The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme is progressing to schedule, with construction of the first aircraft underway in the United States and Initial Operating Capability (IOC) expected in 2029, according to a written response published on 30 April 2025.
Responding to a question from James Cartlidge MP (Conservative – South Suffolk), Defence Minister Maria Eagle stated:
“The first tranche of the Chinook Capability Sustainment programme to deliver 14 new build heavy assault Chinook helicopters remains on course to deliver Initial Operating Capability in May 2029 and Full Operating Capability in October 2030.”
The programme, re-approved by ministers in May 2024 following cost and schedule reviews, aims to modernise the UK’s heavy-lift helicopter fleet with the H-47 (Extended Range) variant of the Chinook.
These new aircraft will significantly enhance long-range lift capabilities for British forces.
Eagle confirmed that simulator production is “progressing to plan” and that “construction of the first two Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) aircraft has commenced in Philadelphia,” with the first delivery expected in 2027.
Additionally, training of UK aircrew instructors in the United States is scheduled to begin in August 2025, preparing crews ahead of aircraft arrival and frontline integration.
The upgraded Chinooks will feature advanced avionics, extended fuel range, and improved survivability, and are intended to replace the oldest aircraft in the current fleet, ensuring continued operational effectiveness well into the 2040s.
Having cut DSFs Hercules assets, thank God sense has prevailed and this is going ahead, at least.
Not quite the same.Aa Hercules could, depending on load and strip length, glide in.
I think Elf n Safety killed that tactic long ago.
No, of course not.
A comment you made some time ago SB with the cuts to SF air enablers has remained with me…
“What are SF to do? Flap their flipping arms?”
I just came across this amazing way to earn $6,000-$8,000 a month online! No selling, no struggle—just a simple system that anyone can follow. Kelly Richards did it, and so can you! Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity.
Check it out now!….. 𝐖𝐖𝐖.𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝟏.𝐂𝐎𝐌
I just started 3 weeks ago this web income system that my friend recommended to me and I’ve gotten 2 checks for a total of $9,200…this is the best decision I made in a long time! This extra cash has changed my life in so many ways, thank you!”
HERE_____ 𝐖𝐖𝐖.𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐓𝟏.𝐂𝐎𝐌
I Get paid 0ver $150 per hour w0rking from h0me. I never thought l’d be able to d0 it but my colleague makes over $ 15415 a m0nth doing this and she convinced me to try. The p0ssibility with this is limitless.
SEE MoRE HERE…..>>> 𝐖𝐰𝐰.𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭𝟏.𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞/
Yes I think these new chinooks with a reported twice the range will be vital to SF and the Royal Marines in years to come!
The new MRSS must have a requirement to be able to accommodate in its hanger😗
That would have been something to see (but not to hear)!
Everybody can earn 250$+ daily… You can earn from 10000-15000 a month or even more if you work as a full time job…It’s easy, just follow instructions on this page, read it carefully from start to finish… It’s a flexible job but a good earning opportunity..
go to this site home tab for more detail thank you…… 𝐖𝐖𝐖.𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐏𝐀𝐘𝟏.𝐂𝐎𝐌
The best sounding helicopter.
I Get paid 0ver $150 per hour w0rking from h0me. I never thought l’d be able to d0 it but my colleague makes over $ 15415 a m0nth doing this and she convinced me to try. dO The p0ssibility with this is limitless.
SEE MoRE HERE…..>>> 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡𝟏.𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞
What is the range comparison between the existing fleet and the extended range version?
The helicopter has the capacity to carry 7,828l of fuel.
The power plant provides a maximum speed of 315km/h and long-range fuel tanks ensure a maximum mission radius of 630km.
Was wondering how that lines up with the f35b and apache, as they would need air escort in a combat zone. Seems to be around 200km less than the f35b and around 60km longer than the Apache.
I Get paid 0ver $150 per hour w0rking from h0me. I never thought l’d be able to d0 it but my colleague makes over $ 15415 a m0nth doing this and she convinced me to try. dC The p0ssibility with this is limitless.
SEE MoRE HERE…..>>> 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡𝟏.𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