How many chinook helicopters

The deal was made through the U. Deliveries are scheduled to start in and be completed in The agreement includes development work and manufacturing of the extended-range helicopter over the next decade.

Over its 40 years in service with the British military, the Chinook helicopter has been used for a diverse range of roles, from special forces operations to cargo carrying and civil emergencies. The forthcoming helicopter, known as the H ER , is destined primarily for special forces operations.

The government signaled its intention to go ahead with the deal when the Ministry of Defence outlined its equipment plans as part of the integrated review of defense, security and foreign policy launched in March. The latest variant of the Chinook to enter British service will replace older versions of the helicopter being retired, the MoD said in a Defence Command paper.

Britain has yet to spell out in detail how many of its oldest helicopters it plans to retire. The HC6 was acquired as a U. The MoD said in a statement the helicopter will have a top speed of kilometers per hour and the new H ER aircraft will have a range of new capabilities, including an advanced digital cockpit, modernized airframe to increase stability and improve survivability, and a digital automatic flight control system to allow pilots to hover in areas of limited visibility.

The main cabin can hold up to 33 fully-equipped troops. For medical evacuation, the cabin can accommodate 24 litters stretchers. Ramp operations can be carried out on water using an optional power-down ramp and water dam configuration. The Chinook is equipped with two TGAA turboshaft engines, which are pod-mounted on either side of the rear pylon under the rear rotor blades.

The self-sealing fuel tanks are mounted in external fairings on the sides of the fuselage. The fixed tanks hold 1, gallons of fuel. Three additional fuel tanks can be carried in the cargo area. In-flight refueling can extend the range of the MH helicopter. The CHF upgrade program involves the installation of a new digital cockpit and modifications to the airframe to reduce vibration.

The upgraded cockpit will provide future growth potential and will include a digital data bus that permits installation of enhanced communications and navigation equipment for improved situational awareness, mission performance, and survivability.

The Army has been starved of modernization funds for so long that it fears hobbling its most urgent projects unless it focuses funds there. In the case of aviation, that means keeping the Future Vertical Lift program moving forward.

However, the last two years have proven that both Future Vertical Lift and Chinook upgrades can be kept on track as long as Congress is supportive. So why keep trying to kill a program that Congress wants to fund? That just increases the likelihood the money ends up coming from a place the Army finds unpalatable. Thus, for operational, economic and political reasons, the smartest move the Army could make at this point is to embrace Block II upgrades to the Chinook helicopter like a long lost friend.

This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes. Nov 11, , am EST. Nov 10, , pm EST. Nov 10, , am EST.