Spotted: AH-64 Longbow Apache

[JonRB]

You know a few years ago there was the debacle of us buying several Apaches at huge cost from the US and then finding we couldn't fly them?

I'm working in Basingstoke at the moment and a Longbox Apache and a Gazelle have just flown overhead.

So there you go. Guess someone has managed to get one into the air then :)

[Marki]

Its to do with the missiles they fire apparently , they destroy the rotors or summat good old MOD on tha ball as always

[vixpy1]

JonRB said:

I'm working in Basingstoke at the moment and a Longbox Apache and a Gazelle have just flown overhead.

Can they do some demolition of Basingstoke while they are there?

[ZR1cliff]

More than likely stationed at Odiham just outside B/stoke.

[ZR1cliff]

vixpy1 said:

JonRB said: I'm working in Basingstoke at the moment and a Longbox Apache and a Gazelle have just flown overhead. Can they do some demolition of Basingstoke while they are there?

B&DBC have already taken care of that back in the 60's

[dj111s]

Saw one in in yorkshire last week. Cool as !!

Catterick or Leeming based I guess? Anyone?

[StuB]

I was at Croft last Monday and going into Tower, one of those came towards me and then peeled off - bloody huge great scary thing. I think they may have been practising with us.

Edited to say DJ, change your profile and I realise it was you (and the Apache) I saw there. I was in the red compact and had a shot in G1 CSL in the late afternoon and chased you round for a good few laps till the left front melted.

>> Edited by StuB on Tuesday 2nd August 12:58

[Mark Benson]

See them quite often over me, I'm in Wiltshire, about 20 miles from Salisbury Plain which explains it though.

They've been about now for the last 6 months or so, thankfully haven't seen any firing missiles though

[Trooper2]

Everyday occurance over here.......

[AlexH]

I've actually been working on a project with Westland Helicopters down in Yeovil (who have built all the ones for the British Army) for a while now and have been lucky enough to seem them flying around down there as well as having a few closer looks. They are just awesome in the flesh; so ugly they're almost beautiful, if you know what I mean.

[bad_roo]

JonRB said:

You know a few years ago there was the debacle of us buying several Apaches at huge cost from the US and then finding we couldn't fly them?

I believe it was a systems integration problem that precluded them from night/adverse weather flying.

[JonRB]

AlexH said:

so ugly they're almost beautiful, if you know what I mean.

[72twink]

They're not based at Odiham - I'm sure it's just Chinooks there - But when I've been working there they have joined the circuit, done a touch and go, and then headed back West. We just stopped what we were doing and watched the thing in silence .....

[tone]

dj111s said:

Saw one in in yorkshire last week. Cool as !! Catterick or Leeming based I guess? Anyone?

Training facility at Dishforth, IIRC

[MrsRotty]

AlexH said:

I've actually been working on a project with Westland Helicopters down in Yeovil (who have built all the ones for the British Army) for a while now and have been lucky enough to seem them flying around down there as well as having a few closer looks. They are just awesome in the flesh; so ugly they're almost beautiful, if you know what I mean.

I live in Yeovil and always enjoy watching the Apache mooch around. The sound is instantly recognisable...

I love the Apache - aviation sex on a stick. (IYKWIM)

[dvs_dave]

Having spent quite some time in Iraq as a contractor, I've seen plenty of Apaches in full combat mode launching hellfire missiles at some unfortunate.

One of the most impressive yet fearsome sights I've ever whitnessed!!

[DaveR]

72twink said:

They're not based at Odiham - I'm sure it's just Chinooks there - But when I've been working there they have joined the circuit, done a touch and go, and then headed back West. We just stopped what we were doing and watched the thing in silence .....

Chinooks from Odiham do after-dark touch and goes (if this is the tech term for 'practise landings') in a field near my house on many evenings throughout the year. This can go on well past midnight.

I know some people find them impressive pieces of kit but personally I wish they'd just fk off.

Mrs DaveR (at home today) was moved to mention on the phone that she'd just seen a different kind of helicopter though the window. 'What was it like?' say I.....

'Black with yellow bits.'

>> Edited by DaveR on Tuesday 2nd August 16:32

[apache]

MrsRotty said:

I live in Yeovil and always enjoy watching the Apache mooch around. The sound is instantly recognisable... I love the Apache - aviation sex on a stick. (IYKWIM)

why thank you, it's the G suit that causes the mooching doncherknow

[saf]

Whilst down at Fairford with the ATC my lad was allowed to start the Apache, not allowed to fly it though

[white_van_man]

my friend is a techer and they had one LAND on their playing field, and they all got to have a good look around it....and she didnt tell us about it utill 2 days later