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Ministry of Defence
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RAF flying high in new Chinook helicopters
The first of 14 new RAF Chinook helicopters has been unveiled today by the Defence Secretary following their entry into service on time.
During a visit to RAF Odiham in Hampshire, the home of the Chinook Force, Philip Hammond also announced a new £115 million agreement with Boeing Defence UK to maintain the engines of the RAF’s increased fleet of 60 Chinooks; a move that will replace 5 existing support contracts with one arrangement, saving the taxpayer over £20 million.
The first of 14 Chinook Mark 6 helicopters, which were ordered in 2011 as part of a £1 billion programme, have now achieved their entry into service on time, and 3 of the new aircraft have been delivered to the RAF, who have commenced training in the UK.
The Defence Secretary and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, who himself is a Chinook pilot, were given a tour of one of the brand new aircraft and shown the upgraded capabilities that the helicopters provide to pilots and crew.
