Case Studies - Defence

The Apache helicopter programme reached a major milestone following ship trials that included a key contribution from QinetiQ. The trials, which took place on HMS Ocean during March 2004, aimed to establish Ship Helicopter Operating Limits (SHOL) for the aircraft.

Westland Helicopters Ltd oversaw the trial as prime contractor, with QinetiQ providing SHOL expertise in conjunction with Boeing. The QinetiQ team - which included trials officers, engineers and a test pilot - was responsible for defining the SHOL specifications and providing Release to Service recommendations.

We also provided advice on aircraft maintenance and deck operations. The trials aircraft had undergone an extensive instrumentation fit, designed by Boeing in collaboration with the QinetiQ team.

The team from QinetiQ worked extremely hard to help us make the recent ship trials a huge success. This will, in the long term, lead to a significant increase in the operational capability of the Apache helicopter.
Martin Fausset,
Programmes Director,
Westland Helicopters Ltd