Article Posted on : - Aug 23, 2011

A Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter lifts off during pre-deployment training for operations in Afghanistan. Photo: Senior Aircraftman Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009.

PENNSYLVANIA (BNS): The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a $1.64 billion contract to Boeing for the procurement of 14 new CH-47 Chinook helicopters and associated support for the first five years to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

"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," UK Secretary of State for Defence Liam Fox, was quoted as saying in a Boeing news release.

The new-build CH-47 Mark (Mk)-6 Chinooks are part of the MoD's Strategic Helicopter Vision to modernise its helicopter force structure, and will expand the RAF fleet to 60 Chinooks.

"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," said Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton.

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 release added.

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.