- Messages
- 4,787
- Reactions
- Nation of residence
-
- Nation of origin
-
Earlier Scramble Magazine reported that the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force - RNLAF) had the intention to modernize her 28 AH-64D Apache helicopters to keep them sustainable and operational relevant for the future.
The Dutch MoD is currently in the process of this remanufacture programme in which the existing fleet AH-64Ds will be rebuilt, overhauled and fitted with new hulls, transmissions and rotor blades. There is also a need for more engine power and new and modern mission equipment. During the execution of the remanufacturing programme, the availability of the AH-64D of 301sq "Redskins" will temporary decrease. From 2025 onwards, it is planned that the Redskins are fully operational again.
As a first step, three AH-64D Apaches had already been shipped from Gilze-Rijen air base to Main Support Base (MSB) Woensdrecht on 12 August 2020. At Woensdracht, the process started to prepare the Apaches for shipment to the USA. On 17 November 2020, the three helicopters were transported from MSB Woensdrecht to the harbor of Antwerpen.
The Apaches will be shipped from Antwerpen to the Boeing facility in Mesa (AZ) for an extensive modernization programme to the new Echo variant of the Apache. One of the Fort Hood-Killeen/Robert Gray AAF (TX) based Apaches has already departed to Mesa.
Next to new fuselages, transmission and rotor blades, the modernization programme will also see the deivery of a yet unknown number of LongBow radars.
The RNLAF received her first Apaches in 1997 and in total 30 helicopters (two had been lost in accidents) were bought by the RNLAF. The AH-64Ds have seen a lot of action in Afghanistan, Iraq and Mali.
The main fleet of the AH-64D Apache attack helicopters is operated by 301 Squadron Redskins at Gilze-Rijen air base. Eight helicopters are based with 302 Squadron at Fort Hood-Killeen/Robert Gray AAF (TX) for training purposes.
Photos: 301 Squadron
www.scramble.nl
The Dutch MoD is currently in the process of this remanufacture programme in which the existing fleet AH-64Ds will be rebuilt, overhauled and fitted with new hulls, transmissions and rotor blades. There is also a need for more engine power and new and modern mission equipment. During the execution of the remanufacturing programme, the availability of the AH-64D of 301sq "Redskins" will temporary decrease. From 2025 onwards, it is planned that the Redskins are fully operational again.
As a first step, three AH-64D Apaches had already been shipped from Gilze-Rijen air base to Main Support Base (MSB) Woensdrecht on 12 August 2020. At Woensdracht, the process started to prepare the Apaches for shipment to the USA. On 17 November 2020, the three helicopters were transported from MSB Woensdrecht to the harbor of Antwerpen.
The Apaches will be shipped from Antwerpen to the Boeing facility in Mesa (AZ) for an extensive modernization programme to the new Echo variant of the Apache. One of the Fort Hood-Killeen/Robert Gray AAF (TX) based Apaches has already departed to Mesa.
Next to new fuselages, transmission and rotor blades, the modernization programme will also see the deivery of a yet unknown number of LongBow radars.
The RNLAF received her first Apaches in 1997 and in total 30 helicopters (two had been lost in accidents) were bought by the RNLAF. The AH-64Ds have seen a lot of action in Afghanistan, Iraq and Mali.
The main fleet of the AH-64D Apache attack helicopters is operated by 301 Squadron Redskins at Gilze-Rijen air base. Eight helicopters are based with 302 Squadron at Fort Hood-Killeen/Robert Gray AAF (TX) for training purposes.
| 301 Squadron: Q-01, Q-04, Q-05, Q-08, Q-09, Q-10, Q-13, Q-14, Q-16, Q-17, Q-18, Q-19, Q-21, Q-22, Q-23, Q-24, Q-25, Q-26, Q-29 and Q-30 302 Squadron: Q-02, Q-03, Q-06, Q-07, Q-11, Q-12, Q-27 and Q-28 w/o: G-15 and Q-20 |
Photos: 301 Squadron
First RNLAF AH-64D helicopters shipped to USA for modification to AH-64E model
First RNLAF AH-64D helicopters shipped to USA for modification to AH-64E model Earlier Scramble Magazine reported that the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force...
