Helicopters grounded after US technical notification

Taiwan’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters have been grounded for inspections following a US technical notification about gearbox risks, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said yesterday.

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.

Helicopters arrive at a supply point during the live-fire phase of the Han Kuang 42 military exercises in Taoyuan on Aug. 11.

Photo: Lee Jung-ping, Taipei Times

According to a US Army Public Affairs release issued on Oct. 2, the US Army has ordered an immediate, temporary pause in flight operations for AH-64E Apache helicopters equipped with Improved Drive System (IDS) transmissions.

The pause would remain in place while required inspections and corrective actions are completed, the release said.

Meanwhile, a May report by Defense One, citing an internal US 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 US in five batches, with the final six arriving in 2014.