UK Beefs Up Chinook Fleet to Handle Rough Afghan Terrain

RAF Chinook in Afghanistan(click to view full) The Chinook CH-47 is the UK’s “aircraft of choice in Afghanistan for heavy lift,” says Pete Worrall, director general helicopters at the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Defence Equipment & Support organization. The high altitude of the rugged Afghan terrain takes its toll not only on troops but also on aircraft. The air at higher altitudes is less dense and that means less lift, which reduces helicopter carrying capacity. Smaller helicopters have problems carrying useful loads in Afghanistan, and most helicopters used there are medium size or larger. To enable its Chinook fleet to handle the combat environment in Afghanistan, the UK MOD is spending GBP 408 million ($652 million) on an upgrade program… New Engines and Cockpits RAF CH-47 w. BvS10, Afghanistan(click to view full) The UK’s Chinook upgrade program includes retrofitting more powerful T55-714A engines, which will improve lift at higher altitudes, and new “glass cockpits,” which will improve pilots’ ability to fly under low-light conditions – a key feature of operations in Afghanistan. Commenting on the upgrades, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Quentin Davies said: “The Chinook is the cornerstone of our helicopter support effort in Afghanistan. These improvements […]