• An Australian CH-47D shares the ramp with two US F-model “Foxtrot” colleagues. The Australian Army has just commissioned its first two Foxtrots at Townsville.
    An Australian CH-47D shares the ramp with two US F-model “Foxtrot” colleagues. The Australian Army has just commissioned its first two Foxtrots at Townsville.
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Army commissions first two Foxtrot Chinooks

6 May 2015
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Philip Smart | Adelaide

Army has commissioned the first two of seven new CH-47F Chinook helicopters in a ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville.

The first two “Foxtrots” are part of a $631 million package that includes two already delivered flight simulators and associated facilities at Townsville, with all major equipment deliveries expected by August this year.

Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment will operate the aircraft.

The F-model CH-47 introduces more powerful engines and composite rotor blades, plus airframe structure changes to reduce vibration and structural enhancements to the cockpit, cabin, aft section, pylon and ramp.

It also includes digital flight controls, with a five-screen Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) cockpit.

The aircraft and associated equipment are being purchased through the United States Foreign Military Sales program; maintenance support will be provided locally through partnerships with Boeing Defence Australia and BAE Systems.

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