Are they retireing the Apache?

[Garex77]

Hello again. I was told yesterday by a coworker that the army is retiring a large number of apache/cobras/hueys. I am having a hard time finding information to find out if this is true. I am looking to be a warrant officer so I can fly them. Just a little help or fresh information would be nice. Thanx again everyone.

 

[Purpledog]

Retire and replace probably. There is no replacement attack helo on the horizon so they won't get rid of them. I hear the Marine helos are taking a beating on their life expectency.

 

[Ollie]

The Army has retired all active duty UH-1's and Cobras. I believe that the last AD AH-1 flight was conducted in 2001. Apaches are here to stay for quite a while.

 

[weekendwarrior]

Please say it isn't true!

Seriously, though. There won't be a replacement for the Apache any time soon. It takes years and years to develop a helicopter. The Apache took almost 20. There are many enhancements being worked on now to bring it further up to speed with our changing threats, so I doubt it will go anywhere.

As far as the AH-1's, I just came from Yuma Proving Grounds. They are testing a SWEEET AH-1 with all new gadgets, 4 bladed rotor system, etc. I think the Marines won't let that one go for a while. The older AH-1's I have seen in the inventory are really rough looking though. They are definately showing their age. Still quite effective, though.