Nickname for Apache helicopter

On May 20, 12:40 am, Rob Arndt wrote:
On May 19, 9:03?pm, "Ed" wrote:





"Jim Beaver" wrote in message

t... An online article suggests, without citation or reference, that the U.S.
Marine Corps nicknamed its Apache helicopter (through three models) as
"The
Duke," presumably in honor of actor John Wayne.

I cannot find corroboration for this statement in web searches. ?Has
anyone
here with either first-hand or citable evidence to support it ever heard
this story?

Jim Beaver

Not trying to be ignorant here, but if this is the AH64 Apache, isn't the
Army the only user, not the Marines??

And old article from 2003 on the Apache and its vunerabilites which is
still valid in 2007:http://www.slate.com/id/2081906/

Iraqi insurgents call the Longbow version the "Broken Bow" and they
are not completely unjustified. This is supposed to be the premiere
armored attack helo on the frontline battlefield forward of our AFVs
and infantry. Instead, they need USAF air cover and rarely are far
from the troops. When they do go out by themselves they are vunerable
to simple AK-47 and RPG fire. Many have been downed and a large amount
damaged enough not to be air worthy until after extensive repairs- and
this is against untrained mobs with small arms. Imagine fighting the
Russians, Chinese, or anyone with equal firepower, missiles, accurate
radar, and emerging anti-helo technologies...


A guy I know was an Apache pilot with the NC NG. This was in
1990-91 and they were disappointed they weren't deployed to Saudi
Arabia. One thing he said stuck with me. It seems the Apaches at his
base got broken into a couple of times so they put padlocks on the
canopies. He said one guy unlocked it and just laid the lock next to
the canopy. He forgot about it and when he took off, the lock flew
back, hit something in the tail rotor, and brought the Apache down.
I have no idea whether this was true, but he said his squadron was
pretty sure the Apaches weren't "small arms proof up to 20mm" as
advertised.


The "Patch-Me" helo needs help...

Rob- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -