The order for the new aircraft signals the commitment made
in the recent Defence Command Paper to invest over
£85-billion on military equipment over the next four years
to reform and renew our Armed Forces.
Proven in battle and operated in every major conflict since
the Falklands War, the Chinook is a highly-versatile
aircraft. The helicopter can operate in a diverse range of
environments, from the desert to the arctic, and transport
up to 55 personnel or ten tonnes of cargo.
With a top speed of 300 kilometres per hour, the new
H-47(ER) aircraft will have a range of new capabilities,
including:
- an advanced digital cockpit
- a modernised airframe to increase stability and improve
survivability
- a digital automatic flight control system to allow
pilots to hover in areas of limited visibility.
Defence Secretary said:
From assisting emergency repairs to UK flood defences,
providing vital logistics support during Covid-19 to its
warfighting role on Afghan battlefields, the Chinook has
been the workhorse of the Armed Forces for over 40 years.
The cutting edge H-47 (ER) will be at the forefront of
our specialist requirements in dealing with threats and
logistic support. Our £1.4-billion investment will mean
we will be one of very few air forces with this
capability.
The 14 aircraft will be purchased from the US via a Foreign
Military Sales agreement and includes development and
manufacture over the next decade. Deliveries are scheduled
to start in 2026. The new helicopters will be based at RAF
Odiham, the home of the Chinook fleet.
Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Air-Vice Marshal Nigel
Colman said:
Proven on both UK and overseas operations time and again
over the last 40 years, the Chinook continues to be a
critical capability for UK Defence; this announcement
assures Chinook operations for the decades ahead and is
representative of our commitment to modernise
capabilities whilst maintaining interoperability with key
allies.
In addition to traditional warfighting roles, the Chinook
supports a wide variety of specialist tasks, including the
Military Aid to the Civil Authorities. Most recently, it
was part of the Joint Helicopter Aviation Task Force which
transported NHS paramedics, equipment and patients during
peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Introduced into service in 1981, the 40th anniversary of
the first Chinook was recently celebrated with a new
commemorative colour scheme. The oldest of fleet will be
retired, enabling investment in the new aircraft to
modernise the UK heavy lift capability.
