UK MOD GIVES OPERATING CLEARANCE FOR HIDAS SWITCH ON

BAE SYSTEMS' HIDAS programme has been given initial clearance to enter service with the British Army Training Squadron with the release of the Apache AH1. This follows analysis of data gathered during extensive installed performance and safety trials by DstL and QinetiQ.

This is an important milestone for the UK Attack Helicopter programme. It triggers the rotation of the ‘baseline' Apaches currently in service. The upgraded model will now be used in operational service. Instructor training on these aircraft has begun in preparation for the arrival of the first operational front line squadron for training later this year.

Dr David Hughes, EVP Helicopter Systems, Avionics Group said ‘This is significant for the British Army and BAE SYSTEMS as it marks the successful conclusion of a series of demanding trials. We are working closely with the MOD to construct and test the first operational PFM ready for the first Army Squadron when it completes training. Our goal is to have the right message on the aircraft at the right time to produce the best possible protection for UK Apache aircrew.'

BAE SYSTEMS has now successfully delivered 46 of the initial British Army order of 58 HIDAS systems ahead of the Army's Fielding Plan, as well as other HIDAS elements for other battlefield and naval helicopters.

UK MOD has also contracted BAE SYSTEMS to produce Pre-Flight Message (PFM) testing rigs to support the Apache fleet from the Air Warfare Centre. This giving UK Apache an unprecedented level of support and turnaround time for the testing, modification and dissemination of PFM's to operational units.