Editing AgustaWestland Apache (section)

==Design==
[[File:A British Army WAH-64 'Apache' attack helicopter prior to firing its underslung 30mm cannon. Lulworth Camp-Bovington Ranges, Dorset. 19-11-2002 MOD 45142233.jpg|thumb|Apache in training at Lulworth-Bovington, 2002|alt=Helicopter in flight above heathland]]
{{External media|topic=|width=12% |float=right |video1=[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13541379 BBC Tour of an Apache]}}

Several deviations were made to the standard Apache design used by the US and those exported to other countries. One major difference is the use of a pair of [[Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322|Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 01/12]] engines, replacing the original [[General Electric T700|General Electric T700-GE-701C]] engines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.turbomeca.com/public/turbomeca_v2/html/en/produits/sous_famille_home.php?sfid=509&mid=615 |title=RTM 322 |publisher=Turbomeca |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803231550/http://www.turbomeca.com/public/turbomeca_v2/html/en/produits/sous_famille_home.php?sfid=509&mid=615 |archive-date=3 August 2009}}</ref> The Rolls-Royce engine produces {{convert|1565|kW|hp|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} vs. {{convert|1410|kW|hp|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} for the GE T700C engine.<ref name= 'official'/> Compared to many helicopters used by coalition forces in Afghanistan, the Apache required less modification to serve in the region due to special filters incorporated into the engine design.<ref name= 'wyatt bbc'>{{cite web |first= Caroline |last= Wyatt |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13558053 |title= How UK's Apache helicopters could aid Libya mission |work= BBC News |date= 26 May 2011 |access-date= 20 June 2018 |archive-date= 19 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180919051218/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13558053 |url-status= live}}</ref> Another change is the folding blade mechanism to stow the helicopters in confined spaces;<ref name="seatrials1">{{cite web |url= http://www.navynews.co.uk/articles/2004/0405/0004051101.asp |title= Apache Moves Closer To Front Line |publisher= Navy News |date= 11 May 2004 |access-date= 3 May 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110611043406/http://www.navynews.co.uk/articles/2004/0405/0004051101.asp |archive-date= 11 June 2011 |url-status= dead}}</ref> the rotor blades also have anti-ice protection to allow operations in Arctic environments.

There were changes made to the sensor and avionics outfitting the craft as well; connectivity with the [[Bowman (communications system)|BOWMAN secure communications system]] to interact with other British military units being a significant one.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-4058142/General-Dynamics-Awarded-25-Million.html |title= General Dynamics Awarded 25 Million Pounds Sterling Apache BOWMAN Connectivity Contract |agency= PR Newswire |date= 26 June 2003 |access-date= 3 May 2010 |archive-date= 15 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110615034919/http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-4058142/General-Dynamics-Awarded-25-Million.html |url-status= live}}</ref> The [[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] (formerly [[Selex ES]]) Helicopter Integrated [[Defensive Aids System]] (HIDAS) was also fitted.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/rotorhub-com/selex-to-focus-on-integrated-das-at-old-crows/4233/ |title= Selex to focus on integrated DAS at Old Crows |publisher= Shepard |date= 18 October 2009 |access-date= 3 May 2010 |archive-date= 17 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110717063643/http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/rotorhub-com/selex-to-focus-on-integrated-das-at-old-crows/4233/ |url-status= live}}</ref> The HIDAS system was retrofitted onto the aircraft in mid-2004 just prior to entering service, along with several redesigned composite bodywork components.<ref>Hoyle 2004, p. 59.</ref> 

