Defence Online

Chinook helicopters remain in Mali on French-led operation

Air July 17, 2019

Three Chinook helicopters deployed to Mali to tackle extremist groups will remain in the region along with 100 personnel. UK Chinook helicopters have been in the region since August 2018 as part of an operation to tackle extremist groups including Al-Qa’ida and IS along with French forces. The helicopters have been ...

Spanish Chinook fleet to be modernised by Boeing

Air January 11, 2019

Boeing has been contracted to comprehensively upgrade the Spanish CH-47D Chinook helicopter fleet and introduce the more modern F-model configuration. 17 Chinooks are to be upgraded by Boeing, bringing digital automatic flight control systems, common avionics architecture and advanced cargo handling capability to the Spanish fleet. As the first order placed by ...

New Chinook simulator training facility ready for action

Air November 27, 2018

A new, purpose built facility replicating real-life operations for Chinook helicopter crews with the very latest technology has been officially opened. The Chinook Mk 6 synthetic training facility was built following a £53 million contract with Lockheed Martin UK, Rotary and Mission Systems. It is housed at RAF Odiham in Hampshire ...

US Marine Corps puts RAF personnel through their paces

Air October 19, 2018

Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel are the first overseas students to complete the Weapons Tactics Instructor Course; a grueling seven-week training initiative for the US Marine Corps. Chinook pilots and aircrew from RAF Odiham temporarily relocated to Marine Air Corps Station Yuma in southern Arizona to complete the course. While there, ...