The U.K. Ministry of Defense and Defense Equipment and Support on Nov. 26 said the Royal Air Force (RAF) has begun training on the Puma Mk2 helicopter after an approximately $421 million upgrade.
The ministry said the upgrade, conducted by EADS unit Eurocopter, includes new engines which give them 35 percent more power and improved fuel efficiency to fly faster and twice as far as the earlier version. The upgraded helicopters also have highly advanced digital glass cockpits and upgraded liquid crystal display instruments.
The Puma Mk2 fits into a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, which means that it can be transported anywhere in the world and can be ready to deploy in support of both combat and humanitarian missions in just four hours, the ministry said in a statement.
The helicopter, with improved ballistic protection, is capable of carrying up to 16 fully equipped troops. Twin cargo doors and low rotor downwash make it ideal for transporting personnel and equipment in and out of confined urban environments.
Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said: “With its greater range, endurance and payload, the Puma Mk2 helicopter will give the Royal Air Force significantly enhanced, agile capability in support of combat and humanitarian operations in even the most austere conditions.”
Seven of the RAF’s fleet of 24 Puma Mk2s have been delivered to RAF Benson. The rest will be handed over during the next two years ahead of the helicopters entering service in 2015.
“In 2012 we committed to spending (more than $19 billion) to ensure our helicopter capability remains up to date,” Dunne said. “The delivery of the Puma Mk2 will further strengthen our world-class helicopter fleet, which recently saw the introduction of the upgraded Merlin Mk2 and upgraded Chinook Mk4s.”