The first CH-147F was accepted by the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and will be followed by six additional aircraft over the remainder of 2013. [Photo:Boeing]
Boeing has delivered the first of 15 new CH-147F Chinook helicopters to
the Royal Canadian Air Force, making Canada the operator of one of the most
capable Chinook variants delivered to the global market.
The aircraft’s features include a modernised airframe with a long-range
fuel system, upgraded electrical system, fully integrated Common Avionics
Architecture System cockpit, and Digital Automatic Flight Control System.
The aircraft also has improved survivability features including a
Directional Infrared Countermeasures system.
“Since receiving the contract in 2009, Boeing has executed the program on
or ahead of schedule for every major milestone, including first flight and now
the delivery of the first aircraft,” Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice
president, Cargo Helicopters said.
The first CH-147F was accepted by the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 450
Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and will be followed by six additional aircraft
over the remainder of 2013.
The Canadian government awarded Boeing a contract for 15
Medium-to-Heavy-Lift Helicopters (MHLH) and in-service support in June 2009;
all deliveries are scheduled to be completed by June 2014.
Boeing will provide in-service support to the MHLH fleet for the next 20
years under a Performance-Based Logistics contract.
The company has already awarded six contracts to Canadian suppliers for
services under the program.