(2) when he plans to start the Block 3 upgrade to the Apache helicopter.
Mr. Quentin Davies
The MOD plans to upgrade the Apache helicopter throughout its life to sustain the capability provided, through a Spiral Development programme, starting before 2017 when the US Army will stop operating their AH64D block 1 aircraft on which the Apache AH Mk1 is based. A number of options have been identified, which include utilising US Army block 3 technology. The UK assessment phase of the upgrade is scheduled to commence in financial year 2012-13.