload. They're also very good at it. They also allow most of the casevacs from warmer LZs to take place by virtue of raining flechette rockets on anyone who pops their head up and gives a dirty look at the IRT chinook.
Just ask 40 Cdo when they get back (round about now).
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,931
Likes: 142
From: Warrington, UK
I've never heard such uninformed bollo c ks being spouted in my life.