The MoD has been criticised for an ongoing fiasco, having spent £240m on eight Chinook HC3 helicopters which only started to enter service in 2010, years after they were ordered in 1995 and delivered in 2001. A National Audit Office report reveals that the helicopters have been stored in air conditioned hangars in Britain since their 2001[why?] delivery, while troops in Afghanistan have been forced to rely on helicopters which are flying with safety faults. By the time the Chinooks are airworthy, the total cost of the project could be as much as £500m. COUNT 5
QSN1 How much did the MoD spend on Chinook helicopters? ANS1 £240m QSN2 When were the helicopters ordered? ANS2 1995 QSN3 Which office reported that the helicopters were being stored, rather than used? ANS3 National Audit Office QSN4 In what year were the helicopters brought into service? ANS4 2010 QSN5 What is the estimated total cost of the Chinook helicopter project? ANS5 £500m