Video credit: Chris, 656 Sqn AAC

If a missile is fired at the Apache, the Defensive Aid Suite detects it. At the heart of the system is ‘The Bitch’ – she tells you when you are being engaged and pumps out flares to attract the missile away from our engines.

The Bitch can deal with multiple firings and take care of lots of missiles at the same time. A quick look over the shoulder confirms the flares are pouring off the Apache behind the stub wings. Scanning the ground and airspace for a missile is a very tense and surreal moment. It’s only after the first five seconds that you dare to take your first breath and begin evasive manoeuvring.