Ilminster filmmaker unvails new helicopter documentary

Louis Skupien, an author, podcaster and Ilminster business owner, gained rare behind-the-scenes access to one of the world’s most advanced attack helicopters for his latest project.

The latest Full Throttle episode follows the AH-64E Apache Guardian and was filmed with the South Carolina Army National Guard’s 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion.

The documentary was filmed at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, where the crew gained rare access to the aircraft, pilots and weapons systems.

Viewers will see live-fire exercises with the Apache’s M230 30mm chain gun and Hydra 70 rockets, plus cockpit access, simulator sessions and crew interviews.

However, some of the most dramatic scenes were captured in the air.

To watch the documentary, click here.

Views from the helicopter. (Image: Provided by Louis Skupien/Apple Photos Clean Up)

The team filmed from the open rear ramp of a CH-47 Chinook as Apache helicopters flew low across South Carolina.

The air-to-air footage is among the Full Throttle series’ most ambitious yet.

South Carolina is one of only two US Army National Guard states operating the AH-64E Version 6 Apache, making the exercise a rare chance to film it in action.

The film follows the success of the team’s previous documentary, shot at Edwards Air Force Base in California, about the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The documentary has attracted more than three million views, while the wider Full Throttle project has passed 11 million across platforms.

The creator said the Apache film takes Full Throttle’s immersive access to military and experimental aircraft to the next level.

Full Throttle: AH-64E Apache premieres at 6pm UK time on Saturday, September 12.

Viewers can watch the premiere or set a reminder on YouTube.