Razor61
20th Oct 2008, 13:13
Efforts to bring the UK Royal Air Force's fleet of Boeing CH-47 transport
helicopters to a common configuration have been launched, with funding
secured to start modernisation work on eight of its 40 Chinook HC2/2As.
Dubbed Project Julius, the work includes the integration of digital avionics
and an engine upgrade to Honeywell's T55-714 standard, and builds on
existing efforts to provide Bowman battlefield communications connectivity
and successor identification friend-or-foe equipment.
Meanwhile, so-called reversion work on the RAF's eight previously stored
Chinook HC3s is on track, with the first extended-range aircraft to soon
arrive at RAF Odiham in Hampshire for trials of its replacement analogue
cockpit, integrated by Qinetiq.
Originally intended to support special forces operations, the aircraft will
be formally delivered for squadron service between May 2009 and February
2010, and will be operated for up to five years before also undergoing
modernisation under Project Julius.
The RAF plans to perform a further life enhancement modification to its
48-aircraft fleet after 2015, says Chinook force commander Gp Capt Andy
Turner.
Twelve crews from the RAF's Odiham-based 18 and 27 squadrons are
participating in the three-week Exercise Jebel Sahara near Marrakesh,
Morocco until 28 October. Focused on tasks including rapid reaction
deployment and environmental training in hot and high conditions, the
manoeuvres represent the first occasion since 2005 that the Chinook force
has trained alongside the RAF's AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin-equipped 28 and 78 squadrons.
Three Chinook HC2/2As and two Merlin HC3s have been committed to the
exercise, operating as Joint Helicopter Force (Morocco). The aircraft are
also providing support to training activities involving the British Army's
Royal Gibraltar Regiment and Moroccan ground forces.
The RAF expects to next year increase its overseas training activities with
the Chinook to also include arctic operations in Norway and amphibious work
in the Mediterranean. Turner says this work will "build a broader capability
base and give more balanced crews" than the current training emphasis on
supporting combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
helicopters to a common configuration have been launched, with funding
secured to start modernisation work on eight of its 40 Chinook HC2/2As.
Dubbed Project Julius, the work includes the integration of digital avionics
and an engine upgrade to Honeywell's T55-714 standard, and builds on
existing efforts to provide Bowman battlefield communications connectivity
and successor identification friend-or-foe equipment.
Meanwhile, so-called reversion work on the RAF's eight previously stored
Chinook HC3s is on track, with the first extended-range aircraft to soon
arrive at RAF Odiham in Hampshire for trials of its replacement analogue
cockpit, integrated by Qinetiq.
Originally intended to support special forces operations, the aircraft will
be formally delivered for squadron service between May 2009 and February
2010, and will be operated for up to five years before also undergoing
modernisation under Project Julius.
The RAF plans to perform a further life enhancement modification to its
48-aircraft fleet after 2015, says Chinook force commander Gp Capt Andy
Turner.
Twelve crews from the RAF's Odiham-based 18 and 27 squadrons are
participating in the three-week Exercise Jebel Sahara near Marrakesh,
Morocco until 28 October. Focused on tasks including rapid reaction
deployment and environmental training in hot and high conditions, the
manoeuvres represent the first occasion since 2005 that the Chinook force
has trained alongside the RAF's AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin-equipped 28 and 78 squadrons.
Three Chinook HC2/2As and two Merlin HC3s have been committed to the
exercise, operating as Joint Helicopter Force (Morocco). The aircraft are
also providing support to training activities involving the British Army's
Royal Gibraltar Regiment and Moroccan ground forces.
The RAF expects to next year increase its overseas training activities with
the Chinook to also include arctic operations in Norway and amphibious work
in the Mediterranean. Turner says this work will "build a broader capability
base and give more balanced crews" than the current training emphasis on
supporting combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.