The UK's fleet of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters will not be grounded, BFBS Forces News understands, following a fatal crash involving the aircraft in the US that claimed the lives of two servicemen.
The US Army announced the temporary suspension of training flights involving the earlier-model AH-64 Apache helicopter on 14 August.
It said the aircraft, based at Fort Hood, Texas, "experienced a mishap… during a maintenance test flight" and crashed in a field near the base.
"The stand-down will remain in effect until we have a better understanding of the root cause of the accident. We currently have no additional information to share," the US Army said in a statement.
Next generation
Last year, the British Army received the 50th and last brand-new Apache AH-64E, widely considered the most advanced combat helicopter in the world.
Primarily based at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk, they are operated solely by the Army Air Corps and have been deployed on various key Nato deployments.
The E variant of the helicopter, which can reach speeds of 186mph, is the next generation of the Apache AH-64.
The helicopter blends parts from the Mk1 Apache with a new fuselage and updated technology.
The previous variant – the Apache Mk1 – was used by the British Army over Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan.
With improved sights and sensors, and armaments including a 30mm automatic cannon, wing-mounted 70mm Hydra rockets and Hellfire missiles, it is designed to seek, track, and destroy air defence units, tanks, and armoured vehicles.
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