Slater Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 If these helicopters are so necessary, one wonders why the French don't buy a few for themselves? https://www.janes.com/article/89770/uk-extends-chinook-mission-to-mali Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickoshea52 Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 I recall RAF C-17’s were made available to the French for a similar mission a few years ago, the question I wondered at the time was why not use their shiny new A400M’s?🤭 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammy da fish Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 Part answer your question as why the French did not use their A400’s I doubt if the hold or cargo area is large enough on a 400 and secondly there may not have the right clearance for such loads at the time. There is also a bit cross country help. I came back from Norway in 2007 on a French Airforce A300 as we (the RAF) must of been short of aircraft at the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truro Model Builder Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 Given the size of France's army aviation, I do find it surprising that they have never opted for a heavy lift rotary capability themselves. Admittedly, it might put the local helicopter manufacturing industry's nose out of joint if they went for a couple of dozen CH-53Ks or CH-47Fs, but if you don't build it yourself you have to go to those who do. And yes, I believe that they requested the RAF's help to airlift some big equipment to Mali that the A400M could not carry. Can't remember what. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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