|
The new-build CH-47 Mark (Mk)-6 Chinooks are
part of the MOD's Strategic Helicopter Vision
to modernize its helicopter force structure, and
will expand the RAF fleet to 60 Chinooks.
"From the Falkland Islands to Iraq and
Afghanistan, the RAF has operated Chinooks magnificently
for many years in the most demanding environments,"
said UK Secretary of State for Defence Liam Fox.
"These additional helicopters will significantly
enhance our existing heavy-lift helicopter capability.
This fleet will support our frontline troops in
current and future operations for decades to come."
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir
Stephen Dalton echoed Fox, saying, "Chinook
is an exceptionally capable helicopter that, in
the hands of the very skillful RAF crews, has
proved itself time and again in many operational
theaters across the globe and is the backbone
of the Royal Air Force's helicopter fleet."
The new aircraft will be produced at Boeing’s
recently renovated Ridley Township facility near
Philadelphia and are scheduled for delivery from
2013 through 2015.
"The Boeing Company has a long-standing
and growing relationship with the United Kingdom,
its military and its aerospace industry, and we
are especially honored by the confidence the RAF
has shown in the Chinook," said Mike Kurth,
vice president and managing director, Boeing Defence
UK Ltd. "We feel a special kinship with the
RAF crews because our employees are working shoulder-to-shoulder
with them to deliver capability to the frontline."
The CH-47 Mk-6 Chinook has a new, machined monolithic
airframe with UK-specific avionics, forward-looking
infrared radar, a rescue hoist, aircraft defensive
systems, and interoperable communication and navigation
equipment. The new helicopters will be compatible
with the existing UK Chinook fleet.
"The performance of the Chinook in Afghanistan
and Iraq, and in humanitarian efforts around the
world, demonstrates its unique ability to meet
the diverse mission requirements of the RAF,"
said Leanne Caret, Boeing vice president, H-47
Programs. "We are dedicated to continuing
to deliver the advanced capabilities that the
UK demands."
The RAF has operated Chinooks for more than
30 years in every major NATO engagement and on
virtually every continent. The RAF established
innovative procedures to operate its Chinooks
in conjunction with other aircraft while performing
troop transport, air assault, and medical evacuation
missions. The RAF and MOD Defence Equipment and
Support have worked closely with Boeing to implement
performance-based logistics initiatives to increase
the readiness of their Chinook fleet.
|
