Royal Air Force, December 07, 2021 - A formation flight of specially painted Chinook and Puma helicopter has taken place to mark over 90 years of combined service.
The occasion saw the aircraft make a commemorative flight over a number of locations in the South of England displaying their bespoke anniversary tail art.
The two uniquely painted airframes celebrated their individual anniversaries earlier this year, but this is their first formation flight as a pair. The Puma (XW224), from RAF Benson, has completed 50 years of service; while the Chinook (ZD984), from RAF Odiham, has completed 40 years of service.
Each aircraft’s tail art was especially commissioned to commemorate the significant anniversaries of their entry into service with the RAF.
The flightpath included several iconic sites, stretching from the Isle of Wight to central London; with each location offering unique joint training opportunities for the crews who will often work together on operations.
Both the Pumas and Chinooks have operated as part of the Joint Helicopter Command for over 20 years. The longest serving of the two aircraft, the Puma is a medium-lift support helicopter which entered service on 29th January 1971. Over the last five decades, it has supported combat and humanitarian operations around the world, including:
- Northern Ireland
- Bosnia
- Kosovo
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Mozambique
- The Caribbean
In the UK it has also supported critical Defence tasks such as security for the Olympic Games in London and support for the Scottish Ambulance Service during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
"It’s an absolute honour to command the Puma Force in its 50th anniversary year. The Support Helicopter Force has made a vast contribution to operations around the world and in the UK, with the Puma and Chinook delivering over 90 years of combined service. All those who have worked for or with the Puma Force over the last five decades should be incredibly proud of the part they have played, and continue to play, in its successes.", said Group Captain Paton Puma Force Commander
The occasion saw the aircraft make a commemorative flight over a number of locations in the South of England displaying their bespoke anniversary tail art.
The two uniquely painted airframes celebrated their individual anniversaries earlier this year, but this is their first formation flight as a pair. The Puma (XW224), from RAF Benson, has completed 50 years of service; while the Chinook (ZD984), from RAF Odiham, has completed 40 years of service.
Each aircraft’s tail art was especially commissioned to commemorate the significant anniversaries of their entry into service with the RAF.
The flightpath included several iconic sites, stretching from the Isle of Wight to central London; with each location offering unique joint training opportunities for the crews who will often work together on operations.
Both the Pumas and Chinooks have operated as part of the Joint Helicopter Command for over 20 years. The longest serving of the two aircraft, the Puma is a medium-lift support helicopter which entered service on 29th January 1971. Over the last five decades, it has supported combat and humanitarian operations around the world, including:
- Northern Ireland
- Bosnia
- Kosovo
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Mozambique
- The Caribbean
In the UK it has also supported critical Defence tasks such as security for the Olympic Games in London and support for the Scottish Ambulance Service during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
"It’s an absolute honour to command the Puma Force in its 50th anniversary year. The Support Helicopter Force has made a vast contribution to operations around the world and in the UK, with the Puma and Chinook delivering over 90 years of combined service. All those who have worked for or with the Puma Force over the last five decades should be incredibly proud of the part they have played, and continue to play, in its successes.", said Group Captain Paton Puma Force Commander
SA330E Puma XW224 Chinook HC.4 ZD984 ( Royal Air Force )
See also |
CH-47C Chinook in
Royal Air Force SA330 Puma in
Royal Air Force 
