UK Defence Forum

SW1 wrote:acquisition[, noting that this] will depend on the outcome of the Ministry of Defence’s ongoing Integrated Review.

,,, big numbers of older helicopters being scrapped in the rumours

SW1 wrote: 16 F-model Chinooks, likely the long-range MH-47G variant,

There's much life in the old bird:
"The new CH-47F uses more powerful Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines that improve fuel efficiency and enhance lift performance. The higher powerful Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines are fitted with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and have a thrust of 3,529kW (4,733shp).

The operating range was increased to 609km (329nm) with a mission radius of 370.4km"

ArmChairCivvy wrote:,,, big numbers of older helicopters being scrapped in the rumours

There is but there’s also a lot of talk of fleet removals to streamline things. I know much focus has been on older chinooks which has overlooked another option. If your looking at pure rumours and the number 45 is about what Metin mk4 and puma fleets total. A chinook only support helicopter force taking on commando helicopter role with a program for “medium” helicopter replacement for a land naval small team insertion insert your favourite one here.

SW1 wrote:rumours and the number 45 is about what Me[rl]tin mk4 and puma fleets total

Would starting to remove Merlins 'streamline' things as they are the only trick in town for ASW and AEW - the whole fleet on the mechanics side of thing drawing from the same spares pool?

I would say that given that both Merlin fleets are stretched and only recently upgraded, I would say the Merlin os safe form the IR and the same goes for the Chinook as the RAF seems quite willing to put all its rotary eggs in that particular basket, offering all other rotary assets up as sacrifices in the IR>

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... f=IYQ5mP1s

The letter serves as “acknowledgment that the UKG wishes to extend its Chinook Vertical Heavy Lift capability by proceeding with the acquisition of quantity fourteen (14) new build Chinook H-47(ER) helicopters,” according to the text, referring to the U.K. government. “However, as a direct result of the worldwide impact of Covid-19, the UKG has had to reconsider the expenditure profile of this project.”

Work is at an advanced stage to commence the procurement of a number of new Chinook helicopters to replace older airframes in the fleet,” a spokeswoman for the U.K. embassy in Washington said in an email. “The delivery schedule and exact costs for the new Chinook helicopters are to be confirmed, but it is expected delivery will be completed before the end of 2030.”

Hmm at least we are still buying them despite being delayed for 3 years and deliveries stretched until 2030.

bobp wrote:Hmm at least we are still buying them despite being delayed for 3 years and deliveries stretched until 2030.

The new airframes are all But MH47G in name, purchased at the request of DSF.

Tinman wrote:The new airframes are all But MH47G in name, purchased at the request of DSF.

By the time we get them I am sure more of the older airframes will need to be retired. The lastest review cut 9 already.

It will have to be a rolling programme to maintain the available fleet, placing orders when money is available.

bobp wrote:

Tinman wrote:The new airframes are all But MH47G in name, purchased at the request of DSF.

By the time we get them I am sure more of the older airframes will need to be retired. The lastest review cut 9 already.

They will replace line airframes that can back fill as replacements. We have need the capability to insert and retrieve personnel in a contested environment. Watch for a purchase of MC130J.

Tinman wrote:Watch for a purchase of MC130J.

That I very much doubt after the UK has decided to get rid of its last C130J qty 14.

The info is out there if you look. The C130J are shagged out due to Herrick, Shader and the problems with the A400.

We need to fully exploit the capabilities of the A400 before looking elsewhere. It still has masses of untapped potential we are not using but which is slowly being developed by other users.

As for the Chinooks the idea is probably to keep the fleet at the size it is and buy replacement batches over time, to hopefully increase capability but without losing airframe number. A decent Puma replacement would help out in this.

End result of two shagged out C-130's ..

Ron5 wrote:End result of two shagged out C-130's ..

A purchase of these or the new Brazilian beastie could be handy.

Why? For what reason?

Moving stuff in theatre, faster and with fewer flights?

Dahedd wrote:the new Brazilian beastie

Ron5 wrote:

Dahedd wrote:the new Brazilian beastie

I forgot its name

Dahedd wrote:

Ron5 wrote:

Dahedd wrote:the new Brazilian beastie

I forgot its name

Embraer C-390 Millennium

Not really surprising as the majority of the fleet is nearly 40 years old and has been worked hard, especially over the last decade or so. Hopefully over the next ten years or so additional new build maybe purchased though more like the "F" model than the all singing and dancing Block II as discussed above.

With the 3 year delay to the Chinook order will the RAF want to take advantage of the upgraded Honeywell engine, T55-714C,which will be ready for production in 2024? This upgraded engine, which is company funded, is estimated to provide a 22% increase in power over the current T55-714A model putting it in the 6,000hp range.
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defe ... re-operat/

I wonder given the increased engine power of current and future Chinooks whether the ides of an Assault Gunship Chinook might resurface? The main issue of the platform developed during the Vietnam War was the lack of engine power to cope with the weight of the weapon systems fitted.

That and that it is the size of whale, makes a hell of down draft and noise, ,and would need Ben Nevis or Sherwood Forest for cover!