End of an Era: British Forces Phase Out Apache Mk.1 for AH‑64E Upgrade
The British Armed Forces are ultimately giving up on the Apache Mk.1 helicopters. The licensed-built machine turned out to be too problematic in operation and development. The British Armed Forces have already found successors for the American helicopters — choosing similarly to Poland.
On March 25, the British Armed Forces bid farewell — with a symbolic flight of a pair of aircraft — to the Apache Mk.1 helicopters. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, Britain purchased 67 units. The British attack helicopters were first combat-tested in Afghanistan, and then participated in operations, including in Libya.
After nearly a quarter of a century of service, the helicopters built on an American license were deemed non-viable, and the British were faced with the need to replace them with a new type of machine. What did they choose?
Apache Mk.1 - the British version of the American machine
The Apache Mk.1 is the British version of the AH-64D Apache helicopter. By buying 67 such helicopters, London decided to make extensive use of — instead of American ones — their own solutions.
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This involved the installation of British Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines, integration with different communication means supporting the BOWMAN standard, the installation of British HIDAS (Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System) self-protection systems, and the use of partially different armaments, such as 70mm CRV7 rocket missiles.
London wants AH-64E Guardian helicopters
In the British helicopters, a rotor folding mechanism was also used, allowing the machines to be stored in tight spaces, such as naval ship hangars. The British helicopters were also equipped with an additional anti-icing system, allowing for operation in Arctic conditions.
The changes resulted in the incompatibility of British Apaches with other machines of this type, operated worldwide. In practice, this meant more difficult access to parts, affecting servicing and low operational readiness of the British machines.
Eventually, in the mid-previous decade, the decision was made to withdraw the Apache Mk.1. However, this does not mean London is giving up on attack helicopters — 50 of the withdrawn machines are to be rebuilt to the current, American standard AH-64E Guardian, which is the version of helicopters that Poland intends to acquire 96 units of.
