May 13, 201114 yr From Aviation Week's Ares blog There's something very cool about an Apache operating in a maritime environment: So who's going to put together a 'pirate hunter' scenario using sea borne Apaches and the Middle East or South Africa battleset? Get crackin!
May 13, 201114 yr Definitely rather cool, but aren't there corrosion issues to worry about when putting a land-based chopper in a maritime environment? I seem to recall reading this as a justification for the USMC keeping its Cobras ...
May 13, 201114 yr Tell Army "choppers" to go hunt elsewhere. This is the rightful domain of Marine Corps Cobra "helos".
May 13, 201114 yr Author Worth bearing in mind that these are British Army Apaches. (And, yes, I expect corrosion would be an issue with any extended deployment).
May 13, 201114 yr Author Of course there are emerging ways of turning just about any helicopter (not just a dedicated attack helo) into a useful anti-swarm weapon system. (Youtube vid)
May 17, 201114 yr Worth bearing in mind that these are British Army Apaches. (And, yes, I expect corrosion would be an issue with any extended deployment). Salt corrosion is an issue with anything maritime; the British suffered severe problems due to it back in 1982.
May 17, 201114 yr Author The cold waters of the North Atlantic are a five minute stroll from my office. The salt here is tangible, and depending on which way the wind is blowing, some days you can taste it in the air. The joys of living on an island. I'm always impressed by the potential longevity of motor vehicles in less maritime environments. They just do not last around here, typically corroding to death long before the mileage takes a toll.
May 18, 201114 yr Author From Flight Global [excerpt] PICTURES: UK Apaches score 100% in maritime Hellfire testsBy Craig Hoyle Although the Royal Navy saw its last aircraft carrier retired from service in recent months, a new trial has demonstrated the UK's continued ability to deploy offensive air power from the deck of a surface ship. ... "In total, 550 rounds of 30mm and nine radar-guided Hellfire missiles were fired, achieving a 100% strike rate," the Ministry of Defence said in a 13 May statement. ...
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