Wednesday, November 19, 2008

UK MoD confirms Apache helicopters are not being deployed at sea

UK MoD confirms Apache helicopters are not being deployed at sea (NSI News Source Info) November 19, 2008: The UK military is not currently deploying its Westland/Boeing WAH-64D AH.1 Apache attack helicopters to sea due to their commitment in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed to Jane's on 12 November. The British Army Air Corps (AAC) and Royal Navy (RN) had conducted Apache shipborne trials aboard the helicopter assault ship (LPH) HMS Ocean in 2005 with a mind to providing UK amphibious forces with an additional aerial attack and close combat attack (CCA) capability. The trials, which were based around achieving ship helicopter operation limitations (SHOL) clearance and proving an initial AH (Army Helicopter) operating capability in the maritime environment for the Apache, progressed to the stage where the type had successfully achieved its initial operating capability (maritime) (IOC(M)) certification. Trials included operating alongside other aircraft types such as the Boeing Chinook HC.2, Westland Sea King HC.4/HAS.5U and Westland Lynx HAS.3/6, as well as understanding issues associated with the support, communications and training for AH operations whilst embarked on a maritime platform. An element of live firing was also completed.

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