Chinook Mk6 helicopter
UK (operation); USA (manufacturing by Boeing) · 2013 (first flight of Mk6) - 2015 (delivery of 14th Mk6) · Approximately £60 million per aircraft (based on US$93 million each for 14 Chinook HC6, conversion from 2013-2015 exchange rates)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe acquisition of new-build Mk6 Chinooks significantly enhanced the RAF's heavy-lift capabilities. - The Chinook fleet is a critical asset for troop transport, resupply, and casualty evacuation in diverse operational environments. - Continuous upgrades and modernization efforts ensure the Chinook remains a highly capable and versatile platform.
Key engineering challenges
Integrating UK-specific avionics and communication systems into the standard Chinook platform. - Enhancing self-defence systems for operation in various theatres. - Maintaining the heavy-lift capability while improving operational efficiency and safety.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Royal Air Force (RAF) / UK Ministry of Defence
- Lead contractor
- Boeing
- Lead designers
- Boeing
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 14 new-build Mk6 Chinooks delivered, increasing RAF Chinook fleet to 60 aircraft; carries up to 55 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo; Max speed: 160 knots (300 km/h); Range: 1,200 nmi (2,200 km) with auxiliary fuel tanks.
- Disciplines
- Aeronautical engineering; systems integration; logistics; heavy-lift engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- Military aviation standards.
Sources: Wikipedia: Boeing Chinook (UK variants) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_Chinook_(UK_variants)) - RAF: Chinook (https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/current-aircraft/chinook1/) - Boeing: Boeing delivery of 14th new-build Mk6 Chinook completes current orders for the United Kingdom (https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-12-07-Boeing-delivery-of-14th-new-build-Mk6-Chinook-completes-current-orders-for-the-United-Kingdom)