Recently placed in service with the Singapore Air Force, the latest version of twin-rotor Chinook will increase its presence in the region following an order by Taiwan for nine CH-47SD ("Super D") machines. Deliveries under the $300 FMS contract begin next year and will augment three of the notionally civilian-version Boeing 234s used by the local air force for VIP transport and humanitarian missions since the early 1980s. The Super D was introduced 12 months ago, since when orders and options have been received for nearly 20.