Instead of the American [[Hydra 70]] rocket pods, the Westland Apache can carry up to 76 [[CRV7]] rockets.<ref name= 'official'/><ref name= 'bis 47'/> The CRV7 uses a modular warhead: "a high explosive, semi-armour piercing warhead for attacks on unarmoured targets and a kinetic energy penetrator, which contains no explosive, for attacks on armoured targets".<ref name=RAFCRV7>[http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/crv7.cfm RAF History, CRV-7] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404191720/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/crv7.cfm |date=4 April 2012}}.</ref> There used to be a third type of warhead: the Multi-Purpose Sub Munition (MPSM), which was a controversial weapon as it has been classified as a [[cluster bomb]];<ref name=Hansard25Mar10>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm100325/text/100325w0002.htm|title=House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 25 Mar 2010 (pt 0002)|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-date=14 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114130634/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm100325/text/100325w0002.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> each rocket contained nine M73 submunitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mineaction.org/downloads/1/hrw_policy%20survey.pdf |title=Survey of Cluster Munition Policy and Practice, pub Human Rights Watch |date=February 2007 |page=18}}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref name=BBC19May2008/> In May 2008, several senior officers, such as General [[David Ramsbotham, Baron Ramsbotham|David Ramsbotham]] spoke out against British plans to keep the weapon.<ref name=BBC19May2008>{{cite news |first= Sangita |last= Myska |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7407564.stm |title= UK seeks cluster bomb exemption |work= BBC News |date= 19 May 2008 |access-date= 28 May 2011 |archive-date= 6 December 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081206134558/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7407564.stm |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.heraldscotland.com/the-great-british-bomb-scandal-1.828650 |title= The great British bomb scandal |work= The Herald |location= Glasgow |date= 28 May 2011 |access-date= 28 May 2011 |archive-date= 10 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121010072858/http://www.heraldscotland.com/the-great-british-bomb-scandal-1.828650 |url-status= live}}</ref> In the same month, Britain, as one of the 111 participating nations, agreed to [[Convention on Cluster Munitions|ban cluster bombs on humanitarian grounds]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/97996 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801185032/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/97996 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 August 2012 |title=Envoys agree on treaty banning cluster bombs |publisher=GMA News Online |date=29 May 2008}}</ref> Britain destroyed the last of its CRV7 MPSMs in July 2009.<ref name=Hansard25Mar10/>

[[File:Longbow Radar MOD 45148279.jpg|thumb|left|Longbow radar screen|alt=Pilot sitting in cockpit looking at controls]]
Like the US AH-64D Apache Longbow, the Apache AH1 carried an [[AN/APG-78 Longbow]] [[fire-control radar]] (FCR) and Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), providing an integrated surveillance and attack system.<ref name= 'official'/> The 'Longbow' radar was the bulbous unit over the rotor hub assembly; radar placement above the rotors allowed the Apache to hover behind cover scanning for targets, with only the radar unit exposed.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1491846/Give-us-an-enemy-to-fight-says-chief-of-Britains-Apache-helicopter-fleet.html |title= Give us an enemy to fight, says chief of Britain's Apache helicopter fleet |first= Sean |last= Rayment |work= The Daily Telegraph |date= 12 June 2005 |access-date= 2 April 2018 |archive-date= 6 July 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160706193849/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1491846/Give-us-an-enemy-to-fight-says-chief-of-Britains-Apache-helicopter-fleet.html |url-status= live}}</ref> Additionally, the Longbow radar could monitor traffic in the Apache's airspace.<ref name= 'did 2007'/> The radar could also be used for surveillance and terrain profiling.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Lockheed |title=AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/12432.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020223512/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/12432.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2011 |access-date=20 July 2011}}</ref> A modem was interfaced into the Longbow radar and other sensor systems to relay information to other aircraft, this allowed other Apaches to fire on targets identified by only a single helicopter.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/landingpage/apache.html |title= Helicopter profile: Boeing AH-64 Apache |work= Flight International |access-date= 2 February 2010 |archive-date= 17 May 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090517062044/http://www.flightglobal.com/landingpage/apache.html |url-status= live}}</ref>

[[File:An Apache attack helicopter pilot of 4 REGT AAC inspects his aircraft while he awaits tasking. MOD 45160148.jpg|thumb|Longbow radar]]
AgustaWestland made several upgrades to Britain's Apache fleet. In May 2005, a $212 million contract was awarded to equip all the Mk1 helicopters with the [[Apache Arrowhead]] sensor system upgrade, to be completed by 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/12/01/319589/british-army-receives-first-upgraded-apaches.html |title= British Army receives first upgraded Apaches |first= Craig |last= Hoyle |work= [[Flight International]] |date= 1 December 2008 |access-date= 6 May 2011 |archive-date= 5 December 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081205074700/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/12/01/319589/british-army-receives-first-upgraded-apaches.html |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111020210724/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2005/UnitedKingdomAwardsLockhe.html "United Kingdom Awards Lockheed Martin $212 Million Contract For Arrowhead System Production"] ''Lockheed Martin''. 2 May 2005.</ref> In 2009, it was announced that AgustaWestland was also integrating new external fuel tanks with ballistic protection.<ref>{{cite book |first= Gareth |last= Jennings |title= Jane's international defense review: Volume 42 |publisher= Jane's Information Group |year= 2009 |page= 25}}</ref> The magazine could be replaced with an Integrated Ammunition and Fuel unit, which reduced the ammunition capacity but increased loitering time. It had been suggested that advanced rotor blades and additional controls to improve the agility of the aircraft may have been fitted in a mid-life update of the fleet.<ref>Finch 1996, p. 2.</ref> 
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