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Progress

Helicopter

In 2007, the Luton base moved to RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire which allowed both bases to enjoy the benefits of a secure RAF station.

The camera and moving map system fitted to the Benson helicopter was upgraded early in the same year to provide the latest state-of-the-art system.

The Chiltern Air Support Unit continues to evolve and progress, providing air support with two aircraft to the five counties of the three consortium forces. The Unit serves an area of 3,270 square miles and 3.5 million people.

On average, the two helicopters are airborne for around 2,200 flying hours per annum, attending up to 6,000 individual tasks. They are involved in over 800 searches for people who are missing, vulnerable or in jeopardy, are directly involved in around 1,000 arrests, and evacuate to hospital more than 50 people who are seriously injured.