§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Chinook fleet was last upgraded. [115610]
§ Mr. IngramA mid-life upgrade programme to convert the Chinook Mk1 helicopter fleet to Mk 2 standard was completed in 1995. This was the last major fleet upgrade programme.
Subsequent to this conversion the Chinook Mk2 has been subject to a number of changes to enhance the capability of the aircraft, most recently in response to operations in Afghanistan and the Gulf. In common with other military aircraft, modifications designed to maintain airworthiness and reliability are also incorporated into the fleet from time to time.