July 23, 2009: Stung by complaints that not enough helicopters could be provided for British troops in Afghanistan, the government has agreed to spend $10 billion over the next decade to upgrade their military helicopter fleet. The most urgent need is more powerful engines for the Lynx scout helicopter. These were recently withdrawn from Afghanistan because the higher altitudes, and Summer heat there, proved too much for the current Lynx engine (which could not generate sufficient lift for safe operation.) The Chinook (CH-47D) will also get more powerful engines, which will improve their (currently) adequate performance in Afghanistan.
