Summary
Taipei, Oct. 29 (CNA) Taiwan's AH-64E Apache attack helicopters have been grounded for inspections following a U.S. technical notification about gearb…
What this means for you
Taiwan's grounding of its 30 AH-64E Apache helicopters means that students and families who follow military developments will see a temporary shift in the island's air combat readiness. New immigrants and workers connected to the defense sector may experience reduced training hours or maintenance schedules. The article notes that the Army will use AH-1W SuperCobra and OH-58D helicopters for readiness missions during the inspection period, but does not specify how long the Apaches will remain grounded. There is no mention of visa, immigration, job, income, price, education, safety, or family life impacts beyond the operational status of the fleet.
Taipei, Oct. 29 (CNA) Taiwan's AH-64E Apache attack helicopters have been grounded for inspections following a U.S. technical notification about gearbox risks, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said Thursday.
Speaking briefly to reporters before a Legislative committee hearing, Koo said the Army would deploy AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters and OH-58D reconnaissance helicopters to carry out readiness missions during the inspection period.
He did not elaborate on the inspection requirements or how long the Apaches would remain grounded.
According to a U.S. Army Public Affairs release issued Oct. 2, the Army has ordered an immediate, temporary pause in flight operations for AH-64E Apache helicopters equipped with Improved Drive System (IDS) transmissions.
The pause will remain in place while required inspections and corrective actions are completed, the release said.
Meanwhile, a May report by Defense One, citing an internal Army safety document, said an investigation had indicated that the AH-64E's IDS transmission could experience an internal failure that could lead to loss of tail rotor thrust, electrical power and hydraulics. The report said the root cause was still under investigation.
Taiwan took delivery of 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States in five batches, with the final six arriving in 2014.
(By Matt Yu and Ko Lin)
Enditem/ASG
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Source: Focus Taiwan
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