Boeing-Vertol Chinook HC.6A ZA718 Bravo November

This Chinook, known as Bravo November, is the RAF’s most famous helicopter. As one of the first Chinooks ordered by the RAF in 1978, she has participated in most major conflicts of the last four decades. Four of her pilots have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions while at the controls of this aircraft.

In 1982, Bravo November was one of four Chinooks being carried south to support the liberation of the Falkland Islands. On 25 May, while she was airborne, an Argentine Exocet missile struck the container ship Atlantic Conveyor. The resulting fire destroyed the other Chinooks, the spares and maintenance equipment, leaving Bravo November as the only survivor. However, the skill of the technicians and aircrew of No. 18 Squadron kept her flying for the remainder of the campaign, helping deliver victory through carrying out essential tasks such as moving troops, supplies, casualties and POWs. Bravo November went on to serve for another 40 years, and was operational in both the Iraq War and Afghanistan.