Prince Harry could fly Apache attack helicopters in Afghanistan, it emerged yesterday, after it was announced that he had passed his army pilot's course.Lieutenant Wales, as he is known in the Army Air Corps, has been told that he is good enough to fly either the Apache or the Lynx, a battlefield utility helicopter. He has until next week to decide which he prefers.
The Apache, one of the most fearsomely armed helicopters in the world, was designed to hunt and destroy tanks. In Afghanistan its ability to take out targets up to two miles away has made it a vital asset in the fight against the Taleban. It is equipped with 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 high-velocity tungsten rockets, four air-to-air missiles and a chain-gun with 1,200 rounds of 30mm ammunition.
Prince Harry's success has greatly enhanced his chances of returning to the front line, whichever choice he makes. A military source said that both aircraft were heavily involved in Afghanistan. “Anybody involved with flying either of them stands a bloody good chance of being deployed to Afghanistan.'
A St James's Palace spokesman said: “Prince Harry is very pleased. He has worked very hard for the last year and a half. He is going to mull it over — it is a big decision for him.'
The Prince, 25, served in Helmand province as a forward air controller directing airstrikes for ten weeks in 2007-08 and has made no secret of his wish to return. He has made no secret of his wish to return, and in January last year switched to start flying training with the Army Air Corps in what he openly acknowledged was an attempt to get back to Afghanistan. Speaking last June about his flying training, he said: “I'm really enjoying it and, as everyone knows, it's my easiest way of getting back to the front line. Maybe safer, maybe not, I don't know.'
He added: “To get out to Afghanistan again would be fantastic and my best chance is to do it from a helicopter.'
In the early days of his course the Prince, whose uncle the Duke of York flew a Sea King helicopter during the Falklands conflict, would not have considered himself potential Apache material. However it seems that he has done well enough to make the grade, although whether that will be his final decision is another matter.
British forces in Helmand have employed the Apache to hunt and kill Taliban fighters, gather intelligence and provide cover for larger Chinook helicopters transporting troops and supplies.
The Lynx, which in its upgraded form is able to operate all year round in Afghanistan instead of just the cooler months, is mainly used for convoy protection and reconnaissance, as well as occasionally carrying small numbers of troops. The Mark 9A is armed with a .50 calibre heavy machine gun.