Boeing CH-147F Chinook for Canada Successfully Completes 1st Flight

Flight validates airworthiness of rotorcraft’s new electrical system, cockpit

The new Boeing  CH-147F Medium-to-Heavy-Lift Helicopter for Canada is progressing ahead of schedule after making its first flight on June 24.

"Boeing and the Canadian Department of National Defence are focused on delivering the next generation of advanced vertical-lift aircraft to meet the needs of the Canadian military today and well into the future," said Leanne Caret, Boeing Vertical Lift vice president and H-47 Programs manager.

The inaugural flight lasted more than 80 minutes and confirmed the initial airworthiness of the aircraft, including its new electrical system and advanced Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit, which reduces pilot workload. After the Chinook's third flight on June 25, Boeing also completed the Limited Acceptance Test Procedure to validate aircraft performance and systems. The aircraft will continue to progress through ground and flight test activities in the coming months and soon will be joined by the second CH-147F, which is scheduled to roll off the production line later this month.

The Canadian H-47 Chinook, designated CH-147F by the Canadian Forces, provides advanced features that include a newly designed, modernized airframe with a long-range fuel system, upgraded electrical system, and enhanced 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, internal ballistic protection, and crashworthy, armored pilot and co-pilot seats.

The Canadian government awarded Boeing a contract for 15 Medium-to-Heavy-Lift Helicopters and in-service support in June 2009. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2013.

Boeing Delivers 100th Modified Chinook to US Army

Boeing delivered the 100th modified CH-47F Chinook helicopter to the U.S. Army today in a ceremony at the company's modification center in Millville.

"The Boeing Millville team is proud to have delivered 100 modified Chinooks to the Army on time, using efficient, cost-saving processes," said Peri Widener, Boeing vice president of Rotorcraft Support. "The modification work on new F-model Chinooks gives soldiers in the field the most advanced equipment possible without taking aircraft out of service at the unit or in theater."

"In just over two years since this facility opened its doors, we are marking completion of our 100th Chinook helicopter locally, thanks to outstanding cooperation among Boeing, the U.S. Army, the Delaware River & Bay Authority and the city of Millville," said U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "I am proud to celebrate this milestone for high-tech industry in New Jersey."

Boeing opened the Millville facility in February 2010 after signing a five-year lease for hangar space with the Delaware River & Bay Authority at the Millville Municipal Airport.

After the Army takes delivery of the Chinooks from the Boeing production line in Philadelphia, the aircraft are flown to Millville, where Boeing structural and electrical employees make avionics and airframe modifications to support new Army requirements.

"The Millville Modification Center is critical in providing modifications to the CH-47F prior to delivering the aircraft to Army units," said Lt. Col. Brad Killen, CH-47F product manager for the Army.

Boeing modifies the helicopters under an Initial Production and Fielding Support contract that also includes training support on the upgrades for Army Chinook units. Boeing deploys two New Equipment Training teams, consisting of CH-47F mechanics and technicians, to support Army units around the world.