The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop, Hampshire are thrilled to announce that they will soon have an Apache AH Mk.1 attack helicopter on permanent display, making it the only place in the UK that the public can see this formidable aircraft.
The retirement of the Apache AH Mk.1 in March, after over two decades, marked the end of an era for the British Army, with a packed balcony of visitors at the Museum able to watch a very special fly-past.
By showcasing this stunning new exhibit, the Museum will now be able to ensure its contribution will not be forgotten as the story of the Apache AH Mk.1, alongside the impressive airframe, will bring the history of Army aviation up to date.
Visitors to the Museum will be able to see the display from 15 May where it will take pride of place in the breathtaking surroundings of the Hayward Hall. Visitors are urged to buy their tickets online, in advance, as demand is expected to be very high, to experience this impressive aircraft up close.
Major General Neil Sexton, Chairman of the Army Flying Museum said; “We have worked for many years to ensure that when the Apache AH Mk.1 was retired, we would be its custodians. Conserving and allowing the general public to view the airframe and its story, will serve as a fitting tribute to a helicopter that played a significant role in the lives of so many men and women who have served in our armed forces, and in British military history.”
Museum supporter, former Army Air Corps Apache Pilot and Astronaut Major Tim Peake, said on its retirement, “Today the British Army said goodbye to the Apache AH Mk.1 after 23 years of service. A real workhorse and a fantastic aircraft to fly.”
The retirement of the Apache AH Mk.1 marks the handover of the reins to the more advanced Apache AH-64E model now flown by the Army Air Corps with visitors to the Museum able to see the new model regularly flying to and from the adjacent airfield.
Both the Museum and Apache Café will be closed from Wednesday 8th May until Tuesday 14th May 2024 inclusive to enable the installation of the Apache AH Mk.1.
Tickets to view the Apache AH Mk.1 from the 15 May, can be purchased here: https://armyflying.com/visit/admission/
Apache AH Mk.1 Data
· The Apache AH Mk.1 was built under licence by Westland Helicopters (later AgustaWestland).
· It is derived from the Boeing AH-64D Apache. 67 Apache AH Mk.1s were ordered for the British Army; the first eight of these were made by Boeing.
· It came into service with the Army Air Corps in 2001 and was the first purpose-built attack helicopter to be adopted by the British Army.
· Unlike the AH-64D, the Apache AH Mk.1 was powered by two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM 322 engines. Each engine is capable of delivering a maximum 2,300 shaft horsepower, giving the aircraft a cruising speed of around 260 kilometres per hour.
· Unlike the AH-64D, it was also equipped with folding blades, allowing the British version of the aircraft to operate from ships.
· The Apache AH Mk.1 is fitted with a 30-mm M230 chain gun, located under the nose of the helicopter. This can fire around 625 rounds per minute.
· The Apache AH Mk.1 can carry up to 76 CRV-7 rockets and up to 16 Hellfire missiles, or a combination of these weapons depending on the mission.
· The aircraft is fitted with Longbow radar which can find and track targets, monitor airspace, and profile the terrain around the helicopter. Its placement above the main rotors allows the Apache to scan the surrounding area from behind cover, only exposing the radar.
· The Army Air Corps deployed Apache AH Mk.1s in Afghanistan and during the NATO military intervention in Libya in 2011.
· The Apache AH Mk.1 was retired from British Army service in 2024. It is being replaced with the Apache AH-64E model.
Historical Significance of ZJ224
· ZJ224 served with 656 Squadron Army Air Corps in Afghanistan. On 15th January 2007, it was one of two Apache helicopters that carried troops on their stub wings into Jugroom Fort, Helmand Province, to rescue a fatally wounded comrade.
If you would like the opportunity to attend our Press Preview on the afternoon of 13 May please apply for accreditation here: https://bit.ly/ApachePress
We will let you know on 8 May whether you have been successful and send joining instructions and our press pass.
About the Army Flying Museum
The Army Flying Museum is a registered charity and located at Middle Wallop, close to Andover, in Hampshire. The Museum tells the story of British Army Flying from the early days of military ballooning to the modern Army Air Corps. It also has a key function in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education with unique and engaging programmes for children during the holidays, as well as school visits during term time.
The collection was started in 1946 at RAF Andover but later moved to Middle Wallop and first opened to the public in 1974. In 1984, the Museum moved from a location “behind the wire” to a new, purpose-build hangar which is located on the edge of an active airfield. The Museum has since been extended twice more and now comprises two large aircraft halls (the Prince Michael of Kent Hall and the Hayward Hall) a learning centre, a 1940s house display, a play park and conference facilities.
The collection covers the five main branches of Army Aviation: Royal Engineers (1878 – 1912), The Royal Flying Corps (1912 - 1918), Air Observation Post Squadrons (1941 – 1957), the Glider Pilot Regiment (1942 - 1957) and the current Army Air Corps (1957- to date). Over 40 aircraft can be seen in the Museum. These range from a First World War biplane to a HueyCobra attack helicopter plus an example of every Allied glider used operationally during the Second World War.
Highlights of the collection include a Sopwith Pup – an example of a single-seat fighter introduced in 1916 -and a Lynx helicopter which broke the world speed record in 1972 by achieving an average speed of 199.92 miles per hour (321.74 km per hour) in a 100km closed circuit. It was also the first British helicopter ever to complete a barrel roll.
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