For the history of RAF Puma see Puma HC.1
Between March 2015 and June 2021 a RAF Puma detachment was deployed to Afghanistan (Operation Toral) in support of NATO Resolute Support Mission. During the deployment, the Pumas flew 12,800 hours, transported 126,000 passengers and moved 660,000kgs of freight.
RAF Puma HC.2 are scheduled for retirement in 2025. The airframes dates back to the 1970s although they were extensively upgraded by then Eurocopter between 2009/2015. The replacement would result of a New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirement, although as of March 2021 no official announcement has been made. Expected options available includes Leonardo (AW149), Sikorsky (Black Hawk NMH ), Airbus (H175M), Bell (525) and Boeing (MH-139).
AceHawk Aerospace is offering preowned and upgraded Black Hawk based on the AceDeck VL-60
Between March 2015 and June 2021 a RAF Puma detachment was deployed to Afghanistan (Operation Toral) in support of NATO Resolute Support Mission. During the deployment, the Pumas flew 12,800 hours, transported 126,000 passengers and moved 660,000kgs of freight.
RAF Puma Mk2 replacement
RAF Puma HC.2 are scheduled for retirement in 2025. The airframes dates back to the 1970s although they were extensively upgraded by then Eurocopter between 2009/2015. The replacement would result of a New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirement, although as of March 2021 no official announcement has been made. Expected options available includes Leonardo (AW149), Sikorsky (Black Hawk NMH ), Airbus (H175M), Bell (525) and Boeing (MH-139).
AceHawk Aerospace is offering preowned and upgraded Black Hawk based on the AceDeck VL-60
News |
New Wireless Comms System for RAF Puma HC.2
31-Jan-24 - The Axnes PNG WICS wireless intercom communication system has been chosen to upgrade the Royal Air Force (RAF) Puma Mk2 helicopters #commsRAF Akrotiri Changes Griffins for Pumas
03-Apr-23 - Royal Air Force (RAF) 84 Squadron based out of RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus transitioned from the Griffin HAR.2 (Bell 412) to the Puma HC.2 on March 31, 2023 #CyprusHeli-One Recognized RAF Benson Puma Fleet Plan
27-Oct-22 - Heli-One, CHC MRO provider, presented its Award for Engineering Excellence to RAF Benson Sergeant Burns for assuring the current and future delivery of Puma helicopter capability through Fleet Plan #pumaRAF Pumas Returns from Afghanistan
28-Jun-21 - As part of UK Armed Forces process of withdrawing from Afghanistan the RAF Puma helicopters deployed with NATO Resolute Support Mission since March 2015 returned to RAF BensonMore News ... | |
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Units |
Years | Units | Base |
---|---|---|
2023- | 84 Squadron | RAF Akrotiri |
2022- | 1563 Flt | Seria heliport |
2015- | 28 Squadron | RAF Benson |
2015- | PCOCU | RAF Benson |
2012- | 33 Squadron | Kabul International RAF Benson |
2012- | 230 Squadron | Kabul International RAF Benson |