First two overhauled Chinooks handed over for active service

Six other revamped RAF helicopters, mothballed after an avionics computer codes gaffe, will be ready by the end of the year

Two chinooks handed over for active service

The first two of eight Chinook helicopters mothballed nearly 10 years ago following a blunder over their avionics computer codes have been handed over for active service.

Defence secretary Bob Ainsworth said they would support coalition efforts in Afghanistan and that all eight would be processed by makers Boeing, given new engines and be available for service by the end of the year.

He claimed that despite the scandal, the final arrival of the aircraft "is further evidence of the measures we have taken to strengthen our support helicopter force".

Boeing UK Rotorcraft Support managing director David Pitchforth said work on the helicopters was proceeding ahead of schedule.

The conversion has added £90m to the total cost of the fleet, taking it to £422m and the helicopters are the most expensive in the RAF at £52m each.