Famous Falklands Chinook preserved at RAF Museum Cosford

Welcome to this latest edition of Aerodrome and our regular look at the fascinating world of aeroplanes and the historic aviation scene in the UK.

We are in the company of aviation greatness in this latest edition of our blog and are delighted to be bringing you a report from a truly monumental moment in the history of British aviation preservation, as the Royal Air Force Museum welcome a true icon of the air into their already impressive collection. Following the recent retirement of Falklands veteran RAF Chinook ZA718 ‘Bravo November’, this national aviation treasure has been allowed to make the journey from its former home at RAF Odiham to the RAF Museum site at Cosford, where she is now on display in all her glory. One of the most significant aviation exhibits in the country, thanks to our friends at Cosford, we will be bringing you a report from the official media preview event which took place last month, where this magnificent aircraft was triumphantly presented in her new display position. Featuring an exclusive selection of images taken on the day of the event, we will be seeing why this is such an important aircraft and why Cosford have just inherited an exhibit which possesses unique historic provenance. If we didn’t already have plenty of excuses to visit this world class museum on a regular basis, the arrival of ‘The Survivor’ has given Cosford essential annual pilgrimage status for many of us. 

Chinook ZA718 - Is she Britain’s single most significant aircraft?

All the images of Chinook ZA718 ‘Bravo November’ shown within this article were all taken during the recent media day held to announce her arrival at the RAF Museum Cosford.

Following the end of the Second World War, the pace of aviation development innovation was unrelenting amongst the victorious Allied powers, with captured German technology providing both valuable data and a new technological impetus in the search for ever faster aeroplanes. Alongside this quest for speed and highlighting the ever evolving nature of aviation, the emergence of rotary power may not have captured the imagination of the public in the same way as record capturing jet fighters were doing, but military planners quickly recognised the many potential benefits a reliable and effective helicopter would yield. As this work continued somewhat in the shadow of more glamourous jet powered projects, helicopter technology slowly matured to a point where rotary power was ready to announce its credentials as arguably the most versatile aviation assets the world had yet seen, with the ability to perform tasks which no other aircraft types come close to achieving. 

During the 1950s, the first reliable helicopter types entered service across the world and immediately displayed the versatility which would make them invaluable in performing many military and civilian applications. Proving equally effective in delivering troops and supplies into areas which were simply inaccessible to other aircraft types, as they were at rescuing grateful holiday makers from the sea when getting themselves into a spot of trouble, the helicopter has established itself in so many ways and whether operating in a military of humanitarian role, really have no equal in the aviation world.

An aircraft which possibly underlines the qualities of the modern helicopter more effectively than any other type, the mighty Boeing CH-47 Chinook has already been in military service for an impressive sixty years and shows no sign of disappearing from our skies any time soon. The distinctive tandem twin rotor configuration of this heavy lift helicopter cleverly counteracts the effects of engine torque by having each of its huge rotor blade stacks rotate in opposite directions, thus negating the need for the tail rotor we traditionally associate with helicopters. An extremely impressive machine, the Chinook made its first flight back in 1961 and since that date, has gone on to become one of the most effective aircraft designs of the post war era, one which is capable of operating in almost any environment, no matter how inhospitable the terrain. Clearly, this has made the Chinook invaluable when performing a great many roles with both military and civilian applications. 

Is there a more famous serial to be found on a post war British aircraft than ZA718?

The unrivalled versatility and load carrying capabilities of the Chinook has ensured this mighty beast of a machine is now one of the most famous aircraft to see post war service across the world and indeed with our own Royal Air Force. Equally at home on the battlefields of the Middle East as it is dropping ballast sacks to prevent a dam burst a little closer to home, the Chinook has now been in RAF service since 1980, with the latest variant of this magnificent machine further enhancing its already legendary operational flexibility still further. As well as being one of the most important aircraft currently in service, the Chinook also happens to be the consummate Airshow performer and a real crowd favourite wherever it displays. Demonstrating the aircraft’s power and manoeuvrability to tens of thousands of Airshow-goers every summer, these impressive aircraft retain their operational status at all times and whilst crews practice in advance of their latest Airshow engagement, know they could be called away on international deployment at a moment’s notice, such is the reliance on their aircraft. 

If you are fortunate enough to experience a Wokka display, there is nothing quite like seeing one of these huge helicopters being hurled around the sky in a manner which almost defies logic, with the sound of the Chinook’s iconic ‘blade slap’ leaving a lasting impression on any who hear it.

The legend of ‘Bravo November’

An iconic profile and a truly historic aircraft, Chinook ‘Bravo November’ tells a fascinating story of post war RAF service and has been granted a fitting retirement home at the RAF Museum Cosford.

