RAF Museum Cosford Acquires Combat Veteran Chinook

PRESS RELEASE- The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the legendary RAF Chinook HC6A ‘Bravo November’ helicopter. The newest addition to the Museum’s collection has a distinguished career within the Royal Air Force. It was one of the original 30 Chinooks ordered by the RAF in 1978 and has been in service ever since, serving in every major conflict of the last 40 years. As a veteran of the Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Bravo November has seen four of its pilots awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for actions whilst at the controls of the aircraft.

Bravo November will depart RAF Odiham in Hampshire on 16 March and will travel by road on a low loader lorry. The Chinook will be on public display for the first time ahead of the nation’s Falklands 40 anniversary celebrations commencing 2 April.

Dr. Peter Johnston, RAF Museum Head of Collections said: ‘The Chinook, and in particular, Bravo November is a significant addition to the RAF Museum’s collection in the Midlands. As we look ahead to Falklands 40, Museum visitors will be able to appreciate the enormous efforts and sacrifices that were required for the campaign to be successful by seeing this most famous of airframes. Yet having also performed a variety of roles in worldwide operations since 1982, this highly decorated aircraft has been involved in major moments in British and global history and carries further extraordinary stories of service, sacrifice, and heroism at home and abroad. The RAF Museum is delighted to welcome Bravo November into our collection, ensuring an icon of British aviation is secured for future generations to enjoy.’

The preparations and transportation of Bavo November are being carried out by the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS), predominantly manned by RAF personnel with a small contingent of Royal Navy personnel dedicated to tasks including the road transportation of complete aircraft or their large assemblies.

RAF Odiham in Hampshire is a front-line support helicopter base working within the Joint Helicopter Command. The Station provides critical, rapid support for UK military operations throughout the world. Home of the UK Chinook Force, RAF Odiham operates three Chinook squadrons.