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The WAH-64D is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64 Apache Longbow attack Helicopter for the British Army . The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing, the remaining 59 by Westland at Yeovil . In British Army service the Apache AH Mk.1 will replace the Westland Lynx Anti-tank helicopters and will be operated by three regiments of the Army Air Corps as part of 16 (Air Assault) Brigade . The Apache will also operate in attack raids as US Army Apaches did on the first night of the Gulf War , destroying a major air defence node. Another mission is armed reconnaissance. Like the US Apache Longbow AH-64Ds the Westland Apache carries a Fire-control Radar (FCR) and Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), providing an integrated surveillance and attack system. the 'Longbow’ radar is the bulbous unit over the rotor hub assembly. The UK's Strategic Defence Review called for Apaches to undertake amphibious attack missions, operating from HMS ''Ocean'' , the ''Invincible'' Class aircraft carriers and their successors, the ( Royal Navy CVF Programme ), and possibly the amphibious assault vessels HMS ''Bulwark'' and HMS ''Albion'' . As such, one of the major differences between the WAH-64 and AH-64 Apache variants is the folding blade mechanism, required to stow the helicopters in the confined space onboard ship. There are other differences between them, including
PROJECT HISTORY Procurement of the Apache has been somewhat protracted. The UK began the search in 1991 with an initial requirement for 127 aircraft. This number was further reduced to 97, and then 67, by the time the contract was signed in March 1996 . The first helicopter, built by Boeing, was delivered in March 1999. The first Westland built aircraft was delivered in July 2000 . The 67th and final Apache was handed over in July 2004 . The cost of the helicopter is currently expected to be £3.1 billion, £71 million above the original approved cost. This increase is due to increased costs of trials. The total acquisition cost of the project, including the training package, is expected to be £4.117 billion. Further problems occurred when it was realised that there were not enough trained pilots for the new aircraft and as such many were put into storage at RAF Shawbury in 2004. The Apache's first operation tour will be as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade in Afghanistan . SPECIFICATIONS
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