A Chinook CH47 helicopter from Royal Air Force (RAF) Odiham has delivered new radar equipment to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. This is part of a Defence-wide project to upgrade air traffic management systems across 65 units in the UK and across the globe. The equipment is essential to maintain safety and security of the air space for military airfields in the UK and Sovereign Base Areas. The fragile equipment was flown to the Upper Rock by experienced aircrew from 27 Squadron.
RAF Gibraltar’s Station Commander, Wing Commander Doherty, paid testament to the skill of the teams involved in the mission. “I am genuinely delighted at the manner in which this difficult task has been achieved, safely. A talented and very broad team have ensured that disruption to the people of Gibraltar was minimised and military operations were uninterrupted,” Wing Commander Doherty RAF Gibraltar’s Station Commander said.
A helicopter was required because the equipment was too big to be transported via road through the narrow tunnels. The Chinook helicopter can lift large loads and so was chosen to undertake the task. Royal Air Force 27 Squadron have provided tactical air transport across the globe. Its Chinook helicopters are extremely capable and highly versatile support helicopters. Each aircraft can carry up to 55 people or 10 tonnes of mixed cargo.
