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
-
![Ground tests for CCA programme underway with flight tests to start mid-2025, says USAF]()
Ground tests for CCA programme underway with flight tests to start mid-2025, says USAF
The ground test phase for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme will bridge the gap between prototype design and flight, laying essential groundwork ahead of fielding the uncrewed aircraft.
-
![Northrop Grumman’s completes flight tests of new EW system for F-16s]()
Northrop Grumman’s completes flight tests of new EW system for F-16s
The two aircraft flew more than 70 sorties in seven months and tested the system in various conditions and mission scenarios.
-
![F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost]()
F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost
The legislation outlined additional budget to enhance air, land and naval platforms, including next-generation air and uncrewed naval programmes.
-
![Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal]()
Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal
The deal is for 400 AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). It increases the stocks the country already has and follows a US$1.7 billion order for 745 missiles approved in March last year.
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
