U.K. Defense Secretary Philip Hammond unveiled a new $195 million agreement with Boeing Defense UK [BA] to maintain engines on the increased fleet of 60 Chinooks as the first of new Chinook helicopters unveiled.
Photo: U.K. MoD
The new agreement with Boeing announced Monday replaces five existing support contracts with one agreement, expected to save taxpayers more than about $33.9 million.
“This is a pathfinder program for MoD-wide performance-based contracting,” David Pitchforth, managing director of Boeing Defense UK (BDUK), said in a statement. “As Boeing expands its presence in the U.K., our customers benefit from the expertise and support of the entire Boeing enterprise.”
The existing RAF fleet of 46 aircraft is undergoing modifications by a joint Boeing and Industry team to develop a new digital cockpit solution.
The first of 14 Chinook Mark 6 helicopters, ordered in 2011 as part of an approximately $18.6 billion program. entered into service on time. Three of the new aircraft have been delivered to the RAF, which has begun training in the United Kingdom.
“These state-of-the-art aircraft will provide a significant uplift in helicopter capability, operating as the battlefield workhorse of the RAF, supporting the army on the front line for decades to come,” Hammond said.
Hammond and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir. Andrew Pulford, himself a Chinook pilot, toured the new helicopter and shown the upgraded capabilities.
“The Chinook Mark 6 represents the pinnacle of the RAF’s heavy-lift capability and is the most advanced Chinook helicopter we have ever operated,” Pulford said.
The Mark 6 has new digital automatic flight control system providing improved handling and stability and increased safety, making the Mark 6 the most advanced heavy life helicopter ever operated by the RAF.
“The Chinook Mark 6 has been delivered into service on time less than three years after MOD signed the main contract with Boeing, which is a truly outstanding achievement,” said MoD’s Director of Helicopters, Adrian Baguley, responsible for delivering the Mark 6 and the engine support contract.