Apache makes its debut on Ark Royal

An Apache attack helicopter has been landed on an Invincible-class aircraft carrier for the first time, marking another milestone in the return to service of the carrier HMS Ark Royal.

The aircraft, from 667 Squadron Army Air Corps, landed on Ark Royal as she lay alongside at Portsmouth Naval Base for ship-air integration trials. The Apache was moved around the flight deck and lowered on one of the aircraft lifts into the ship's hangar, giving Ark Royal's aircraft handlers experience in dealing with the type.

The carrier returned to Portsmouth on 28 October 2006 after completing a £20-million refit in Rosyth, which included conversion to operate the devastatingly powerful Apache. The helicopter was designed to operate from land, but has been operated successfully by the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean.

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