Top brass hail arrival of RAF’s new ‘battlefield workhorse’ Chinooks

Philip Hammond unveiled the first of 14 new Mark 6 helicopters at RAF Odiham in Hampshire yesterday, which will increase the UK’s fleet of Chinooks to 60 – the largest in Europe.

Three of the helicopters have been delivered to the RAF after a contract was signed with Boeing in 2011 as part of a £1bn programme, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

The remaining aircraft are due to arrive before the end of next year, it added.

Mr Hammond said: “The strategic importance of the Chinook Mk6 should not be under-estimated.

“These helicopters will provide a significant uplift in helicopter capability, operating as the battlefield workhorse of the RAF on the frontline for decades to come.”

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, said the Mark 6 was “the best helicopter around”, with a new digital autopilot, the ability to cruise at 135 knots and lift 10 tonnes.

“The Chinook Mark 6 represents the pinnacle of the RAF’s heavy lift capability and is the most advanced Chinook helicopter we have ever operated,” he said.

“Chinook has proved itself time and again on operations, most recently in Afghanistan and the new Mark 6 will ensure the Chinook fleet continues to play a key role.

“From my experience you can never have too many Chinooks.

“These are the very latest version, fitted with a digital autopilot system, which will reduce the workload on the crews and allow them to do things they haven’t been able to do in the past”