Apache Completes Trial For Operations At Sea

[goffer]

I know that the Royal Marines currently fly "borrowed" Lynx and Gazelle helicopters from the Army Air Corps, do you think they will let them have a few Apaches? We know how that there isn't enough pilots in the Army to fly the Apache at the moment, why not lend a few to the RM or RN?

The Apache Attack Helicopter – one of the most advanced helicopters in the world – yesterday completed trials on HMS Ocean that will eventually allow it to fly operations at sea.

The trials test the limits of the new helicopters to ensure they can be safely operated under the different conditions at sea. Further trials will involve other Royal Navy ships and pilot training will follow.

The completion of this trial marks an important milestone in the overall programme, which aims to achieve an initial Maritime Operating Capability next year.

With the first trial now complete, the Apache – considered one of the most significant weapons systems to enter service with the British Army in recent times – can now prepare to operate from ships in support of both land and amphibious operations anywhere in the world.

Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Bach said: “Completing these trials is a major milestone in this programme. Apache is a hugely flexible and formidable fighting platform and being able to operate from sea will ensure it plays a major part in all manner of operations for years to come. The successful completion of the trials has boosted the already impressive capability of this aircraft.”

The helicopter will form part of the Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade. The Apache can be armed with a variety of weapons including Hellfire missiles, rockets and 30mm cannon rounds. With its on-board surveillance and target acquisition systems the Apache represents a major increase in capability.

[img]http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/data/[(1227)-01-04-2004]apache3.jpg[/img]

[Aldo]

Naah the Apaches are for the 16 air assault brigade, there's not enough to go around. It's a shame but if they're onboard a ship then technically they would be under Navy/RM command, I think. Well good news about completing the tests though, have you got any info about how much more they have to do before they are fully operational?

[Tab]

Well thay are not being used for any thing else, and if they not are based on HMS Ocean then what use will this ship be??? thay might as well pension it of with the rest of the Carriers untill the new Carriers come on line so time in the distant future.

[Aldo]

Ocean's for the use of assault helicopters and now attack helicopters, it also has flagship features so it can be used as a command ship. So if there weren't any apaches there'd still be a need for Ocean, actually we need more.

[goffer]

Well thay are not being used for any thing else, and if they not are based on HMS Ocean then what use will this ship be??? thay might as well pension it of with the rest of the Carriers untill the new Carriers come on line so time in the distant future.

The Apache is meant to be part of 16 Air Support Brigade, therefore if the Aircraft is not being used by the Army disband the Brigade and give the Helicopters to the Royal Marines/Royal Navy.

On another note (i know you are fishing here Tab) you surely can't believe for a second that Oceans only role is to ferry about AAC Attack Helicopters?

[Tab]

Goffer, what I was trying to get across was, if the these helicopters are not being used,and should given to some one who might put them to some good use. These damn things have just been sitting in a hanger for two years rotting away, they were made to be flown and used as designed and I really don't give a damn what section of the service uses them as long as they are put to good use.

[Aldo]

They've not been used because of problems with pilot training, the airframes and so on and so forth.

[wannabe_bootneck]

I think giving a couple to the RM when required for an amphibious assault e.g. Iraq & the Al Faw Peninsula assault would be a great idea. It would mean air support could be more guaranteed as it would be udner commando of the Royals, I don't think Royal shoud get them all, just a few when it suits the Operatrion. The USMC have their own armour & aircraft. If only ey!?

[harry hackedoff]

From a source of the "Reliable" kind
16 Air Assault drivers are shite, not enough have qualified on the Apache to allow it into service with that unit and storys ref airframe probs are spurious. It is an excellent platform allthough there are probs, which have been well-covered on here previously.
Royal Marines pilots have ALL qualified on the"Wild Angry Hamster", but then why should that be a surprise