The AgustaWestland Apache is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the British Army.
The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing; the remaining 59 were assembled by Westland Helicopters (now part of AgustaWestland) at Yeovil, England from Boeing-supplied kits. Changes from the AH-64D include Rolls-Royce engines, a new electronic defensive aids suite and a folding blade mechanism allowing the British version to operate from ships. The helicopter was named "WAH-64" by Westland Helicopters. It is designated Apache AH Mk 1 (or shortened to Apache AH1) by the UK's Ministry of Defence.
The requirement for a new attack helicopter was identified in the early 1990s with initial suggestions that 125 would be ordered, however an invitation to bid was not issued until February 1993. Bids made included the Eurocopter Tiger, a version of the AH-1 SuperCobra, the AH-64 Apache, the RAH-66 Comanche, and the Agusta A129 Mangusta. The Apache was selected in July 1995 and a contract for 67 helicopters was signed in 1996. The first helicopter, built by Boeing (which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997), was delivered in September 1999. The 67th and final Apache was handed over in July 2004.[5] The cost of the helicopter fleet was around £3.1 billion, this high cost and questions of reliability over the Apache's performance in US service led to calls for a cancellation in 1999.
The UK's Strategic Defence Review called for Apaches to undertake amphibious attack missions, operating from the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, the Invincible class aircraft carriers and their successors, the (Royal Navy CVF programme), and possibly the amphibious assault vessels HMS Bulwark and Albion.
There were several delays to the WAH-64's in service date due to complications in the adaptions made for British service. Before its introduction into service in 2004 several problems were noted, including lacking the ability to securely communicate with other helicopters and a risk of damage to the tail rotor upon use of the Hellfire missiles; the latter problem having been corrected as Hellfires are now routinely carried and used by WAH-64s in British service. In 2002, full operational capability was set to be achieved by 2010.
Design
Several deviations were made to the standard Apache design used by the US and other foreign countries. One of the major differences between the UK WAH-64 and US AH-64 variants is the folding blade mechanism to stow the helicopters in confined spaces;[12] the rotor blades also have anti-ice protection to allow operations in arctic environments. Another is the use of Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 01/12 engines instead of the General Electric T700-GE-701Cs. The Rolls-Royce engine produces 1,565 kW (2,100 hp) vs 1,410 kW (1,890 hp) for the GE T700C engine. The Westland Apache can also carry and fire up to 76 CRV7 rockets.
There are changes to the sensor and avionics outfitting the craft as well; connectivity with the BOWMAN secure communications system to interact with other British military units being a significant one. SELEX (formerly BAE Systems Avionics) Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS) were also fitted, as well as an eye-safe training laser to allow the Apache to function as a target designator, as the standard tactical laser could not be used in the United Kingdom due to range restrictions.
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