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Chinook CH47 Helicopter delivers radar components to Rock of Gibraltar

Chinook delivers cargo to the Rock of Gibraltar

A Chinook CH47 helicopter from 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.

Chinook carries loaded sling of cargo over coastline.

The equipment is essential to maintain safety and security of the air space for military airfields in the UK and Sovereign Base Areas.

Chinook carries loaded sling over cargo ship.

The fragile equipment was flown to the Upper Rock by experienced aircrew from 27 Squadron.  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.  

Chinook delivers cargo to the Rock of Gibraltar.

27 Squadron have provided tactical air transport across the globe.  Its Chinook helicopters are extremely capable and highly versatile support helicopters, with each aircraft able to carry up to 55 people or 10 tonnes of mixed cargo. 

Chinook delivers cargo to the Rock of Gibraltar.

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

Chinook carries loaded sling over the Rock of Gibraltar.

Read more about Chinook helicopters.