The Army has acquired two former British Army WAH-64 Apache AH.1 helicopters for use as training aids in support of its new AH-64E attack helicopters when they are delivered from 2025.
The two helicopters (ZJ220 and ZJ226) had been in storage in the UK following their withdrawal from use. The pair were loaded aboard an RAAF C-17A airlifter and departed from RAF Brize Norton on 22 March for the US, where they will undergo conversion into ground training airframes.
The WAH-64 is a variant of the Boeing AH-64D Apache built by AgustaWestland in the UK and differs significantly from its American cousin. Changes include the replacement of the AH-64D’s General Electric T700 engines with Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 powerplants, a different electronic defensive aids suite and a blade folding mechanism to facilitate use aboard the Royal Navy’s amphibious warfare ships.
Australia is acquiring 29 new-build AH-64E Apaches as part of the Army’s Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Replacement Project (Land 4501 Phase 1) to replace its existing 22 Airbus Helicopters Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters.
In service the AH-64Es will be based operated by the two squadrons of the 1st Aviation Regiment, which will relocate from Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory to RAAF Base Townsville prior to the new helicopters’ arrival in Australia. A small number will also be based at Oakey with the Army Aviation Training Centre (AAvnTC).
“As part of the project, Australia has acquired two [W]AH-64 Mk.1 Apache airframes from the United Kingdom which will be used to support ground training activities ahead of the delivery of the AH-64E Apaches to Australia from 2025,” a Defence spokesperson explained.
“The devices will meet contemporary training standards, allow procedural training, and simulate advanced fault diagnosis and rectification. They will augment a suite of other computer-based and lower fidelity training devices.”