Collins Aerospace wins $19 million contract to upgrade RAF CH-47 Chinooks
The UK MoD finalised a deal for 14 H-47 Chinooks after the original 2021 deal for 16 helicopters paused. (Photo: UK Crown Copyright)
The Chinook cockpit upgrade will enhance the UK RAF’s Chinooks’ collaboration with the US and improve operational effectiveness and safety, Collins have claimed.
Collins Aerospace has been awarded a Department of Defence contract worth US$19 million to equip a fleet of the UK’s Royal Air Force H-47 Chinooks with its Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) avionics suite.
According to the company, the avionics suite upgrade will make the UK Chinooks interoperable with the US Chinooks, as the latter uses the same avionics system, digital cockpit displays and applications. Work for the contract is expected to be carried out in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Huntsville, Alabama.
The modular open system approach architecture in the CAAAS suite is designed to integrate multiple communications, navigation and mission sensor subsystems through its hardware and software, Collins has claimed.
Related Articles
UK finalises Chinook heavy-lift helicopter deal following years of delays
“Interoperability with our allies will be crucial in the future fight, particularly when it comes to maintaining air dominance,” said Dave Schreck, VP and general manager of Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace.
“Having the same battle-proven, modernised flight deck technology on both UK and US aircraft will enable our forces to collaborate more seamlessly, lower their workload, and increase operational effectiveness and safety in challenging environments.”
As part of the contract, Collins Aerospace will also work alongside the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) to help the H-47 Chinook meet UK Military Airworthiness Authority’s requirements.
In March 2024, the UK MoD finalised a deal for 14 new Chinook heavy-lift helicopters following years of delays. Delivery of the platform is expected to be completed by the end of 2030.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026]()
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
-
![How can you own the sky?]()
How can you own the sky?
With an unparalleled range of solutions, RTX is equipping pilots with a distinct advantage, before the mission even begins.
-
![DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms]()
DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms
The Nimbrix missile has been developed and tested over the last year and is Saab’s latest cost-effective answer to help armed forces counteract escalating numbers of uncrewed aerial threats on the battlefield.
-
![US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK]()
US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK
The potential sustainment contract will help support the Royal Air Force (RAF) fleet, amid renewed interest from countries in the heavy-lift strategic aircraft.
-
![Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?]()
Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?
While motherships offer multiple operational advantages, the changes in the character of warfare may bring new tactics to the battlefield, reducing their role.
