The demo helikopter the“HAWK”

For 2011 the Apache demo helicopter received a new design. The prints can be removed quickly, so that the helicopter can be deployed to operational missions when required.

The Q-17 is a standard Dutch Apache dedicated to the demonstrations calendars for the coming 2 years. This relieves the squadron from the difficult task of finding a spare aircraft for each show.

The Hellfire racks and rocket pods are removed from the helicopter. This saves weight, enabling the Apache to speed up faster in between the individual manoeuvres.

The aircraft also flies the show with a minimum amount of fuel on board. This also saves weight and allows the helicopter to accelerate faster between individual manoeuvres.

For 2011 the HAWK is also equipped with AMASE pods. These are used to fire the flares during the show. These pods are normally used in Afghanistan to deceive heat-seeking missiles.
 

The team started the season with a unique contest: Design the new aircraft for the Apache Solo Display Team for the coming 2 years. Due to circumstances the team needed a new design on a very short notice. Luckily, the team has plenty of friends who were willing to pitch in.

After a short period of only two weeks the team picked out a new design from all the entries they had received. In the end there can be only one winner. Sander van der Donk from Patchdesign.nl surprised us the most with his awesome design. This design has turned the Q-17 into the greatest Apache ever. This could not have been achieved without all the hard work done by the painter and his team. To all of you who pitched in to get this result: thank you for the effort!!.