Helicopter proves worth as the workhorse of the British Army

THE Apache Attack helicopter has become a combat workhorse of the British Army in Afghanistan.

Of the 100,000 flying hours that the aircraft has notched up since being adopted by the army in 1995, one third of them have been flown on operations in Afghanistan.

The achievement - which the MoD say is the equivalent to a single helicopter staying aloft for 11years - has seen Apache emerge as a vital battlefield tool in Afghanistan.

As well as pinpoint strikes in support of ISAF troops, the Apache has proved itself invaluable through its capacity to escort other helicopters and land convoys, as well as its Istar - Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance - capabilities.

Their ability to carry out surgical strategic attacks meant that they were drafted into the British effort in the current conflict in Libya.

Taking off from HMS Ocean, they carried out precision strikes against a regime radar installation and a military checkpoint, both located around Brega, using Hellfire missiles and 30mm cannon were used to destroy the targets.

Designed to hunt and destroy tanks, Apaches can operate in all weathers and detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds.