Britain unveils a new CH-47 Mark 6 helicopter

LONDON, June 18 (UPI) -- The first of 14 new Boeing C-47 Mark 6 Chinook helicopters ordered by Britain's Royal Air Force has been unveiled by Defense Secretary Philip Hammond.

Hammond, who unveiled the aircraft at a base in Hampshire, also took the occasion to announce a $195 million agreement with Boeing Defense UK that combines five service contracts for the country's Chinook's into one, saving the country some $33.9 million.

"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 frontline for decades to come," he said. "The 14 new Chinooks will boost our fleet to 60, already the largest in Europe."

The Chinook is a twin-engine, tandem rotor aircraft used mainly for transporting troops and artillery, as well as resupply missions. The first models were introduced into service in 1962.

Britain ordered 14 new Chinook Mark 6 helicopters in 2011. Three have so far been delivered, with the balance expected before the end of next year. The Mark 6 features a new digital automatic flight control system for improved handling and aircraft stability.

"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," said Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford.

"Chinook has proved itself time and again on operations, most recently in Afghanistan. The new Mark 6 variant will ensure the Chinook fleet is able to continue to play a key role in future operations, wherever they may be."

Hammond, who unveiled the aircraft at a base in Hampshire, also took the occasion to announce a $195 million agreement with Boeing Defense UK that combines five service contracts for the country's Chinook's into one, saving the country some $33.9 million.

"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 frontline for decades to come," he said. "The 14 new Chinooks will boost our fleet to 60, already the largest in Europe."

The Chinook twin-engine, tandem rotor aircraft used mainly for transporting troops and artillery, as well as resupply. The first models were introduced into service in 1962.

Britain ordered 14 new Chinook Mark 6 helicopters in 2011. Three have so far been delivered, with the balance expected before the end of next year. The Mark 6 features a new digital automatic flight control system for improved handling and aircraft stability.

"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," said Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford.

"Chinook has proved itself time and again on operations, most recently in Afghanistan. The new Mark 6 variant will ensure the Chinook fleet is able to continue to play a key role in future operations, wherever they may be."