Trials which saw Army Apache attack helicopters operating from HMS Ocean have been successfully completed, paving the way for the aircraft to take part in amphibious assaults in the future.

The Apache, one of the most advanced helicopters in the world, has been taking part in Ship Helicopter Operating Limit (SHOL) trials, testing the new machines in the maritime environment and determining how they should be flown safely in various conditions at sea.

Future trials will involve other Royal Navy ships and pilot training will follow.

The completion of this initial trial, which included exercises off the coast of the Canary Islands, marks an important milestone in the Apache development programme, and it should see the helicopter fully cleared for maritime tasks next year.

With the first trial now complete, the Apache – a potent weapon in the Army’s arsenal - can now prepare to operate from ships in support of both land and amphibious operations anywhere in the world.

Lord Bach, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: “Completing these trials is a major milestone in this programme.

“Apache is a hugely flexible and formidable fighting platform, and being able to operate from sea will ensure it plays a major part in all manner of operations for years to come.

“The successful completion of the trials has boosted the already impressive capability of this aircraft.”

The helicopter will form part of the Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade, and can carry a variety of weapons, including Hellfire missiles, rockets and 30mm cannon.

More than 60 of the aircraft - built by Augusta Westland and based on the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow which entered service with the US Army in 1998 - have been ordered for the British Army.

The helicopter design has been adapted to meet specific UK requirements, including secure communications and a cutting-edge Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids system (HIDAS).

The Apache Mk 1 helicopter provides a completely new capability, which has implications for the British Army's organisation and training, doctrine, logistics and peacetime infrastructure, and a lot of hard work is being put in to ensure that the tactics and new doctrine are fully developed to allow the aircraft to gain initial operational capability status by the end of this year.

The first Apache was delivered in May 2000, and there are currently aircraft based at the School of Army Aviation in Middle Wallop, Hampshire and with 9 Regt Army Air Corps in Dishforth, North Yorkshire.

It is planned that each of the three Attack Regiments of 16 Air Assault Brigade will be equipped with two squadrons of eight Apache and one squadron of eight Battlefield Light Utility Helicopters.

HMS Ocean is the Royal Navy’s only purpose-built helicopter carrier, and can handle helicopters ranging in size from Gazelles and Lynx to the RAF’s Chinooks. Under operational conditions, helicopters would be used to transfer Royal Marines Commandoes embarked in the Devonport-based ship ashore for amphibious assaults.