AH-64 in Brighton

[wy906]

Last night about 6.15pm, an AH-64 was flying quite low (@300 ft?) heading east along the seafront. It sounded awesome. This is the second time that I’ve spotted AH-64s in Brighton. The last time was about three to four months ago and there were a pair of them, but they were flying much higher.

Does anyone know where they are from usually and where they are going?

[MX-Si]

I'd like to know this too. A mate of mine is regularly texting me telling me that one has just passed over his yard in Small dole, usually bloody low too! I think they use the Adur valley as a reference point as well as Shoreham airport. They also practice late at night following the South Downs, one scared the bejesus out of me last week at around 10:30pm.

[Not Ideal]

£30k an hour to run an AH-64 - the most awesome machines!

[D4VE 3LL]

From Middle Wallop I think.. someone will clarify it for you.

[speedtwelve]

The AH training squadron is indeed at Middle Wallop in Hampshire. They tend to hunt in pairs, and usually at night.

Operational AH units are up at Wattisham in Suffolk.

[Conian]

Awesome noise they make, as if Chuck Norris was punching the air 20,000 times a minute.

[Tango13]

I'm currently working in Hoddesdon and I see Chinnocks (spelling?)about twice a week. This week I saw two in formation followed later by a UH-1 and a pair of what looked like Merlins over Hertford on my way home.

[FUBAR]

MX-Si said:

I'd like to know this too. A mate of mine is regularly texting me telling me that one has just passed over his yard in Small dole, usually bloody low too! I think they use the Adur valley as a reference point as well as Shoreham airport. They also practice late at night following the South Downs, one scared the bejesus out of me last week at around 10:30pm.

I live a couple of miles north of your mate's yard. Never seen an AH-64 but regularly see/hear the Chinooks go overhead in the direction to/from Portsmouth, normally at night running without lights. I tell thee, 6 of them in formation makes not only the windows rattle, but the whole house shake

How on earth they use these to drop troops into a battle 'secretly' is beyond me!

[Stedman]

If you're interested in these, you should read "Apache" by Ed Macy.

It's bloody fantastic

[Not Ideal]

^^ Ordered for holiday next week.

Apache Dawn: Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned by Damien Lewis is fantastic as well.

[FUBAR]

Enjoyed them both but preferred 'Apache'

[Not Ideal]

Yeah that seems to be the concensus on Amazon as well - look forward to reading it next week on the beach..!!

[FUBAR]

Apache Dawn recounts the episode of the 4 Marines(?) who climbed onboard to find their fallen comrade (as you know). Also read the book that recounted that story from the ground (cant remember the title...3 Commando? 3 Para?) which was good to see the situation from a different perspective, although not technically helicopter related)

And if you are looking for beach reading of this ilk, Sniper One is highly recommended

[Not Ideal]

Cool thanks Fubar

[anonymous-user]

Conian said:

Awesome noise they make, as if Chuck Norris was punching the air 20,000 times a minute.

Chuck Norris is the only thing the Apache can not get a lock on

[Stedman]

FUBAR said:

Apache Dawn recounts the episode of the 4 Marines(?) who climbed onboard to find their fallen comrade (as you know). Also read the book that recounted that story from the ground (cant remember the title...3 Commando? 3 Para?) which was good to see the situation from a different perspective, although not technically helicopter related)

And if you are looking for beach reading of this ilk, Sniper One is highly recommended

Apache does the same, but from the pilots('s/s'/s?!) view. The build up, the actual battle and the aftermath are all a brilliant read.

Sniper One is a great read aswell. Has anyone read First into Action by Duncan Falconer?

Seriously, anyone reading this I have one message for you.


READ THIS BOOK!!

[FUBAR]

I might have this round the wrong way (read them a while back and the memory isn't what it should be) didn't Apache recount the story 2nd hand while Apache Dawn was the actual pilots (with help of a writer?) who flew the mission?

[wy906]

Thank you for the replies.

[ninja-lewis]

FUBAR said:

I might have this round the wrong way (read them a while back and the memory isn't what it should be) didn't Apache recount the story 2nd hand while Apache Dawn was the actual pilots (with help of a writer?) who flew the mission?

Wrong way round. Apache was ghostwritten first hand by one of the actual pilots. Apache Dawn was written second hand about the next tour.

Ed Macy has also published a second book, about how he came to fly the Apache and the first Afghan tour (Jugroom Fort was his second).

[Conian]

pablo said:

Conian said:

Awesome noise they make, as if Chuck Norris was punching the air 20,000 times a minute.

Chuck Norris is the only thing the Apache can not get a lock on

Did it get a lock on Clarkson in that Lotus? I can't remember.
Maybe Chuck was in the boot.