The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop, Hampshire has had its latest exhibit, An Apache AH Mk1 officially unveiled by His Majesty King Charles III as he visited the site to handover the Army Air Corp Colonel-in-Chief role to his son, Prince William.
HM King Charles III visited the museum meeting staff and unveilied a plaque to commemorate the occasion next to the aircraft which is the only example on display in a museum in Europe.
The Apache AH Mk1 attack helicopter was the mainstay of the Army Air Corp since its inception in 2001 until its retirement this year, being replaced by the newer and more advanced Boeing Apache AH64E.
Apache AH Mk1’s were based on the Boeing Apache AH64D but were built under licence by Augusta Westland in Yeovil.
Fitted with the Longbow radar, the Apache was a formidable battlefield weapon able to find and attack targets with pinpoint accuracy using either its M230 chain gun, Wing mounted Hellfire missiles or CRV7 Rockets.
It saw active service in Afghanistan, where it was flown during two tours by Prince Harry as well as in Libya operating from HMS Ocean. Apache’s are operated by a two-man crew with one pilot flying the aircraft and the other controlling the weapons.
The example on display at the Army Flying Museum is ZJ224 which served with 656 Squadron Army Air Corps in Afghanistan. This aircraft was involved in the dramatic rescue attempt of a fatally injured soldier from Jugroom Fort Helmand Province. During the rescue attempt troops were carried on the stub wings of the Apache.
This Apache has never been investigated join us on this unique investigation after the museum has closed.
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