It is difficult to describe just how significant an aircraft Boeing Chinook ZA718 ‘Bravo November’ actually is within the annals of British Military history and how it overcame incredible adversity to ensure it was able to continue doing its vital duty. Part of an initial order for 33 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters placed by Britain in 1978, ZA718 joined a re-formed RAF No.18 Squadron at Odiham in late 1980, with British Chinooks taking the designation HC.1 (Helicopter Cargo Mk.1). Almost before the aircraft had the chance to settle into RAF service, a dramatic development on the other side of the world would see ZA718, now coded ‘BN’ and referred to phonetically as ‘Bravo November’, sent as part of a small detachment of Chinooks to help a British naval Task Force re-take the Falkland Islands from Argentinean occupation.

Travelling aboard the requisitioned container ship Atlantic Conveyor, ‘Bravo November’ was one of five RAF Chinooks stored on the deck of the ship as it steamed towards the South Atlantic, protected against the elements by wrapping them in Dri-Clad covers and corrosion inhibitors. The Atlantic Conveyor would also be used to transport 6 Wessex helicopters, several Scout light helicopters, 8 Sea Harrier FRS.1s and 6 RAF Harrier GR.3s, in addition to assorted supplies of war and various types of ammunition.

As the ship approached the Falkland Islands and disembarked its complement of RAF and Fleet Air Arm Harriers, ‘Bravo November’ and one other Chinook had their protective coverings removed, rotor blades reattached and prepared to make a first post voyage test flight. In advance of the anticipated hectic schedule of supply transportation, Bravo November used her test flight on 25th May 1982 to pick up a load of cargo from HMS Glasgow, but whilst she was in the air, the Atlantic Conveyor was struck by two Exocet missiles fired from Argentinean Navy Super Etendard jets. Despite the heroic efforts of the crew, fire eventually engulfed the vessel and hastened the order to abandon ship, leaving the fire to destroy all the ships vital cargo, including all the remaining helicopters on her deck, including the other four Chinooks.

Aware of this tragic development and the fact that they were now the only British heavy lift helicopter available to the Task Force, the crew of ‘Bravo November’ landed their aircraft aboard HMS Hermes, knowing that she now had an incredibly heavy burden of work placed on her shoulders. What makes this story all the more incredible is that all of the aircraft’s support equipment, was lost with the destruction of Atlantic Conveyor and during the several weeks of critical activity to come, the aircraft’s crew would have to operate her without the benefit of spare parts, technical manuals, specialist lubricants and dedicated toolsets. It is also important to remember that at that time, the Chinook had only been in Royal Air Force service for a few short months.

Performing heroically throughout her time in the South Atlantic, ‘Bravo November’ would also earn her pilot Squadron Leader Richard Langworthy a DFC for actions whilst flying the Chinook during a heavy snowstorm. Travelling at speed, the pilot attempted to fly under the storm, however, a faulty altimeter caused the aircraft to strike the sea, but thankfully, at a slight nose up attitude. With sea spray entering the engines, the pilot as able to coax the Chinook back into the air once he had received a damage report, returning to its temporary base, where a full damage assessment could be undertaken. Around this time, ‘Bravo November’ was to receive its nickname ‘The Survivor’, a mark of respect and term of endearment for a hard working helicopter which was making such a valuable contribution to the war effort in the South Atlantic. Incredibly, by the end of her lengthy service career, three other airmen would be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross whilst flying her in various combat zones around the world.

With its legendary load carrying capability, it is rumoured that during the Falklands War, this magnificent aircraft managed to cram 81 troops into this space, twice the number it was cleared to carry. 

Is it any wonder the Chinook has proved invaluable to the Royal Air Force since its introduction in 1980?

I spotted this commemorative plaque on the step up to the cockpit area of ‘Bravo November’.

If you were assigned to serve on ‘Bravo November’, you knew she would bring you home safely - it was written in the aviation stars!

On her return to the UK, there was to be no let-up in the workload for this now famous aircraft, as she helped to establish the new Chinook force into Royal Air Force service, until when in 1994, she was to become the first RAF Chinook to undergo upgrade to HC.2 standard.

As if she had not already established her service reputation in the RAF, ‘Bravo November’ would also go on to play a prominent role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and is widely thought to have been the first British helicopter to land Royal Marines on Iraqi soil at the start of the conflict. She would also earn one of her pilots another DFC during Operation Telic, however, this magnificent machine was still not done yet.

2006 brought another overseas military deployment for ‘Bravo November’ this time as part of the coalition anti-terror operations in Afghanistan, where the aircraft would once again be placed in the combat zone, not only to deliver and re-supply troops, but also to evacuate those wounded in action. This venerable old warhorse continued to roll back the years and carry on the vital work she started back in the South Atlantic a quarter of a century earlier, providing heavy-lift support for troops fighting in extremely challenging circumstances. ‘Bravo Novembers’ Afghanistan service would see two more of her pilots awarded the DFC, one for Flight Lieutenant Craig Wilson in June 2006 and a final one for Flight Lieutenant Ian Fortune in 2010.

