Summaryedit

Licensingedit

	This file is licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0.
	Attribution: Photo: Sgt Mitch Moore RAF/MOD
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Photo's description:

The final flight of Puma HC1 helicopters from RAF Benson gets under way. Four Puma helicopters left RAF Benson for a farewell flight over the Oxfordshire countryside. Helicopters and crews from both Squadrons (33 Sqn and 230 Sqn) which operate the aircraft took part in a formation of four helicopters. Servicemen and Servicewomen of RAF Benson come out to witness the final landing in front of Puma Force Headquarters and join in celebrations to commemorate this momentous day. Puma is currently undergoing a major upgrade with Eurocopter that will see a new glass cockpit and engines fitted among other enhancements. 24 aircraft will be upgraded to Puma HC2 standard that will see Puma remain in service until at least 2025. The Puma HC1 first entered service in 1971, and the RAF currently has a fleet of 34 aircraft available to the front-line Support Helicopter Force. The aircraft are operated by Nos 33 and 230 Squadrons, both based at RAF Benson. The combined Puma Force is separated into 5 operational flights and an operational conversion flight, which offers flexibility in its role with both desert warfare and arctic warfare specialist equipment available for fitting to the aircraft. The Pumas are used as battlefield helicopters within the Joint Helicopter Command and provide tactical troop and load movement by day or by night. The aircraft can carry up to 16 passengers or 12 fully-equipped troops, or up to two tonnes of freight carried either internally or as an under-slung load. The other major role is that of casualty or medical evacuation support, for which up to six stretchers can be fitted. Each aircraft is equipped with satellite- based GPS equipment and an instrument landing system, enabling the aircraft to be navigated accurately and to be landed at suitably equipped airfields in poor weather conditions. The normal crew of two pilots, or a pilot and a weapons systems officer, plus a crewman, is trained in procedural ins Object Name: Ben-Unclass-20121214-964-542