A Royal Air Force CH47 Chinook Helicopter re-supplying a patrol base in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Tuesday December 15, 2009. The Ministry of Defence has announced plans to buy 22 new Chinook helicopters to increase air support on the frontline in Afghanistan. See PA story POLITICS Defence. Photo credit should read: Sean Clee/MoD/PA Wire A Royal Air Force CH47 Chinook Helicopter re-supplying a patrol base in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Tuesday December 15, 2009. The Ministry of Defence has announced plans to buy 22 new Chinook helicopters to increase air support on the frontline in Afghanistan. See PA story POLITICS Defence. Photo credit should read: Sean Clee/MoD/PA Wire
A Royal Air Force CH47 Chinook Helicopter re-supplying a patrol base in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Tuesday December 15, 2009. The Ministry of Defence has announced plans to buy 22 new Chinook helicopters to increase air support on the frontline in Afghanistan. See PA story POLITICS Defence. Photo credit should read: Sean Clee/MoD/PA Wire

19 great photos celebrating 40 years of the RAF's Chinook

This year the Royal Air Force is celebrating 40 years since the first Chinook was delivered.

The historic aircraft made its first arrival at a Hampshire base, RAF Odiham, on November 22 1980.

To mark the milestone the RAF is running its 40 Faces Campaign to show off the significant contribution the Chinook has made to UK defence.

People with stories of their time with the Chinook Force have been asked to share their memories covering its full 40 years of service.

The Chinook has been involved in every major conflict since the Falklands War, including seeing action in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Afghanistan.

Here are a selection of great photos showing the life of the Chinook.

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