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Britain seeks re-manufacture of attack helicopters

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency reports that a possible Foreign Military Sales deal for re-manufacture of attack helicopters has received approval from the State Department.

By Richard Tomkins
A British Army AH Mk 1 Apache attack helicopter. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lee Osberry
A British Army AH Mk 1 Apache attack helicopter. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lee Osberry

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has given its approval to a possible Foreign Military Sale for the re-manufacture of British attack helicopters.

The deal would involve re-manufacture of 50 WAH-64 Mk 1 attack helicopters to AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, plus parts, logistical support and associated equipment.

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The estimated value of the deal is $3 billion.

"The proposed sale provides the Government of the United Kingdom with assets vital to deter and defend against potential threats," said the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency in its notification to Congress. "The United Kingdom will use the Apache helicopters to conduct various missions, including counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations.

"The materiel and services under this program will enable the United Kingdom to become a more capable defensive force and will also provide key elements required for interoperability with U.S. forces."

The WAH-64 Mk 1 is a British version of the AH-64. It was built by Westland Helicopters (now part of AgustaWestland), under license from Boeing.

The FMS deal would include the supply of 110 T-700-GE-701D engines, refurbishment of 53 AN/ASQ-170 modernized target acquisition and designation sights, refurbishment of AN/AAR-11 modernized pilot night vision sensors, as well as refurbishment of AN/APG-78 fire control radars.

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Other radar and electronic equipment would also be refurbished or supplied.

"The upgrade and refurbishment of these helicopters will allow the United Kingdom greater interoperability with U.S. forces," said DSCA, which manages FMS program deals.

The prime contractors would be Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric, and Longbow LLC.

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