FighterControl

Army Air Corps Apache AH-64D Retirement

On March 25, 2024 following 23 years of service, the Army Air Corps officially retired the AgustaWestland/Boeing WAH-64D (Apache AH1) from service whilst also declaring the Boeing Apache AH-64E Guardian v6 operationally ready. As has become standard practice nowadays, the Army Air Corps and 4 Regiment, 656 Squadron based at Wattisham in Suffolk, marked this occasion with an extensive farewell tour and flypast. In a tour lasting some ten hours, two Apache AH1’s and two AH-64E’s, flew in formation over various United Kingdom locations relevant to Apache operations. AeroResource co-editor Ian Harding was present amongst the crowds at Army Aviation Centre Middle Wallop in Wiltshire for the occasion, AAC Middle Wallop being where Apache flight crews are trained.

Blimey... 23 years. I recall going to a show at Middle Wallop around the time they were looking for a new attack helicopter (before they had decided on the Apache) and they had aircraft like the Rooivalk there as a possible contender. How time flies. Great article.