Supporting Britain’s Apaches: IOS and Beyond
Jan 29, 2014 17:51 UTCLatest updates[?]: 2nd 5-year period in IOS support contract.
Britain flies a unique version of the AH-64D Apache Longbow, built under license from Boeing by AgustaWestland. Their AH Mk.1s have put their more powerful Rolls Royce/ Turbomeca RTM322 engines to good use in Afghanistan’s lift-killing “hot and high” flying conditions, allowing them to retain key equipment that other countries had to strip out as a weight-saving measure.
In October 2009, AgustaWestland signed the Apache Integrated Operational Support (IOS) through-life contract with the UK Ministry of Defence. The contract fits within their March 2005 Partnering and Business Transformation Agreement, and will result in a shift of British military personnel toward the front lines…
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