Three of the RAF's newly upgraded Westland/Aerospatiale Puma HC2 medium transport helicopters will be deployed to Afghanistan this year marking the type's first combat mission. The Pumas will replace three Chinook HC2s currently stationed in Kabul assisting the NATO Resolute Support mission until it is complete. The Chinooks were previously deployed with 1310 Flight at Camp Bastion but following the final withdrawal from Helmand Province relocated to the Afghan capital. The helicopters are the last disclosed RAF assets in the country. Work to upgrade the last of the RAF's Puma HC1s to HC2 standard has been completed by Eurocopter Romania. A ceremony was held at the company's facility in Ghimbav, Brasov, on December 9 to mark the end of the €22m life extension programme. On display at the event was the last of the 24 HC2s, XW220. Enhancements incorporated into the HC2 include new Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines; a full glass cockpit incorporating modern avionics and a flight management system. Also added is a digital automatic flight control system; as well as a secure communications suite, new defensive aids and ballistic protection for crew and passengers. The helicopter's greater onboard fuel capacity and lower fuel consumption will increase the Puma HC2's operating range and it will be able to carry twice the payload over three times the range of its predecessor.
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