Naval Apache returns

I know Brimstone is only marginally heavier, but what I think I was getting at was range, which in a low level airframe like an Apache would mean that it could stand off even further out of harms way.

As far as a heavier missile, why?

Totally agree, Hellfire can still kill pretty much everything on the battle field. It should be noted that before Desert Storm the Americans got worried about the Iraqis em-placing their T72 behind large soil banks. They did a test to see what would happen and found Hellfire was still able to utterly destroy its target.

With the apparent success of Brimstone in Libya, how long before that is integrated to the Apache as well as a heavier weight missile than the Hellfire ?

The upcoming JAGM missile is is direct (physically) replacement for the Hellfire. It uses the same launchers and connections. It has the Brimstone’s laser tracker & MMW radar then adds an IIR seeker (its a trimode seeker). Its basically a Brimstone with and IIR seeker added.

As far as a heavier missile, why?

One of the few (very few) UK MOD ‘let’s get a tailor made solution when everyone is is going off the peg’ programmes which I approve of.

+1. I generally strongly disapprove of the insistence on everything bespoke, but sometimes, occasionally, it’s the right choice.

Even more UK Apache action could be about to happen. Now going to Yemen as well 😮

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/8575410/Britain-to-send-Apache-helicopters-to-Yemen.html

You clearly haven’t read this thread, UK’s Apaches (WAH-64) are.

One of the few (very few) UK MOD ‘let’s get a tailor made solution when everyone is is going off the peg’ programmes which I approve of.

It also quite bit more oomph largely (I think) because of the insistence on using the same engines as AH101

Welcome to the board old chap

Apache is not navalised

You clearly haven’t read this thread, UK’s Apaches (WAH-64) are.

Apache is not navalised

Au contraire – they ARE prepared for it. British Apaches differ from US ones, & some of the modifications were to prepare them for operating from ships. It was always envisaged that they would, & they’ve practiced it since 2006.

They fit in the hangar. Their rotor blades fold, for exactly that reason.

Excellent news and fingers crossed. They definitely fit onto Ocean’s lift

Is it just me or is anyone else out there querying the reference ‘Naval’ Apache.

Yes this nice bit of kit is currently taking up residence on one of Her Majesty’s Britannic vessels but ‘Naval’ Apache?? I think not and my guess is that in the ensuing weeks, months we are all going to be paying the costs of this operation.

In my opinion salt water, sea air and the very hostile environment that is being imposed upon these excellent aircraft was never envisaged and I am guessing not prepared for? How long before it takes its toll is my concern.
…
I wonder where these Apaches are stowed when not in use, or in transit? I doubt very much that there would be room in the hanger

Au contraire – they ARE prepared for it. British Apaches differ from US ones, & some of the modifications were to prepare them for operating from ships. It was always envisaged that they would, & they’ve practiced it since 2006.

They fit in the hangar. Their rotor blades fold, for exactly that reason.

Is it just me or is anyone else out there querying the reference ‘Naval’ Apache.

Yes this nice bit of kit is currently taking up residence on one of Her Majesty’s Britannic vessels but ‘Naval’ Apache?? I think not and my guess is that in the ensuing weeks, months we are all going to be paying the costs of this operation.

In my opinion salt water, sea air and the very hostile environment that is being imposed upon these excellent aircraft was never envisaged and I am guessing not prepared for? How long before it takes its toll is my concern.

Folks are correct when they say how the desert can quickly destroy equipment and I would suggest the sea is an equal enemy that can cause catastrophic damage unless
buildersmanufacturers take it into account at the design and build stage.

I wonder where these Apaches are stowed when not in use, or in transit? I doubt very much that there would be room in the hanger and that leaves the upper deck with all the salt spray and the gale force winds that will ensure this highly corrosive liquid will penetrate every nook and cranny there is on these valuable aircraft. I am guessing they will be pressure washed with fresh water at LEAST once per day but is this might well force the salt even further into these tiny crevices??

Yes I am in the camp of the aircraft carrier along with the fixed wing aircraft but we are where we are and that is in a mess.

Naval Apache!! :eek::o

I would like to think some Naval ‘artist’ has already put the Ocean’s ships crest on these aircraft along with any other relevant choice of words 🙂

Given the paranoia about “boots on the ground” I very much doubt the Apaches would be based on Libyan soil. But as I said, I doubt the bunch of slime we have in government are keen to emphasise the utility and flexibility of naval based air assets, so we hear endless wibble about the Apaches, and nothing about where they will fly from.

MainStream Media isn’t it?

Which raises interesting corollaries. When is BBC MSM and when not? Likewise the various Fox channels?

Ahh, I thought he was talking about MSN 😮

well it looked like on some reports they were preparing Misrata Airfield as a FOB…. so maybe that’s why they don’t want to highlight sea ops, because they aren’t the only way of doing things in this case…?

i would class BBC as MSM too, i think we have to rely on all the MSM we can and augment that with specialist sources to even try and get a picture of what happens (particularly in Afghanistan)…..

MainStream Media isn’t it?

Which raises interesting corollaries. When is BBC MSM and when not? Likewise the various Fox channels?

Whats MSM?:confused:

They do :confused:

I don’t know anyone that relys on MSM for news, I only know a couple that even look at it, surely BBC use is far more common?

Most people rely on the MSM for their news, and that has been very light on where the Apaches will be based. It’s almost as if the government doesn’t want to highlight the advantages of embarked air assets at sea. Can’t think why.

You are lucky. I have never heard this mentioned on any of the MSM, and there is no mention of Ocean or indeed the Royal Navy in the BBC article attached.

it is generally accepted now that Ocean will be their home right? I am surprised that anyone would have thought otherwise….

You are lucky. I have never heard this mentioned on any of the MSM, and there is no mention of Ocean or indeed the Royal Navy in the BBC article attached.

One of the earlier BBC articles featured a picture of Ocean with an Apache on deck, as well as information on where she was.