Aviators get to grips with Apache helicopter ahead of NQ launch
A US Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter was one of the main attractions at the Avalon International Air Show near Geelong this week and one Australian Army pilot can’t wait to fly one of the helicopters above the skies of Townsville
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A US Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter was one of the main attractions at the Avalon International Air Show near Geelong this week and one Australian Army pilot can’t wait to fly one of the helicopters above the skies of Townsville.
Australian soldier Captain Alex Paranthoiene has been on exchange to the US Army’s 16th Combat Aviation Brigade after graduating from an Apache helicopter conversion course at the US Army Aviation Centre of Excellence in Alabama in 2023.
He was one of five former ARH Tiger pilots from 1st Aviation Regiment who were sent to the US to complete the course ahead of the deployment of the regiment to Townsville which will be the home for Australia’s future Apache helicopter fleet.
The acquisition of the fleet of 29 Apache helicopters will to replace the ARH Tigers currently in service with 1st Aviation in Darwin as part of the part of the $5.5bn LAND 4503 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter replacement program.
The aviation regiment is slowly transitioning to Townsville, with the first four Apaches arriving at the end the year, until the Tiger helicopters are phased out of service in 2028.
Captain Paranthoiene will be one of pilots for the first Apaches to arrive in Townsville and said the new helicopters were fantastic machines.
“I flew Tiger for eight years in Darwin before heading over to the US and the Tiger is a great machine and can continue to do the job for Army until it’s time to retire from service life,” he said.
“The Apache is the new generation of attack helicopter. It’s got updated sensors, weapon systems, and the networking ability through its data links that enables the aircraft to really integrate into the battlefield.”
While sometimes described as a flying tank, Paranthioene strongly disagrees.
“I wouldn’t undercut the Apache by referring to it as a tank. We carry more weapons, and we can see and shoot further than that,” he said.
The army pilot said he was looking forward to making the move to the Garrison City and working closely with the soldiers from 5th Aviation regiment and their fleet of Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters.
“Myself and my family had a fantastic time in Darwin, but as a proud Queenslander, originally, I’m looking forward to returning to the home state and spending the time in the north,” he said.
“The men and women, the 1st Aviation Regiment are really looking forward to calling Townsville home. We’re excited to bring the Apache into service and into Townsville. We’re looking forward to working with everyone.
“I think it’ll be a fairly smooth integration (with 5th Aviation). We work quite a lot with the fifth Aviation Regiment, as it is, on exercises, and being able to be co-located at RAAF Townsville really makes that integration a lot smoother and it’ll be a great opportunity for both platforms to work together to build our capability in the future.”
Captain Paranthioene said the Apache Helicopter was the right choice for army aviation moving forward.
“Australians, we are, we are qualified and well trained to operate this aircraft, and it’s going to be a really great enhancement to our force in the future.
“I think it’s definitely the right aircraft to purchase for the defence of Australia, the (Apache) Version 6 that we are purchasing is the latest update of the aircraft, and definitely brings it into the 21st century.
“The aircraft is then able to team with each other and uncrewed vehicles with the latest technology enhancements for today’s fight and for tomorrow.
“So the aircraft is able to be updated as new technology becomes available in the future, with new weapon systems and new sensors to keep it relevant,” he said.
Apache helicopter ‘critical’ to modernisation
The first AH64E Apache Attack Helicopter will soon be rolling out an Arizona Boeing production plant before being shipped to Townsville.
The aircraft will be one of four arriving in the Garrison City by the end of the year to be crewed and operated by soldiers from 1st Aviation Regiment at RAAF Base Townsville.
A US Army Apache helicopter, along with an Australian Army AH-47F Chinook helicopter have been on display at the Avalon International Air Show in Victoria this week.
Deputy Commander Army Aviation Brigadier Andy Thomas, speaking at the air show, said the army’s aviation battlefield program was going through a period of significant modernisation and the Boeing Chinook and Apache helicopters were critical to that moderation.
“The CH-47 chinook is fundamental to our battlefield aviation maderisation program,” the Brigadier said.
“It is the workhorse of the army aviation capability.
“The other helicopter is the best attack helicopter in the world – the AH-64E Apache. We will later on this year receive the first four of our 29 apache helicopters,” he said.
Director General Army Aviation systems Brigadier Steven Cleggett said the army had an excellent domestic and strategic partner in Boeing Defence Australia.
“In February 24 the Government announced a seven year support contract for Boeing Defence Australia to provide for the defence force, integrated with our workforce to the value of $306 million,” he said.
“We will also inject about $700 million into the Townsville region as we have that Boeing Hub in both Chinook and the Apache helicopters moving forward,” the Brigadier said.
Managing director Boeing Defence Australia Amy List, also at the air show, said the first Australian Apache aircraft, designated AT001 was in final assembly at the company’s Arizona plant.
“It is on its way to Australia and will be here by the end of the year,” she said.
“Even more exciting is that on that aircraft are parts that are built here in Australia by Australian companies.
“These two capabilities (Chinook and Apache) are going to be based up in Townsville and we are also incredibly excited to grow up in Townsville to the tune of 230 people.
“We are building training programs right now to build that workforce for the future.
“It’s a great capability for Australia and an incredible set of machines for the Australian Army and Boeing Defence Australia are just incredibly proud to provide support and partner with the Australian Army,” Mrs List said.
Originally published as Aviators get to grips with Apache helicopter ahead of NQ launch
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