What is wrong with the US Armed Force’s rotary-wing aviation fleet?
An Army National Guard AH-64D Apache firing the 30MM cannon during an aerial gunnery exercise at Fort Hood, Texas. (Photo: US Army National Guard)
Following more than two months of operational stand down of CV-22 Ospreys, two separate crashes of AH-64D Apaches have forced the US Army National Guard to ground its entire helicopter fleet.
Issues with its rotary-wing aviation have been a major concern for the US Pentagon. After the DoD announced an operational stand down of the CV-22 Osprey fleet in December 2023, the US Army National Guard has decided to ground all of its helicopter units to review safety policies and procedures.
The measure was released on 27 February after two separate incidents involving AH-64D Apache Longbows. Recorded during routine training flights in Utah on 12 February and Mississippi on 23 February, the crashes injured two guardsmen and caused two deaths.
“Safety is always at the top of our minds,” claimed Lt Gen
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![March Drone Digest: Long-range, low-cost loitering munitions are changing warfare economics]()
March Drone Digest: Long-range, low-cost loitering munitions are changing warfare economics
The effective use of the Shahed-136 in the Iran War has highlighted the need for countries to acquire a domestically produced, low-cost, long-range loitering munition, with the US, Turkey and European nations all at various stages of developing a similar capability.
-
![Franco-German alliance aims to resolve FCAS woes by end of April as dispute rolls on]()
Franco-German alliance aims to resolve FCAS woes by end of April as dispute rolls on
The disagreement between French-German industry continues as both governments work to keep the programme alive and on track to develop and deliver a sixth-generation fighter jet.
-
![US Air Force is eyeing cost-effective automated counter-drone solutions]()
US Air Force is eyeing cost-effective automated counter-drone solutions
The USAF is seeking on-the-move systems, subsystems or technologies capable of defending airbases and fixed and semi-fixed sites against small drone attacks.
-
![Long-range drone acquisition axed as Norway announces $11.75 billion spending uplift]()
Long-range drone acquisition axed as Norway announces $11.75 billion spending uplift
Norway’s funding boost will help the country reach 3.5% of GDP on defence spending by 2035, with autonomous systems part of the long list of priorities alongside frigate acquisition and development of a new Finnmark Brigade.
-
![Electric and hybrid aerial drone fleets are expanding their footprint]()
Electric and hybrid aerial drone fleets are expanding their footprint
Advances in uncrewed aerial vehicles powered by renewable technologies are coming to the fore, with battery, hydrogen and solar propulsion challenging traditional fossil fuel-dependent models.
