RAF Chinook HC.3s………what happened to them???

AFM Sept 2000 (page 7) contained an article entitled “UK refuses special Chinook”

It reported that the MoDhad refused delivery of the first (or eight) Chinook HC.3s from Boeing due to software problems on the equipment fit.

The HC.3 was utilised for British special forces missions, penetrating deep into enemy airspace for the insertion/extratcion of troops.

For this it was to have the addition of an IFR probe, FLIR and extrafuel pods……..kinda similar to the US MH-47E, but the actually equipment does differ apparently.

Anyway it reported that the 8 HC.3 were currently with Boeing udergoing further work to iron out these cliches before being passed onto 7sqn RAF, Odiham

A senior RAF spokesmen said her expected them to be in service within 18month to 2 years (so before Sept 200)

This is actually the first I have heard about the existence of a HC.3 program and this is all i could find.
It is now Sept 2003 so is it simply delayed or has it been cancelled, any info would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Joe