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Post by Frenchie on Oct 1, 2009 10:08:38 GMT 1
In Iraq Merlins proved their worth. Now the RAF prepares its helicopters and crews for the challenge of Afghanistan. Report by Sharon Kean. With all RAF aircraft out of Iraq, the priority is now to get all available helicopters to troops in Afghanistan. The Merlin - used mainly to move troops and supplies and evacuate casualties - should be there by the end of the year, increasing the number of UK helicopters by 25 per cent. Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said earlier in the year: "We are working to see if we can increase the number of Chinooks that we've got out in theatre. "We're going to upgrade the Lynx to make sure it can fly all year round in the hot circumstances of Afghanistan. We've doubled the number of helicopter hours and the Merlin gives us the opportunity to get even more helicopter hours to our troops." MoD Article >>Attachments:
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