AN APACHE AH Mk.1 attack helicopter will soon be on permanent display at a Test Valley museum.
The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop will be the only place in the UK that the public can see this formidable aircraft.
The retirement of the Apache AH Mk.1 in March, after over two decades, marked the end of an era for the British Army, with a packed balcony of visitors at the Museum able to watch a very special fly-past.
By showcasing this new exhibit, the museum will now be able to ensure its contribution will not be forgotten as the story of the Apache AH Mk.1, alongside the impressive airframe, will bring the history of Army aviation up to date.
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Visitors are urged to buy their tickets online, in advance, as demand is expected to be very high, to experience this impressive aircraft up close.
Major General Neil Sexton, chairman of the Army Flying Museum said: “We have worked for many years to ensure that when the Apache AH Mk.1 was retired, we would be its custodians. Conserving and allowing the general public to view the airframe and its story, will serve as a fitting tribute to a helicopter that played a significant role in the lives of so many men and women who have served in our armed forces, and in British military history.”
Museum supporter, former Army Air Corps Apache Pilot and Astronaut Major Tim Peake, said on its retirement: “Today the British Army said goodbye to the Apache AH Mk.1 after 23 years of service. A real workhorse and a fantastic aircraft to fly.”
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The retirement of the Apache AH Mk.1 marks the handover of the reins to the more advanced Apache AH-64E model now flown by the Army Air Corps with visitors to the museum able to see the new model regularly flying to and from the adjacent airfield.
Both the museum and Apache Café will be closed until Tuesday, May 14 to enable the installation of the Apache AH Mk.1.
Tickets to view the Apache AH Mk.1 from Wednesday, May 15, can be purchased at armyflying.com/visit/admission.
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