An incident involving a British Army Apache attack helicopter has raised concerns after it mistakenly discharged its weapons at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk. The incident occurred on November 4, 2020, following a live firing training exercise during which the Apache helicopter experienced a malfunction and was forced to land at Sculthorpe training range in Norfolk.
According to reports, the helicopter’s crew returned to Wattisham Flying Station for repairs when an inadvertent discharge of weaponry took place. The incident occurred as the helicopter was being maneuvered out of a hangar where it had been housed overnight. A stray practice round was fired, with the projectile yet to be located. Fortunately, no injuries or significant damages were reported as a result of this occurrence.
A spokesperson from the British Army informed Sky News that an investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events and the factors contributing to the accidental discharge. The incident has prompted concerns over safety protocols and weapon handling procedures during maintenance and post-training operations.
The Apache attack helicopter, a crucial asset for the British Army, has substantially enhanced the military’s operational capabilities. Designed for tank hunting and destruction, the Apache is equipped to operate in various weather conditions, day or night. It boasts impressive target detection capabilities, being able to identify and prioritize up to 256 potential targets within seconds. Its armament includes an array of weapons such as rockets, Hellfire missiles, and a 30mm chain gun, along with state-of-the-art defensive systems.
The Apache’s sophisticated features include the distinctive Longbow radar positioned above its rotor blades, a day TV system, thermal imaging sight, and direct view optics. While the incident in question is a rarity, it highlights the need for continuous training and stringent safety measures to prevent such mishaps.
In a separate incident that occurred in May, an Apache helicopter narrowly avoided a collision with an air ambulance during takeoff from Wattisham. The two aircraft, traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph, reportedly came within 150 feet of each other. An investigation determined that the collision risk was low due to the pilots’ visual awareness of each other’s presence.
