The British army’s latest Apache AH-64E attack helicopter has made its debut in an exercise named Talon Guardian. According to a news release by the British army, 3 Regiment Army Air Corps traveled 1,500km over two weeks, operating from three different locations to execute attack missions and maintain the state-of-the-art helicopters, while engineers kept the aircraft in good working order in the field.
Groundcrew were also running Forward Arming and Refueling Points to keep the AH-64E’s fuel tanks and weapon pylons full.
3 Regt AAC is the first unit to deploy the AH-64E, which boasts improved flying performance, sensors, weapons, and communication systems compared to its predecessor, the Apache Mk.1.
The training is aimed at preparing 3 Regt AAC for its role of providing an aviation deep strike battlegroup to 3rd (UK) Division, the British Army’s fighting division. Lieutenant Colonel Simon Wilsey, commanding officer of 3 Regt AAC, was quoted as saying:
“Exercise Talon Guardian is a significant advancement for the British army’s AH-64E, which is the world’s most advanced attack helicopter. We are not just going back to what we did before; we are using all the new systems and capabilities, adapting to ensure our relevance and survivability. It is all about the basic field craft in the air and on the ground, and we have learned a lot and will continue to learn as we explore the full potential of this awesome aircraft.”