Boeing completes Chinook Mk6 deliveries to UK
Boeing has delivered the fourteenth Mk6 Chinook aircraft to the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF), the company announced on 7 December.
The delivery marks the completion of an order that has increased the RAF Chinook fleet to 60 aircraft.
The Mk6 Chinook has a machined monolithic airframe, UK-specific avionics, rescue hoist and interoperable communication and navigation equipment. The aircraft are used to perform troop transport, air assault and medical evacuation missions.
Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young, director of Helicopters, UK Defence Equipment & Support organisation, said: ‘Since they were introduced into service in 1980, our Chinook fleet has played an integral supporting role for British forces and have been deployed on an almost continuous basis since. These new Mark-6 helicopters will significantly enhance our existing heavy-lift helicopter and special forces capability. Our overall fleet of 60 Chinooks will support our frontline troops in current and future operations for decades to come.’
The existing fleet is undergoing an upgrade programme to provide a new cockpit, upgraded engines, and a common configuration which will ensure coherence with the new Mk6 aircraft.
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