RAF Puma's replace the Bell 212s/412s in Cyprus/Brunei...

[Stratofreighter]

https://twitter.com/GarethJennings3/sta ... 7565149191

The UK New Medium Helicopter (#NMH) takes a slight twist,
as CO Joint Helicopter Command discloses
the Puma itself will be the interim platform for the 212 in Brunei and 412 in Cyprus
until a replacement for all three (plus the Dauphins used by the SAS) is acquired.

Notes early retirement for 212 in September 2022 and 412 in April 2023 (no official word on Dauphin).

Indicates Puma will remain through to current planned out of service date of 2025,
despite earlier indications there may be a capability gap.

Given it took the entire Puma force to produce three cabs in Afghanistan this could be interesting...

The contract for 84 Sqn was or would have been up for review in 2020 anyhow so from I gather …

https://twitter.com/GarethJennings3/sta ... 7565149191

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.facebook.com/BFBSBrunei/vid ... 019301787/

30 september 2022 ·
Today, the Bell 212 retires from The British Army and The Army Air Corps leaves Brunei after over 50 years
With 28 years of flying across Southeast Asia, 36,000 plus flying hours, and over 2,000 lives saved in Brunei alone, thanks to this helicopter, it really is the end of an era.
Here are some of the most memorable moments from the people who have worked with her, and as part of the Army Air Corps detachment, during her time in the jungle…
(Thank you to 667 Squadron members and units for the video footage)

https://www.facebook.com/BFBSBrunei/vid ... /427295019

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news ... -in-cyprus

On 6 February 2023,
two Puma HC2s departed from RAF Benson in England to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to begin a long-term detachment. (Crown Copyright)

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has despatched
two Westland-Aerospatiale SA 330E Puma HC2 medium-lift helicopters from the UK
to take over search-and-rescue (SAR) duties in Cyprus.

The service announced the deployment on 6 February 2023,
saying that a third Puma helicopter
will soon be sent to join the two that have now begun their 3,500 km flight from RAF Benson in England to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The Pumas are being deployed to RAF Akrotiri to take on SAR duties from the Bell 412 helicopters operated by 84 Squadron.

It follows a similar recent transition to the Puma from the Bell 212 for 1563 (Brunei) Flight.

As previously outlined by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD),
the RAF's 23 Pumas are taking on the roles of the
Army Air Corps' 212 and the RAF's 412 helicopters
as those contracted services run their course.

The Puma itself – along with the Airbus Dauphin –
is set to be replaced by the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) that is due to enter service from 2025.

Hmmmmm.....
https://www.pprune.org/military-aviatio ... st11381894
Hope the RAF-crew got some training...

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/0 ... in-cyprus/

Pictured: RAF Puma helicopters replace Griffin models in Cyprus

Aerial images, showing the Puma in green and the Griffin in grey, capture the handover at Royal Air Force Akrotiri on the island

1 April 2023 • 4:35pm

The Royal Air Force's Puma helicopters formally replaced Griffin models in Cyprus in a "historic" handover.

These aerial images, showing the Puma in green and the Griffin in grey,
capture the scene at Royal Air Force Akrotiri on the island.

The Puma HC Mk2 will perform emergency response, firefighting and military support functions in Cyprus
but can also be used in a variety of combat roles,
including the tactical movement of troops and weapons on the battlefield,
as well as the extraction of casualties.

The aircraft can carry 16 passengers, 12 fully equipped troops or up to two tonnes of cargo. It is also employed during humanitarian and disaster relief operations.