Following the terrible earthquake that hit the Muzaffarabad area of Pakistan in mid-October, three Chinook aircraft from 27 Squadron, Royal Air Force Odiham, have deployed to the area to assist international relief efforts.
In order to be put inside the huge C17 Globemaster aircraft, the distinctive Chinooks first had to be "stripped down", and their rotor blades removed. Once they have arrived in Pakistan, the helicopters are rebuilt by personnel who have deployed alongside them, and then undergo flight-testing.
The first Chinook aircraft, which was flown out from RAF Fairford on Saturday 22 October 2005, has been rebuilt, and is due to undergo flight-testing in the next 24 hours, the others will undergo the same process. It is expected that all three aircraft will be ready for tasking by Thursday this week.
The heavy lift CH-47 Chinook helicopters will be used to provide medical support and casualty evacuation, together with the transportation of essential water and sanitation stores/equipment.
Gp Capt Sean Reynolds (Officer Commanding RAF Odiham) said:
"The three Chinooks are all in theatre now and are being prepared to start humanitarian relief operations as soon as possible, the engineering work necessary to achieve this is already some 12 hours ahead of schedule thanks to the hard work of the team in Pakistan. The main effort will be to carry tented accommodation deep into the affected area. The Chinooks have deployed with additional fuel tanks which will allow them to access areas which are currently beyond the range of the US assets.
"The Chinook force also provides an essential niche capability to the relief effort. The Joint Helicopter Support Unit is the only organisation that has the skills and experience to provide site and load clearance. Essentially this means they can prepare loads of equipment into suitable packages to maximise the usage of the limited helicopter lift available and ensure the aid is delivered and accessible on the landing sites."