Army Air Corps ground crew prepare to refuel an Apache helicopter at Camp Bastion (library image) [Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters, Crown...
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| Army Air Corps ground crew prepare to refuel an Apache helicopter at Camp Bastion (library image) [Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters, Crown copyright] |
British Army's Apache attack helicopters, operated by the Army Air Corps, has clocked more than 50,000 flight hour on Operation Herrick, the UK’s name for operations in Afghanistan.
Apache's have been conducting operations in Afghanistan since 2006, deploying initially with 16 Air Assault Brigade, shortly after being introduced into service with the British Army.
The current detachment, 664 Squadron AAC, part of 4 Regiment AAC, is commanded by Major Simon Wilsey, who flew the 50,000th hour.
Apache fleet provides support to ground forces, tactical strike, reconnaissance, and armed escort to other helicopters. Apache is highly effective against the Taliban forces in counter insurgency role.
It can operate in all weathers, day or night and detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds.
It carries a mix of weapons including unguided rockets, Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun, as well as a state of the art fully integrated defensive aid suite.
In addition to the distinctive Longbow radar located above the rotor blades, this aircraft is equipped with a day TV system, thermal imaging sight and direct view optics.
