The British Royal Air Force has announced plans to upgrade its fleet of Chinook support helicopters with enhanced engines and digitised cockpits.

The cockpit enhancements will be carried out by Boeing and Thales while the new engines and cockpits will be installed by Vector Aerospace. The total value of the deal is around £400m.

The more powerful Honeywell 714A engines will provide improved performance in the hot summers and high altitudes of Afghanistan, while the new engines will cut down fuel consumption, extend service intervals and increase the availability of the aircraft on the front line

The £280m cockpit enhancement programme will include extending the fit of the Thales glass cockpit across the entire fleet to improve the capability of the aircraft under low-light conditions.

UK Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Quentin Davies said that Chinook is the cornerstone of RAF helicopter support effort in Afghanistan.

“These improvements will increase its capability and ensure it can play an even more valuable role in supporting our forces and Nato coalition allies in tackling insurgency in Afghanistan,” he said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.