Chinook Returns
Royal Air Force CH47 Chinook 'Bravo November'
A veteran Chinook helicopter from the Falklands campaign has just returned from service on OPERATION HERRICK in Afghanistan. Almost thirty years since it entered service, ZA718 or ‘Bravo November’ as it is better known remains at the forefront of Royal Air Force Support Helicopter operations.
The original aircraft, a Mk1 (HC1) came into service in 1982 and was the sole survivor of OPERATION CORPORATE. Three other Chinooks were shipped down to the Falkland Islands, however, they were lost when the MV Atlantic Conveyer was sunk by an Argentine exocet missile on 25 May 1982. Bravo November was airborne from the Atlantic Conveyer on an air test at the time and therefore diverted to land on HMS Hermes.
Bravo November has been subject to numerous upgrades during her service and with upgraded engines and avionics is now the impressive HC2 version. Having been rebuilt several times during her service, few parts of the original aircraft survive today, however, the main fuselage, the manufacturers data plate in the cockpit and the RAF’s serial number ZA718 clearly emblazoned on the rear of the aircraft remain ever present.
The Chinook fleet is a vital element of the lift capability being undertaken by the Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) under the command of Wing Commander ‘Spats’ Patterson. The Tri-Service detachment comprises personnel from all three Services and operates Chinook, Sea King, Merlin, Lynx and Apache helicopters.
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Photography: RAF/MOD/Crown Copyright 2010.
