Army demonstrates newly acquired Apache chopper
ROC Central News Agency
2013/11/07 18:19:17
Taipei, Nov. 7 (CNA) The Army demonstrated the capabilities of an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter Thursday, three days after taking delivery of the first six Apaches from a total 30 on order.
The U.S.-made helicopter, equipped with AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar, hovered, flew forward, backward and sideways smoothly, before landing on a hardstand. Pilots Lee Hsi-yu and Chen Lung-chien received enthusiastic applause from spectators.
'The Apache chopper is good for both land and ship-based operations,' said Maj. Donoran Yeh, a seed instructor who has just finished training in the aircraft in the United States.
They will increase the Army's mobility and firepower, he added.
Yeh said the AH-64E is like an 'evolution' from the Bell AH-1W, which makes up the backbone of the U.S. Marine Corp's attack helicopter fleet.
The AH-64E is bigger, stronger and more powerful but maintains the AH-1W's maneuverability, he said.
The model E is the most advanced Apache helicopter and represents a significant upgrade from the previous generation, including more powerful engines, upgraded landing gear, and digital connectivity, according to manufacturer Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Taiwan's Army says the AH-64E outclasses China's WZ-10, although China has a greater number of attack helicopters.
Four of the six helicopters have already been flown to the Aviation and Special Forces Command in Tainan, southern Taiwan, with the remaining two expected to make the flight Thursday, depending on weather conditions, Army Command Headquarters said.
The six aircraft are part of an order of 30 that Taiwan bought for NT$59.31 billion (US$2.01 billion) under a deal announced in 2008 by then-U.S. President George W. Bush.
The total budget also includes logistics, training and construction of a barracks area, the ministry said.
Six pilots and 19 technical inspectors from Taiwan have completed training in the U.S. and will serve as seed instructors. A second group receiving training is expected to return to Taiwan next April, according to the defense ministry.
Taiwan will be the first country apart from the U.S. to deploy this type of helicopter when they become operational in April 2014 at air bases in northern Taiwan. The U.S. Army took delivery of its first AH-64Es at the end of 2011.
A second batch of Apaches is scheduled to be delivered to Taiwan in late December, with the rest of the total five batches due by the end of 2014, according to the military.
Thursday's demonstration drew the attention of local military enthusiasts. Despite only getting a few glimpses from afar, fans eagerly waited outside the camp, cameras ready to get at least one shot of the new aircraft.
Fans say the 'beautiful' Apache choppers have caused a frenzy on online forums, with many saying they are happy that Taiwan has been able to acquire the advanced systems.
(By Yang Su-ruei and James Lee)
ENDITEM/J/WH
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