Wed, Jul 08, 2009
Deliveries Scheduled Later This Year
Boeing Defence UK Ltd. announced Tuesday that a UK Chinook Mk3
helicopter successfully completed its first test flight on June 6
at the Ministry of Defence's Boscombe Down facility during the
flight testing and evaluation phase of the Mk3 reversion
program.
Chinook Mk2
A Boeing team that includes key suppliers QinetiQ and GE
Aviation Systems Ltd., working in close collaboration with the
Royal Air Force (RAF), is reverting eight Mk3s for compatibility
with the RAF fleet of 40 Mk2s. The eight converted helicopters are
scheduled for delivery from late 2009 through 2010 and will join
the rest of the RAF Chinook fleet at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.
"Significantly increasing the heavy-lift capability of the RAF,
the additional eight Chinook Mk3 helicopters will help support
demanding operational needs in Afghanistan," said Rear Adm. Tony
Johnstone-Burt, Commander of the Joint Helicopter Command.
"This program, which is a team effort empowered by the RAF and
key suppliers QinetiQ and GE Aviation Systems, is a wonderful
example of working together to achieve an expanded mission-ready
fleet," said Jim O'Neill, vice president of Integrated Logistics
for Boeing Global Services and Support. "Getting these aircraft
into service will help save lives and support essential
missions."
File Photo
A Chinook helicopter can carry up to 55 troops or 10 tons of
freight and be used in a variety of operational roles, including
troop transportation and casualty evacuation.
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