301 Squadron says goodbye to AH-64DN
On Thursday 11 January 2024, the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force) made the final demonstration flight with the AH-64DN Apache at Gilze-Rijen air base.
After almost 25 years of operations, 301 Squadron Per Sapientam Efficiens et Immortalis, said goodbye to the Apache D attack helicopter. AH-64DN Q-26, flying with call sign HAWK01, made some low passes and demonstrated the flare system.
Update: On Tuesday 16 January, a two-ship formation will make the final flight of the type.
In the coming months the final AH-64DN Apaches will be dismantled and shipped to the US where parts of the helicopter are used in the new AH-64E models.
The KLu operated a fleet of 30 Apache D models. The first helicopters arrived at Gilze-Rijen in July 1999. Two AH-64DNs were lost on 29 August 2004 (Q-20) respectively 17 March 2015 (Q-15), and eight were used with the Netherlands Apache Training Detachement (NATD) at Fort Hood (TX) which was renamed as Fort Cavazos on 9 May 2023.
The KLu has ordered 28 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters. Eight will be used with 302 Squadron at Robert Gray AAF/Fort Cavazos (TX) and twenty with 301 Squadron at Gilze-Rijen. The first Apache Guardians have already been delivered to 302 Squadron and also the first two have arrived in the Netherlands. For detailed information on the whereabouts of the Apaches have a look at the Scramble database and search for AH-64.
Credit photo: Q-26 in sunnier conditions than on 11 January 2024 (Hans Heemskerk, Scramble Archive)