Two new RSAF transport helicopter types achieve full operational capability

Two new transport helicopter types acquired by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) attained full operational capability on April 11.

- Mike Yeo

The Airbus Helicopters' H225M medium-lift and Boeing's CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift transport helicopters are now capable of performing the full suite of missions required by the RSAF.

These include troop transport; carrying underslung loads, which are too big to fit inside the cabin; search and rescue; aeromedical evacuation; and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

The H225M and CH-47F will replace the older Super Puma and CH-47D Chinook previously operated by the RSAF.

They feature improved communications and self-defence capabilities and are able to carry heavier payloads, according to Major Tan Guan Yong, the commanding officer of 126 Squadron.

The squadron operates CH-47Fs alongside the RSAF's existing CH-47SD Chinook, while the H225Ms are flown by 125 Squadron.