Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

Military Aviation => Modern Military Aircraft => Topic started by: AERTANK on August 17, 2011, 06:32:03 PM

Title: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: AERTANK on August 17, 2011, 06:32:03 PM
I was in London on a City Break with the family, and on Tuesday while walking from Convent Garden to Trafalgar Sq I heard a Helicopter with s sound that I didn't recognise, I though it was one of the usual Medi-Vac/Police/Business Choppers that frequent London's Skies, but it was hidden by the buildings! However I did get a good look at it via a reflection in one of the buildings windows and was surprised to see a Fully Armed Apache! Anyone have a notion as to what it was doing?



ps. I was well chuffed, to get a glimpse of it.


AERTANK


Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: RNASMU on August 17, 2011, 11:53:07 PM
Maybe something to do with next years Olympics, security etc.
Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: AERTANK on August 18, 2011, 01:42:50 AM
That would be a bit of "Overkill" would it not? I was thinking it might have been putting on a flypast or display? Or maybe Harry was showing Granny his latest ride?




AERTANK
Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: RNASMU on August 18, 2011, 12:43:47 PM
That would be a bit of "Overkill" would it not? I was thinking it might have been putting on a flypast or display? Or maybe Harry was showing Granny his latest ride?




AERTANK


Not from what I'm led to believe.
Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: Merlin on August 18, 2011, 01:41:17 PM
Maybe something to do with next years Olympics, security etc.

Anyone remember 'Blue Thunder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Thunder)'  8)

That's what she was built for  ;D
Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: Angry Turnip on August 18, 2011, 11:23:53 PM
Maybe to make the rioter`s have a re-think-the sight of a fully armed Apache attack heli would scatter any crowd. ;D
Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: String on August 19, 2011, 12:26:01 PM
I have been informed that it was doing a flight after it was repaired but instead of flying the usual route the pilots dedcied to fly over the area of london. Maybe to see the damage caused by all the riots. And also to scare the living daylights out of them.
Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: AERTANK on August 19, 2011, 06:34:39 PM
As far as I know there were no Looters/Rioters on the Streets of London at the time the Apache was flying over, I think that's just a bit of tongue in cheek wishful thinking! But seriously, do you know where the aircraft was for maintainance, I assume it was heading back to Wattisham?




AERTANK
Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: String on August 19, 2011, 08:22:52 PM
I think it was QinetiQ that did the repair but I'm not 100% sure, My friend was in London at the time and he asked a local policeman if they flew over a lot. The policeman said not often but i was told to let people know that it was on a routine test flight after being repaired.  Just to put minds at ease.
Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: AERTANK on August 19, 2011, 08:32:52 PM
It did look like it was armed with Hellfire/Brimstone Missiles but I could have been mistaken, that's what made me think it was for a display somewhere! I wouldn't have thought they'd arm it up, mock missiles or otherwise, for a transit back to base after routine maintenance? As an side question does anyone know if they've ever visited over here either on exercise or for a display?





AERTANK
Title: Re: Apache over London Tue 16th Aug!?!
Post by: String on August 19, 2011, 10:48:38 PM
i don't think so.