Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter technicians now have access to latest generation interactive training technology to speed up their learning and development.

Defence Equipment and Support, the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence, has accepted into service a Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT) for the Chinook Maintenance School at RAF Odiham, Hampshire.

The new digital training system, comprises of an up-to-date software technology, along with large, interactive touchscreens, for classroom instruction and laptops for individual study and use “in the field”.

The system is a step-change for Chinook technician training and displays a highly realistic, dynamic 3D model of the aircraft together and replicates a wide range of faults which the student can diagnose and rectify.

Boeing Defence UK (BDUK) was awarded a contract worth £7m to deliver the Chinook VMT in 2023 with a two-year lead-time to acceptance into service. This was achieved on time and to budget, with BDUK working with US sub-contractor DiSTI Corporation.

The VMT’s realism is designed to give students greater knowledge and confidence by the time they have completed their courses, enabling them to become fully qualified more quickly.

Mark Langrill, Director Rotary Wing & Uncrewed Air Systems at DE&S, said:

“Provision of this cutting edge Virtual Maintenance Trainer demonstrates a real investment in our personnel, leveraging technology to transform how the RAF trains its technicians, both in traditional classroom settings and remotely, to support Chinook operations.

“The system harnesses leading edge software to create a resource that will significantly enhance engineering training for years to come, with a clear upgrade path to ensure it replicates the real aircraft and remains relevant.”

He added: “The project serves as a prime example of collaborative efforts between industry partners, as well as Ministry of Defence teams at RAF Odiham and Defence Equipment and Support.”

Group Captain Matt Roberts, RAF Chinook Force Commander, said:

“The close collaboration across the Chinook force, with technicians playing a central role in both the requirement setting and development of the project, has facilitated the successful and timely delivery against a demanding schedule.

“The VMT will give students greater knowledge and confidence by the time they have completed their courses and enable them to become fully qualified more quickly, all of which contributes to the operational effectiveness of this immensely capable helicopter”.

Leanne Legge, Boeing Defence UK vertical lift director, said:

“The British armed forces has one of the highest calibre of pilots, aircrew and maintenance technicians in the world, and Boeing is proud to play a leading and enduring role in their training cycle.”

“Partnering with DE&S and the RAF, alongside DiSTI, to deliver this step change in capability will ensure continued excellence in UK Chinook aircraft maintenance technicians for decades to come.”

 The UK’s Chinook fleet is stationed at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, providing the RAF with crucial heavy lift capabilities for various deployments, including numerous humanitarian missions both domestically and internationally, a role it has performed admirably for the past four decades.