The Ministry of Defence announced on the 18^th December that eight examples of the Royal Air Force's Chinook Mk3 are to be adapted in a deal involving the type's manufacturer Boeing, and which will see them converted to become dedicated support helicopters.

The MoD signed the contract with Boeing on the 14^th December and the deal has a total value of over 90 million pounds. While Boeing is involved in the design phase of the Chinook modifications, the actual work will be carried out by QinetiQ.

In a statement related to the announcement, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, said the following:

"Helicopters play a vital role in supporting our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. That is why we are taking measures to make more helicopters available to operations as quickly as possible."

First Modified Chinooks to Serve with RAF from 2009

It is expected that the first of these modified Chinooks will be operational within two years time.

The Boeing Chinook is a mainstay of the Royal Air Force's helicopter fleet. 40 of the type are currently in service at RAF Odiham, Hampshire.

The Chinook is able to lift up to 55 troops or freight weighing up to ten tonnes. Alternatively, five Landrovers can be accommodated within its fuselage, or three slung underneath.

Chinooks Used in Falklands and Over Iraq, Afghanistan

Operationally, RAF Chinooks have seen action in the Falklands War and Operation Granby and, more recently, have been used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Chinook has served with the Royal Air Force since 1980 but, as a design, dates back to 1961.

Source - Armed Forces International's Aviation Expert

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Further Resources:

QinetiQ Company Information