(NSI News Source Info) RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. - April 14, 2009: Boeing April 13, announced that a fourth U.S. Army unit has fielded the CH-47F Chinook helicopter. Company B, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, is based at Fort Bragg, N.C.
"Fielding the new CH-47F Chinook continues the proud heritage of the unit's aviation history," said Capt. John Gunter, Commander, B Company, 3rd GSAB, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. "The capability of this aircraft will maximize our performance in missions around the world, today and well into the future."
The CH-47F, an upgraded D model, first flew in 2001. The first production model was rolled out on June 15, 2006 at the Boeing facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and had its maiden flight on October 23, 2006.
The CH-47F was designed to extend the service life of the Chinook class beyond 2030. Among its upgrades are new 4,868 shaft horsepower Honeywell engines, improved avionics, and an upgraded airframe with larger single-piece sections to reduce part count and need for fasteners. The new milled construction will reduce vibrations, eliminate points of joint flexing, and reduce the need for inspections and repairs, and reduce maintenance costs. It is also expected to increase service life. The CH-47F can fly at speeds of over 175 mph (282 km/h) with a payload of 21,000 lb (9,530 kg). The improved avionics include a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit, and BAE's Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).
Boeing has delivered 48 F model helicopters to the United States Army; on August 26, 2008, Boeing announced that the Army has signed a five year contract, worth over $4.8 billion for 191 more, plus 24 options.[19] In February 2007 the Netherlands was the first international customer to order the F model, six helicopters were ordered to expand their current fleet to 17. These six helicopters will be equipped with an upgraded version of the Honeywell Avionics Control Management System (ACMS) cockpit. Additional orders are expected from Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom.
The 82nd Airborne "Flippers" have a long and distinguished history of using the Chinook to conduct both military and humanitarian support missions around the world. The division has received numerous accolades for its service from Vietnam to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Fielding the CH-47F is another significant milestone to add to the 82nd's lineage.
"The advanced features of the new aircraft significantly increase the unit's mission capability," said Tommy Filler, director, Boeing CH-47F Program. "Our quality commitment and daily focus on the production line is 'Soldiers First.' The successful performance of the CH-47F helicopter in theater is a direct result of that commitment."
The CH-47F, built at Boeing's Rotorcraft Systems facility in Ridley Township, Pa., features a newly designed, modernized airframe, a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and a BAE Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).
The CAAS greatly improves aircrew situational awareness, and DAFCS provides dramatically improved flight-control capabilities through the entire flight envelope, significantly improved performance, and safety in the harshest of environments.
CAAS also incorporates an advanced digital map display and a data transfer system that allows storing of preflight and mission data. Improved survivability features include the Common Missile Warning and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser systems.
Powered by two 4,733-horsepower Honeywell engines, the new CH-47F can reach speeds greater than 175 mph and transport more than 21,000 pounds. The CH-47F, with the Robertson Aviation Extended Range Fuel System, has a mission radius of more than 400 nautical miles.
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