Chinook HC3 finally enters service; Lynx AH9A

After lying in storage for years following a fiasco involving control software the RAF has finally accepted into service the first 2 of 8 Chinook HC3 helicopters and the type has now achieved initial operational capability clearance. All 8 are expected to be received by the RAF by the end of the year. The HC3s remained unusable since 2002 because of an inability to certify their software but the HC3s have now had their avionics bought (downgraded we assume) to HC2/2A standard. The Army has also received the first 4 of 12 upgraded Lynx AH9A with new more powerful engines for Afghanistan operations. The rest of the AH9 fleet may also be upgraded at a later stage.