QinetiQ evaluates Chinook upgrades for UK
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a £5.2 million contract with QinetiQ to independently evaluate Boeing’s Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS) upgrade to the Chinook helicopter.
The MoD is upgrading its Chinook Mk3 fleet with a retrofit of the JULIUS Cockpit Display System/Mission Avionic System and DAFCS; and upgrading its Chinook Mk4/4As by retrofitting DAFCS. The work is being conducted by Boeing.
QinetiQ will provide independent technical advice and evaluation to the MoD Chinook Project Team on the upgrade; and will work with Boeing and specialist frontline units throughout flight and ground tests of the modified aircraft.
Gaz Borland, managing director, QinetiQ’s Air business, said: ‘This contract demonstrates the way in which we collaborate with the MoD and industry, combining knowledge to de-risk complex programmes and ensure they are delivered in a cost-effective way.
'The independent recommendations we make through our test and evaluation services enable crucial operational decisions to be made with confidence. Working with key industry suppliers such as Boeing to provide the best service to our customers is fundamental to the way that we work.’
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