Apache helicopters have visited HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Good morning to the @ArmyAirCorps and @BritishArmy who have arrived on board with their Apache helicopters as part of the #dday75 commemorations. Welcome to @HMNBPortsmouth ⚓️? #behindthewall pic.twitter.com/U4IlrTHccv
— HMS Queen Elizabeth (@HMSQNLZ) June 3, 2019
The visit is part of the commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Captain Jerry Kyd, former commander of HMS Queen Elizabeth, earlier commented on her initial deployment and the gradual increase in air wing numbers:
“We are constrained by the F-35 buy rate even though that was accelerated in SDSR in 2015, so initial operating capability numbers in 2020 are going to be very modest indeed.
We will flesh it out with helicopters, and a lot depends on how many USMC F-35s come on our first deployment in 2021. But by 2023, we are committed to 24 UK jets onboard, and after that it’s too far away to say.”
In addition to the joint force of Royal Air Force and Royal Navy F-35Bs and their pilots, the air wing is expected to be composed of a ‘Maritime Force Protection’ package of nine anti-submarine Merlin HM2 and four or five Merlin for airborne early warning; alternatively a ‘Littoral Manoeuvre’ package could include a mix of RAF Chinooks, Army Apaches, Merlin HC4 and Wildcat HM2.
It is my understanding that vessel would still carry at least one F-35 squadron aboard in such circumstances to offer air defence as well as support to the helicopter assault activities.
I see the US Army is changing its Apache explosive canopy release bolts, so they can be fired underwater, if the aircraft ditches & rolls. The weight of the rotor mounted radar causes the roll.
Do AAC Apaches need these new bolts or do they have something else (flotation device)?
In my opinion given the amount of armour fitted to an Apache if it was shot down then there is a good chance it’s airframe has been ripped apart and any flotation device would be shredded and not worth anything.
Given our Apaches are modified for working from carriers I would hope these bolts are already fitted
There are no bolts. Just a form of det cord around the perspex side windows. There is a flotation kit that can be fitted. Prevents the roll and increases time at the surface.
I would love yo see HMS QE, 2x type 45s, 3-4 type 23s, HMS Albion or Bukwark and an astute or Trafalgar class all together as one fleet for the D Day 75 remembrance. Alongside a couple of Canadian Frigates and American carrier battle group etc etc. A timely reminder to our European allies of who it was that saved their bacon and gifted them their democracy back.
You forgot about the RFA, they have some of the best ships in the UK in my opinion….
Shut up TH.
What an idiot.
I’D PAY TO SEE THE UTTER PANIC IN THE HALLS OF POWER, IF HER MAJ DECIDED IT WAS TIME FOR A FLEET REVIEW’PHILLIP, NICE DAY, BUT WHERE ARE ALL THE SHIPS?’
And just who would take any notice of said fleet? It would be an empty and rather silly gesture. You can’t expect the rest of Europe to be constantly doffing its cap to us. Europe, thankfully, has moved on from those days. Remember too, that the Allied liberation of Europe wasn’t solely based on the defeat of the Nazi tyranny. The economic interest of having a capitalist Europe, rather than a Soviet closed shop, made opening a second front vitally important. We did good for others whilst doing good for ourselves (ref Marshall Aid) might have been an apt slogan… Read more »
I was in Portsmouth this week so popped over to the historic dockyard to have a good look at the Queen Elizabeth….got a love shot of victory in the foreground and QE in the background.
I had never truly appreciated how much bigger this ship was compared to even our big old carriers like the the eagle.
What really bought it home to me was when flying over Rosyth and seeing HMS Illustrious parked next to Lizzie. At least twice as wide and twice as long, truly impressive.
Fantastic to see this milestone achieved.
With the D-Day commemorations in mind, I was sad to read that a British soldier taking part in the events drowned in France, at Pegasus Bridge. My thoughts are with his family.
Longer than dwelling on your comment TH. Thats for sure.
Its comments like that that really show what sort of a person he is. For too long his views have been at times given legitimacy, but please no more. attacking someone for issuing genuine condolences is just disgusting and it would be nice if the site would take action against this vile individual.
Flagged.
Thank you, will take a look. Also, regarding earlier “it would be nice if the site would take action”, please note T.S we can only do so if we’re aware of something in the first place.
What a thouroughly unplesant creature.
It’s about time lol, Apaches, Merlins ,wildcats, Chinooks and the amazing F35b, makes for a very powerful weapon, or Great options… not many nations have those options… or ever will..
Thanks UKDJ for removing the idiotic response from TH. He adds nothing to the discussion and just comes onto this website to post stupid comments and to be abusive towards people who know a hell of a lot more about defence matters and the real world then ge does.
Adopting my best Jeremy Clarkson voice:
“Some say putting soldiers on a ship is nearly as dangerous as giving rifles to sailors”
I of course could not possibly comment ….
EXCELLENT, KEEP THEM COMING I LOVE IT WHEN WE GET THE ODD LIGHT HEARTED DIT ON HERE NOW AGAIN
VERY MODEST INDEED? WHY BUILD THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE IF THIS IS HOW THEY WILL BE OPERATED? UTTER DISGRACE KYDD SHOULD KNOW BETTER