Apache Helicopter ‘Takes a Look’ on HNLMS Rotterdam

An Apache attack helicopter made a deck landing on board a Dutch naval vessel for the first time. HNLMS Rotterdam welcomed the special visitor as part of an initial study into the possibilities for wider use of the helicopters. 

The study is being conducted following the deployment of British and French attack helicopters during NATO’s operations over Libya. The Royal Netherlands Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Navy are assessing the suitability of the Apaches for ship-based operations. “Our heavy weaponry and high-tech sensors can clearly add value to maritime operations”, says Captain Harm, a test pilot for the Apache. This first deck landing on the Rotterdam in the naval harbour at Den Helder is just the beginning of a long series of tests. 


Unlike maritime helicopters such as the Lynx and the NH90, the practical aspects of working with the Apache on and from a ship largely still need to be developed.

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS 
In this initial phase, the focus is mainly on technical and logistic support. How do you land and transport the helicopter on the helicopter deck? Are the connections to the power and fuel supply on board the ship compatible with the Apache? And where do you store your ammunition? These are all practical questions which must be answered before trials can be carried out with the attack helicopters at sea.

PIONEERING
Even after that there will still be much pioneering work to be done. Wind limits will have to be determined and tested under various conditions in order to be able to operate safely. Only then can there be any thought of deploying the Apaches from the two landing platform docks and the future support ship Karel Doorman. “This is only the first step”, says Harm. “But it’s dead interesting.”