RAF Puma fleet hits 30,000 flying hours
The Royal Air Force (RAF) Puma helicopter fleet has achieved 30,000 flying hours since the Puma 2 helicopter came into service in 2015.
Operated by the Puma Force at RAF Benson, the Puma HC Mk 2 has delivered a third of those hours in support of Operation TORAL in Afghanistan.
Shortly after reaching Full Operating Capability, the Puma force deployed to Kabul in Afghanistan to provide helicopter support to the ongoing NATO training mission in March 2015. Operating in all conditions, the Puma provides air transport to NATO personnel and visiting dignitaries in and around Kabul 24/7.
The aircraft also proved its ability to support humanitarian relief missions during Operation RUMAN in the Caribbean in September 2017.
Group Captain Adam Wardrope, the Station Commander of RAF Benson and the Puma Force Commander, said: ‘A third of all flying completed on operations is quite unprecedented.
‘With RAF Benson and the Puma Force working closely with colleagues in DE&S and industry, it has resulted in a remarkable number of hours and continued support to Operation TORAL for almost five years.’
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
