December 7th - Cowboys and Indians anyone?

Westland Apache AH.1 (WAH-64D)

If the Indians swapped out their bows for an AH.1 the cowboys would be screwed. It would be war paint and feathered head gear all the way for me!

The Apache AH.1 is the UK's significantly modified Apache AH-64D. I use the word "significant" because the performance difference between the UK spec Apache and the standard AH-64D really is significantly different.

The differences are:

• Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 Engine producing 25% more power than General Electric T700s.
• Anti-ice protection for rotor blades.
• SELEX integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS)
• BOWMAN Secure communications system
• CRV.7 Rockets support
• Eye-safe training laser for use with UK ranges.

The Apache AH1 was brought in to replace the TOW equipped Lynx AH.7 in the anti-tank role. Currently the Army Air Corps operates the Apache with two AAC regiments as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade supporting operations in Afghanistan.

Unlike the US AH-64Ds during operations in Afghanistan the Apache AH.1 is deployed the Longbow Fire Control Radar attached. This is made possible by the extra power using the Rolls-Royce engines. It also gives the crew far better situational awareness in the airspace they operate in and is also proving invaluable in coordinating attacks and providing surveillance in the field. So much so that the US Army is again looking at the AH.1’s upgrades as part of their own AH-64D upgrade programme.

"OK so its still very much WIP..."

There are lots of things wrong withthe model, the rotor hub needs 'beefing' up a bit and a few details here and there need tweaking. The model itself is quite old now. I made it about 2 years ago but it was put on hold due to other priorities. After the UK Helo packs are complete it will become an active project again. It has several features and a few cosmetic gimmicks. Really just extra touches that don’t really provide any more functionality but give the model an extra “something”:

• TADS and PNVS rotate to “safe” position when engine is off.
• Flight Direction sensors are animated.
• Weapons pylons rotate to firing positions after take off

Of course there are still the usual RKSL feature sets planned:

• Dynamic Rotor System (DRS)
• Improved flight model
• Radar Warning Receiver (FCSS required for full use)
• Integrated Chaff and Flare Counter measures system

Will you make other versions?

We are going to make 3 versions. I don’t want to get involved in all the issues around making all the numerous derivatives so we will make:

• UK Westland Apache AH1
• Dutch AH-64D
• Generic AH-64D with roundel compatibility.

All three versions are pretty common and can be made very simply and quickly by adding or deleting simple shapes or part of the model.

Credits and acknowledgements:

• Mark (Westlands) for his help sourcing the GA layouts i used for making the model.
• Chris T for his photos i used for detail shots.
• Several members of the AAC for providing me with offical contact info for the AAC at Dishforth.
• Stu R (RAF) for pointing me at some truly fantastic cockpit references.
• Maj Andrew P (US Army) for taking the time to reply to my numerous emails with long and detailed replies.