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.
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“What are SF to do? Flap their flipping arms?”
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The best sounding helicopter.
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.