HM King Charles III unveils Apache AH Mk.1 at Army Flying Museum
Image courtesy Army Flying Museum
The helicopter is now on permanent display at the Museum in Middle Wallop, Hampshire where it is the only place in Europe that the public can see this impressive aircraft.
Apache AH Mk.1’s were a familiar sight over the nearby airfield until their retirement in March, after two decades of service. This marked the end of an era for the British Army so the Museum’s new exhibit will ensure its contribution is not forgotten and brings the history of Army aviation up to date.
Lucy Johnson, Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum who welcomed HM The King said: “His Majesty was delighted to return to the Museum and was interested to learn about the work of the Museum in preserving British Army aviation and telling the story of the past 150 years.
"He very much enjoyed meeting members of the Museum team who were instrumental in the Apache project and we are delighted that his final duty as Colonel-in-Chief was to unveil a plaque to commemorate this important aircraft.”
After his visit to the Museum HM The King then officially handed over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role he has held for 32 years, to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in a ceremony at the Army Aviation Centre.
The Prince of Wales then carried out his first engagement with the Army Air Corps as Colonel-in-Chief, receiving a briefing on the Corps’ current work, watching training exercises and speaking to aircrew, supporting ground staff and soldiers before joining an Apache AH-64E capability flight.
The Apache AH-64E model is still 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.
Visitors to the Museum will be able to see the display from 15th May.
