The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Chinook Functionality Sustainment Programme stays on observe, following earlier issues highlighted by the Nationwide Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) relating to certification dangers for tranche one of many challenge.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard mentioned that “the Nationwide Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25 referenced the Chinook H-47 (Prolonged Vary) certification threat to spotlight that well timed data sharing between the US and the UK was essential to assembly the Programme schedule.”
He added that “vital progress has been made for the reason that publication of the NISTA report to make sure the well timed launch of data from the US Authorities. The Programme is on observe to conduct flight trials in 2027, managed in affiliation with the US Authorities, forward of ultimate certification settlement with the UK Army Aviation Authority.”
Pollard famous that the NISTA report additionally acknowledged the appreciable consideration and assets being devoted to certification, underscoring the significance of the Prolonged Vary variant to RAF heavy-lift operations.
In a associated response, Pollard confirmed the present Chinook fleet composition, stating that “there are at the moment eight HC5, 14 HC6 and 29 HC6A Chinook variants in service.” Whereas he withheld particulars of particular person airframe lifespans on nationwide safety grounds, he reaffirmed that “the retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters will likely be synchronised with the supply of 14 new state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 Prolonged Vary plane from 2027 onwards.”
The H-47ER will characteristic upgraded avionics, prolonged vary functionality, and improved interoperability with allied forces. Its introduction is meant to keep up steady heavy-lift readiness because the RAF’s legacy platforms are phased out.