What has become of the crashed Dutch Apache in Afghanistan?

earthman · Post by **earthman** » 02 Apr 2005, 21:35

Some time ago one of the six Dutch Apache helicopters stationed in Afghanistan crashed. The crew survived, but I'm wondering if anyone knows what became of the crashed helicopter? Is it a total loss, or can it be (or was it) repaired? If it was a total loss, will it be replaced with a new one?

B744skipper · Post by **B744skipper** » 03 Apr 2005, 01:02

I thought that I read in an Dutch Airforce magazine "Onze Luchtmacht", that the Apache was a write-off, or at least that they didn't plan on repairing the helicopter. In that case I hope they will donate it to the military aviation museum "militaire luchtvaart museum" at Soesterberg Air Base.

Since the Dutch government did want to reduce the Apache force to 24 (or 26?) Apache's (currently 30 - 1), I don't think that they will replace it with a new machine. Bad decision not to do that (and reduce the force), since the AH-64 is a very capable weapons platform and the Dutch Air Force (Klu) is using them extensively. The Dutch Apache force is stretched to its operational limits because of training and international deployments. The Klu is complaining that they almost have no helicopter to spare, and always needs to make ends meet in operational capability.

BBKing · Post by **BBKing** » 14 Apr 2005, 17:41

The Apache was almost completely destroyed so no chance of repair.

To compensate for the loss 5 instead of 6 Apaches will be sold.