MoD Declares Initial Operating Capability for Apache Helicopter
(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued Oct. 14, 2004)
Initial Operating Capability (IOC) has been declared for the Army's new generation of Attack Helicopter. The Apache AH Mk1 will be the cornerstone of the Armed Forces' new Joint Helicopter Command and is considered one of the most significant weapons' systems to enter service with the British Army since the tank in 1916.
IOC is a significant step towards the platform reaching full operating capability.
Lord Bach, Minister for Defence Procurement, said:
"I am delighted that IOC has been declared for the new Apache Attack Helicopter. This is a considerable achievement and evidence of how equipment projects are benefiting from the principles of Smart Acquisition.
Apache is a hugely flexible and formidable fighting platform which will form part of 16 Air Assault Brigade and support 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. It can be armed with a variety of weapons including Hellfire missiles, CRV7 rockets and 30mm cannon rounds, and with its on-board surveillance and target acquisition systems the Apache provides a major increase in capability over its predecessor."
BACKGROUND NOTES:
1. The Army's requirement for an Attack Helicopter (AH) was endorsed in June 1991. This identified the need for an Attack Helicopter with long range anti-tank capability to replace its Lynx/TOW helicopters. Following a competitive tendering exercise, the contract was awarded to WHL in March 1996 and a separate contract for the supply of munitions was placed with Hunting Engineering Ltd.
2. In July 1998, the Strategic Defence Review quoted the Attack Helicopter as an example of the new equipment entering service in the next few years which would greatly improve our ability to conduct the hard hitting, mobile land operations of the future.
3. A Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract for the provision of the WAH-64 training services was awarded to ATIL in July 1998, following a detailed analysis of the increased cost effectiveness of the PFI solution over the conventional procurement and operation of training equipment.
4. The aircraft is based on the AH-64D Apache Longbow, which entered service with the US Army in 1998. Key differences between the WAH-64 and the US AH-64D are the Rolls Royce Turbomeca (RTM) 322 engines and the Defensive Aids Suite (HIDAS) that will be fitted to WAH-64.
5. Current plans see AH capability growth being delivered in a stepped manner, culminating in Full Operating Capability (FOC) in 2007, when 3 AAC Regiments will be operational.
6. Created as part of the Strategic Defence Review, Joint Helicopter Command will focus the joint capabilities of the three Services and enhance the operational effectiveness of the battlefield helicopter.
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