Welcome to the 2010 edition of Chinook News
The Ultimate Machine Delivers Unmatched Performance With First Deployments in OEF/OIF.
U.S. Army Photo
Without question, this is the most exciting year ever for the H-47 program, with deliveries, new contract awards and of course program performance. We continue to deliver aircraft at a terrific pace, and have trained and equipped five units, and four of those have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, one has completed its first deployment and is safely home. The performance of the aircraft has been nothing short of extraordinary. Its operational ready rate exceeded 90 percent, and it is being tasked with assault missions, transport, resupply and rescue operations in every imaginable environment. Pilots and crews report the stability of the new airframe, the situational awareness of the cockpit and the capability of the Digital Advanced Flight Control System have contributed to greatly improved performance in mission execution. The aircraft is earning its nickname of the Ultimate Machine.
Thanks to the dedication of extraordinary people on the program, the U.S. Army customer awarded us a five-year contract for 191 CH-47Fs. In addition to providing long-term stability to the program, the hard work of our employees and our Team Chinook partners also produced a $499 million savings for the American taxpayer. And it ensured that our troops receive a state-of-the-art aircraft that will provide them with advanced capabilities well into the 21st century.
Two New CH-47F Fleets for the International Community
In May 2009 Boeing and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, were awarded a contract for the manufacture and support of 16 ICH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Italian army. The contract makes Boeing the prime subcontractor to AgustaWestland for the new aircraft. Boeing will build the ICH-47F fuselage at its facility in Ridley Park, Pa. Prime contractor AgustaWestland will be responsible for design and systems integration, aircraft final assembly and delivery to the Italian army. AgustaWestland is expected to begin deliveries in 2013. In August 2009, the Government of Canada awarded Boeing a contract for 15 new CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. Designated the CH-147F in Canada, the aircraft have been contracted to meet requirements of Canada’s Medium to Heavy Lift Helicopter program.
In addition to the aircraft acquisition, Boeing is contracted to provide 20 years of in-service support of the CH-147 fleet, including training tools, maintenance and other expertise.
In October 2009, we mark the 25th anniversary of the CH-47 Chinook in service in Japan. The anniversary demonstrates a continuation of Boeing’s commitment to support Japanese industry and defense needs. Boeing and Japanese manufacturing leader Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd recently renewed a licensing agreement for production of additional Chinook helicopters that will serve the Japan Ground and Air Self-Defense Forces.
It goes without saying that the success of the program is the result of the dedication of every single person who works tirelessly to deliver on our promise to the troops around the world.
We have an exceptional work force with talented and dedicated employees, and we are proud to build the Ultimate Machine.
Soldiers First!
Jack Dougherty,
vice president, H-47 programs