In a glittering service career which spanned over 40 years, Chinook ZA718 ‘Bravo November’ earned the reputation as a heavy-lift helicopter workhorse which would not be beaten, keeping her troops safe and supplied, but when they were in need of medical assistance, coming to their aid no matter how intense the fighting around the landing zone, taking them to where they could receive the help they needed. Known as ‘The Survivor’, this magnificent aircraft has taken part in every major conflict where British forces have had boots on the ground during that time and has benefited from major upgrades on three separate occasions. Over that time, most of her parts have gradually been replaced, however, her famous lineage, ZA718 serial and unrivalled reputation have remained constant. She has to be considered the most significant individual RAF aircraft of the post war era, standing testament to the effectiveness of the modern helicopter and the bravery of the crews who flew them.

Retirement for an airborne warrior that simply refused to yield

In a year which marks both 42 years of RAF Chinook operations and the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, it is somehow fitting that this most famous of aircraft should be allowed to finally cash in her flying hours and to enter a hard-earned retirement as a unique piece of the nation’s aviation heritage. Her amazing story is such that there must have been quite a battle of sorts to secure her in retirement, but that struggle has been won by the Royal Air Force Museum, who have prepared a fitting home for ZA718 at their Cosford site. ‘Bravo November’ left her home at RAF Odiham for the final time on 16th March this year, travelling by road to be unloaded and re-assembled  by RAF Museum technicians and RAF engineers, in advance of a special media preview day, where she would be unveiled in her new display position.

We were fortunate enough to be invited to this memorable occasion where following introductions from Maggie Appleton, Chief Executive of the RAF Museum and Dr Peter Johnson, the RAF Museum’s Head of Collections, we were allowed special access to this most historic of aeroplanes, paying our own personal respects to an aircraft whose exploits have become the stuff of aviation legend. The invited guests also included several former service personnel who had time on ‘Bravo November’, including Squadron Leader Steve Carr, who was awarded a DFC whilst flying this famous aircraft.

I must admit to being a little starstruck whilst in the presence of such aviation royalty and as the majority of the invited guests slowly started to head home and Hangar 1, which had been temporarily closed to the public for the duration of the event falling eerily silent, I enjoyed a little quality time with this famous old warhorse. I could hardly believe that I was gazing upon such an aviation legend, let alone being allowed to climb aboard her - what a treat. The service history of this this aircraft is quite astonishing and the fact that the public will now have the opportunity to admire ‘The Survivor’ in all her glory will surely inspire many youngsters to consider military service in the years to come, or even a career in the wider aviation industry.

The RAF Museum Cosford has always been a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts and those looking for an interesting day out, but having said that, the arrival of ‘Bravo November’ has, in my humble opinion, transformed this into a must-visit destination, perhaps one which will inspire annual aviation pilgrimages for millions of people. One thing is certain, the museum have just inherited an aviation exhibit of real distinction, an aircraft which has an incredible story to tell and one which we are now all in the fortunate position of being able to visit whenever we feel the urge. No visit to the Midlands can now be complete without a detour to Cosford and the chance to introduce yourself to this famous Chinook. The RAF Museum are now the custodians of a famous aircraft which will surely be admired by millions of people in the years to come, one which helps to tell the story of the post war Royal Air Force.

With Boeing Chinook ZA718 ‘Bravo November’ due to go on public display this coming weekend, when are you planning to come and introduce yourself to arguably the most famous Royal Air Force aircraft of the post war era?

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Communications Team at Royal Air Force Museum Cosford for their kind event invitation and for arranging such a memorable welcome for this most famous helicopter. It provides them with a significant addition to their post WWII collection and is quite the star attraction.

Forming part of the Museum’s new Falklands War display, ‘Bravo November’ was afforded a guard of honour for her triumphant arrival. 

An aircraft which possesses a truly amazing history, Chinook ‘Bravo November’ is waiting to welcome legions of new admirers to her new home at the RAF Museum Cosford.

I’m afraid that’s all we have for you in this latest edition of Aerodrome, but we will have more of the same in just four weeks’ time. Should any reader have an interesting aviation story they would like to tell, or could share details of an interesting aviation heritage project taking place near to them, please do consider sending details to us here at Aerodrome, so we can share them with our ever-growing, worldwide blog audience, who I am certain would be delighted to learn about it. 

To send us details, or to simply open lines of blog communication, please use our aerodrome@airfix.com address when getting in touch.

Between editions of our blog, you will always find interesting aviation discussions taking place on the Airfix Aerodrome Forum and if social media is your thing, the bottom of both the Airfix and Corgi home pages have all the access links you will need. 

The next edition of Aerodrome is scheduled to be published on Friday 29th April, where we will have another aviation story to bring you.

Thank you, as always, for continuing to support our Aerodrome blog.

Michael

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