Chinook HC.2 / HC.2A / HC.3 based on the CH-47D are listed here.
For the RAF Chinook history see HC1
The Chinook HC2 was a significant upgrade of earlier Royal Air Force (RAF) Chinook variants, featuring more powerful engines and improved avionics. The HC2A was largely similar, with the primary difference being a strengthened front fuselage, allowing for the potential future fitment of an aerial refueling probe. Both the HC2 and HC2A became the workhorse of the RAF's heavy-lift capabilities, participating in various operations worldwide.
The Chinook HC3, distinct from the HC2/2A, was procured as a specialized variant for Special Forces operations. It featured enlarged sponsons for increased fuel capacity, night vision sensors, and enhanced navigation equipment, making it akin to the US Army's MH-47E. However, due to significant contractual and certification issues, these aircraft were delivered in 2001 but did not enter full operational service until much later, after a costly "Fix to Field" program was eventually abandoned in favor of reverting some avionics to HC2/2A specification.
Under Project Julius, upgraded HC2/2A and HC3 aircraft were redesignated HC4 and HC5 respectively.
The Chinook HC2 was a significant upgrade of earlier Royal Air Force (RAF) Chinook variants, featuring more powerful engines and improved avionics. The HC2A was largely similar, with the primary difference being a strengthened front fuselage, allowing for the potential future fitment of an aerial refueling probe. Both the HC2 and HC2A became the workhorse of the RAF's heavy-lift capabilities, participating in various operations worldwide.
The Chinook HC3, distinct from the HC2/2A, was procured as a specialized variant for Special Forces operations. It featured enlarged sponsons for increased fuel capacity, night vision sensors, and enhanced navigation equipment, making it akin to the US Army's MH-47E. However, due to significant contractual and certification issues, these aircraft were delivered in 2001 but did not enter full operational service until much later, after a costly "Fix to Field" program was eventually abandoned in favor of reverting some avionics to HC2/2A specification.
Under Project Julius, upgraded HC2/2A and HC3 aircraft were redesignated HC4 and HC5 respectively.
News |
Operation Peleda : RAF Chinooks in Estonia
23-Jan-23 - Royal Air Force 18(B) Squadron deployed 3 Chinook helicopters to Ämari Air Base, Estonia for Operation Peleda #Estonia
Change of Command for RAF Chinooks in Mali
14-Mar-21 - Change of command at the RAF 1310 (Tactical Support) Flight currently deployed in Mali. Three RAF Chinook are in West Africa since 2018 under Operation Newcombe supporting the French anti-terrorist mission Barkhane #Mali
RAF Chinook Heavy Lifting in Mali
17-Jan-21 - RAF 27 Squadron has 3 Chinook helicopters deployed in Gao, Mali as the 1310 Flt in support of French mission Operation Barkhane #Chinook
RAF Chinook 40th Anniversary
01-Dec-20 - The Royal Air Force remembered the arrival at RAF Odiham on 22nd November 1980 of the first Chinook helicopter. The Chinook has been involved in every major conflict since then seeing action in the South Atlantic, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan| More News ... |  |
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Units |
| Years | Units | Base |
|---|---|---|
| 2015- | 28 Squadron | RAF Benson |
| 1995/06 | 78 Squadron | RAF Mount Pleasant |
| 1995- | 18 Squadron | RAF Odiham  Laarbruch / Niederrhein closed 2003 |
| 1995- | 1310 Flt |  Gao  Kabul International Kandahar Basrah Intl Banja Luka Divulje Barracks Helipad |
| 1993- | 27 Squadron |  Chandigarh AFSRAF Odiham |
| 1993- | 7 Squadron |  Al Azraq BagramRAF Odiham |
