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
-
![US Navy’s FA-XX programme still an “option”, as FY2026 US defence budget outline proposed]()
US Navy’s FA-XX programme still an “option”, as FY2026 US defence budget outline proposed
The US Navy’s answer to a sixth-generation fighter has experienced a range of setbacks and delays to the programme, with only $47 million in this latest proposed budget set aside for completing the aircraft.
-
![Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion]()
Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion
The UAE’s Edge Group has been positioning itself as a key defence and technology partner to Indonesia, where it has been focusing on naval platforms, UAVs and long-term industrial collaboration.
-
![Eurofighter eyes mid-life upgrade for Typhoon jets, with production increase underway]()
Eurofighter eyes mid-life upgrade for Typhoon jets, with production increase underway
With roughly 80% of combat missions flown by Typhoons in Europe, the Eurofighter consortium is emphasising the continued relevance of its jet and wants to ramp up production to continue to deliver combat mass in light of a shifting geo-political world order.
-
![Ghost Bat drone makes first deployment in latest milestone]()
Ghost Bat drone makes first deployment in latest milestone
In the past 18 months, Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial system (UAS) has achieved several milestones including teaming with manned aircraft, achieving 100 flight hours and training of first military pilot.
-
![NATO orders two more A330 MRTT aircraft, while Sweden and Denmark join programme]()
NATO orders two more A330 MRTT aircraft, while Sweden and Denmark join programme
The order for two more aircraft for the NATO Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet comes as Airbus considers increasing A330 MRTT production to meet demand.
