Mk6

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has received its 14th Mark-6 (Mk6) from Boeing, taking its fleet of Chinook helicopters to 60.

The delivery completes the latest $1.64bn (£1bn) order made by the UK, and coincides with the 35th anniversary of the Chinook fleet in the force.

Awarded in 2011, the contract for the 14 CH-47 Mk6 Chinooks is part of the UK’s Strategic Helicopter Vision to modernise its helicopter force structure.

Under the deal, Boeing will support the fleet for the first five years.

Royal Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young said: "These new Mark-6 helicopters will significantly enhance our existing heavy-lift helicopter and Special Forces capability.

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"Our overall fleet of 60 Chinooks will support our frontline troops in current and future operations for decades to come."

The delivery comes days after the UK began air strikes on Syria.

While it is not known if the RAF will deploy the Chinooks in Syria, the fleet has been a part of every major Nato engagement since 1980.

"The new Mk6 Chinooks offer the Royal Air Force a modern, capable asset for meeting its mission requirements today and well into the future."

The CH-47 is a multi-mission helicopter with a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Aviation Architecture Cockpit and cargo-handling capabilities.

The UK’s version, Mk6, has a new, machined monolithic airframe, country-specific avionics, rescue hoist and interoperable communication and navigation equipment.

Chinooks have been performing troop transport, air assault and medical evacuation missions for the UK.

Boeing H-47 Chinook programme manager Steve Parker said: "The new Mk6 Chinooks offer the Royal Air Force a modern, capable asset for meeting its mission requirements today and well into the future."

Image: The new Mk6. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.