RAF Puma HC Mk2: Final Flypasts Over Binevenagh & Giant's Causeway

Get ready for a historic send-off as the iconic RAF Puma HC Mk2 helicopters take their final tour across the UK on March 26th and 27th, 2025!

From the breathtaking Mach Loop in North Wales to the storied skies over Aldergrove in Northern Ireland, these legendary choppers have been a symbol of excellence since 1972.

RAF Benson invites the public to celebrate their incredible legacy and the countless daring missions they've flown. Capture the moment as they soar overhead, and share your photos with #54AndOut.

On 26th March, they’ll kick off their farewell journey from RAF Benson, making memorable stops at RAF Odiham, Andover, Middle Wallop, Boscombe Down, Hereford, Shobdon, RAF Cosford, RAF Shawbury, RAF Valley, Aldergrove, Binevenagh, Giant's Causeway, Bangor, and finally returning to RAF Valley. 

On the 27th of March, the RAF Puma HC Mk2 helicopters will carry out several flypasts on the mainland. 

Timings will be published soon. 

The Puma HC.Mk 2 medium support helicopter operates under Joint Aviation Command (JAC) control.  The aircraft is used in a variety of combat roles, including the tactical movement of troops, weapons, ammunition and stores on the battlefield, as well as the extraction of casualties and in response to medical emergencies on the frontline.  It is also employed during non-combatant evacuations, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. 

The aircraft is capable of carrying 16 passengers, 12 fully equipped troops or up to 2 tonnes of freight, the latter moved as internal cargo or underslung, or a mix of the two.  It can also be fitted with up to six stretchers for operations in the casualty evacuation or medical emergency response team role.

With more powerful engines, greater range than the Puma HC.Mk 1 and a modern digital cockpit, the Puma HC.Mk 2 is capable of operating in harsh environments, lifting troops, supplies and humanitarian aid wherever needed, especially under hot-and-high conditions.  The aircraft can be prepared for transport by C-17 in just four hours, flown across the globe, and be rebuilt and returned to flying just as quickly at the destination, making it a highly mobile, deployable battlefield support helicopter.

The Puma helicopter will remain in service until March 2025. The retirement of the Puma at this point will enable avoidance of additional in-service costs and focus efforts on introducing Puma’s replacement as quickly as possible. New H145 helicopter will enter service from 2026 and be deployed in both Cyprus and Brunei in support of British forces.