Flypasts over Herts & Bucks mark anniversary
The Puma helicopter based at RAF Benson, north of Reading, has been in service with the RAF for 50 years.
A formation of Puma helicopters will mark 50 years of Royal Air Force service with a flypast over various locations in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire today.
The special flypast will include Tring and RAF Halton, at around 10.20am.
The flypast will start and finish at the Puma base at RAF Benson, north of Reading.
Timings:
HALTON - 10.20am
TRING - 10.21am
RAF High Wycombe - 10.22 approx
Route Details
On 29 January 1971, the first Royal Air Force Puma helicopters were delivered into service.
One of the helicopter's taking part in the commemorative flypast is Puma HC Mk2 XW224 which has been given a unique new paint scheme.
The aircraft scheme is similar to that which the first Puma HC Mk 1 aircraft were painted when they were delivered in 1971.
What is a Puma?
The Puma, a medium-lift support helicopter, has flown on combat and humanitarian operations around the world over the last five decades, including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mozambique and the Caribbean.
The helicopters have also supported Defence in the UK such as providing helicopter lift capability to flood relief efforts and the coronavirus pandemic. In early 2020, the Pumas deployed at short notice to Kinloss Barracks to provide vital transport for personnel and equipment in Scotland and Northern England in the early stages of the pandemic, as well as remaining on standby 24/7 to support any task required in the UK.
RAF Benson
RAF Benson is home to two front-line Puma HC2 helicopter squadrons and one Operational Conversion Unit, flying a mix of Puma HC2 and Chinook HC4 helicopters.
It is also home to the Operational Evaluation Unit of the Joint Helicopter Command.