Factfile: Apache AH MK1

The Apache AH MK1 has been hailed as the British Army's new generation of attack helicopter.

Based on the AH-64D Apache Longbow introduced by the US army in 1998, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) says it is one of the most significant weapon systems to enter British army service since the tank in 1916.

The new Apache can carry up to 16 Hellfire missiles, each with an effective range of up to 7.5 miles (12km).

The missiles come in two varieties, allowing crew to lock on to targets before or after launch.

The MoD says the Hellfire missiles, in conjunction with the millimetric wave Longbow radar, provide "an extremely formidable weapons platform".

The radar can determine the location, speed and direction of travel of up to 256 targets.

The Apache can also carry up to 76 CRV7 rockets with an effective range of up to 3.7 miles (6km) metres.

It is also equipped with the 30mm automatic McDonnell Douglas M230 chain gun which has a range in excess of 1.9 miles (3km). Up to 1,200 rounds of ammunition can be carried.

The Apache AH MK1 improves on the American AH-64D in a number of ways including the more powerful Rolls Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines.

Other improvements include a de-icing system for rotor blades in cold weather and folding blades to enable ship operations.

Sixty-seven of the craft were bought from AgustaWestland in Somerset at a cost of £2.5bn.

Sixteen of the craft are currently operational with all 67 due to be introduced by 2007.

APACHE AH MK1
Crew:	Two
Main weapon:	Hellfire anti-tank missiles
Max speed:	225mph (362kmh)
Length:	17.76m (58ft 4in)
Rotor span:	14.63m (48ft)
Weight:	10,107kg
Range:	334 miles (537km)
Source: Ministry of Defence