It's a bruiser: Reflecting on the Army's Apache Mk1, the tough helicopter that saved lives

The incredible British Army's Apache Mk1 attack helicopter is finally flying off into the sunset after a 20-year career that has seen it fly a Prince to war and help remove a tyrannical dictator. 

Known by its enemies as the "Mosquito" and referred to by its allies as the "Friend in the Sky", the Mk1 has seen notable action in Afghanistan and Libya.

"They've definitely saved thousands of lives," said Lance Corporal Sam Ferguson of 4 Regiment Army Air Corps.

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Major Lewis Williams, also of 4 Regiment AAC, described the helicopter as a "bruiser" in battle.

"It looks mean. I always like the terminology ugly," he said. "When you look at it is an incredible piece of equipment, but it is a bit of a bruiser.

"Especially when you see it on the ground hunching like a bulldog, it doesn't have lovely, elegant clean lines."

During its military career, which began in 2001, the Apache Mk1 became the first attack helicopter to be launched from an aircraft carrier during Operation Ellamy in 2011 which saw the British Armed Forces support the people of Libya against Colonel Gaddafi's regime.

In Afghanistan, the Apache Mk1 became the weapon of choice for Prince Harry who served as a co-pilot and gunner in the ferocious fighting machine.

To say farewell to the nation it had served for so long, the Apache Mk1 made its final flight across several special locations across England, including PJHQ Northwood, RAF Shawbury in Shropshire and the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Lance Corporal Ferguson said of the Mk1's retirement: "It's a big occasion.

"Lots of generations have worked with this aircraft, so for veterans and currently serving soldiers that have worked with it, it's a big thing.

"They've had a massive impact on the last 20 years they've been in service, and they've served plenty of places."

The Apache Mk1 helicopter will be replaced by the new and upgraded Apache AH-64E, with 50 set to join the Army Air Corps by 2025.