Apache Helicopters (Hansard, 17 July 2001)

§ Mr. Quentin Davies
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Apache helicopters will be in service by the end of(a) 2001, (b) 2002 and (c) 2003. [3516]

§ Dr. Moonie
The Apache attack helicopter entered service with the Army on 16 January 2001. The number of helicopters delivered by the end of this and the following two years will be:

2001: 18

2002: 41

2003: 64.

§ Mr. Quentin Davies
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Army pilots are qualified to fly the Apache helicopter. [3521]
147W

§ Mr. Ingram
The Army currently has 17 pilots trained to fly various versions of the Apache helicopter. Of these 17 pilots, two are currently on exchange tours with the US Army, two are on test flying duties and 13 are undergoing further training on the UK Apache at the School of Army Aviation at Middle Wallop.

§ Mr. Quentin Davies
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Army's Apache helicopters will become operationally available. [3523]

§ Dr. Moonie
The Army expects to have an initial operating capability, consisting of the first operational Apache squadron, in August 2004. A full task force capability based on an attack helicopter regiment is planned for early 2005.