Eight Chinooks to Boost Operations in Afghanistan

UK Ministry of Defence, A £62 million contract with Boeing to convert eight Chinook Mk3 helicopters to a support helicopter role was announced by the MoD today. Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said: 
 
“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.” 
 
These helicopters will deliver a significant boost to the UK's operational heavy lift helicopter fleet. Chinooks are a key battle winning capability. The first helicopters are expected to be operational in 2009. 
 
The eight converted Chinooks will join the existing fleet of 40 RAF Chinook helicopters and will be based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.  
 
Background Information 
1. The contract between MoD and Boeing was signed on Friday 14 December 2007. 
 
2. The overall cost to the defence budget to modify these helicopters is expected to be £90.1M of which £62M is the contract with Boeing. 
 
3. Design work will take place at Boeing in Philadelphia and modification work will be done by QinetiQ at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, Hampshire. 
 
4. A Chinook helicopter can carry up to 55 troops or 10 tonnes of freight, and can be used for search and rescue or casualty evacuation. It can safely land and lift off again from water. It can carry up to five Land Rovers (2 internal and 3 as under slung loads and with a twin rotor design it is one the few helicopters that can carry a 'payload' equivalent to its own weight. 
 
5. They are highly capable and versatile helicopters that cope well with many diverse environments, including the harsh conditions in Afghanistan.