Honeywell has delivered the first batch of 28 T55-L-714A turboshaft engines and fielding kits to the UK's Ministry of Defence for its
CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter fleet. The -714A engine variant increases power by 17 percent to 4,867 shp while lowering fuel consumption by more than 4 percent compared with the current T55 version on the aircraft. The added power has become necessary for the hot and high operations in Afghanistan. The improvements mean greater strategic value of the helicopters to local commanders. Honeywell has supported the T55 engines on the UK Chinook fleet since entering service more than 20 years ago.