News Review: CH-47F Chinooks get the nod | ADM Apr 2010

1 April 2010

The ADF's project to acquire seven CH-47F Chinook medium lift helicopters under Phase 5C of Project Air 9000 received 2nd Pass Approval in February, with the Federal cabinet giving the go-ahead for the $755 million purchase.

The first two aircraft are expected to enter service in 2014, with all seven in service by 2017.

"The Government has now approved the details of this procurement, announced in last year's White Paper, which will replace the existing fleet of six CH-47D Chinooks," the defence minister, Senator Faulkner, said.

"These new helicopters will give the ADF a robust, deployable medium-lift helicopter capability out to 2040."

Senator Faulkner described the existing Chinook helicopters as the mainstay of the ADF's deployable medium-lift helicopter capability.

While the existing fleet of ‘D' model Chinooks had provided outstanding support to the ADF since entering service in 1995, the aircraft faced increasing capability and support issues and had been replaced in production by the new ‘F' model.

"Capability and support issues in the current Chinook helicopters will be addressed with the acquisition of the new model aircraft, which will bring safety, supportability and operational benefits to the ADF," he said.

Manufactured by Boeing in Philaeplhia, the CH-47F offers a strengthened airframe, to reduce airframe fatigue; significantly improved deployability; and digital avionics.

The new aircraft will be procured and maintained in the same broad configuration as the US Army, which is the principal CH-47F operator.

This will provide enhanced benefits to the ADF in areas including spares, support, training and airworthiness.

The Government will consider whether to participate in the United States Chinook Product Improvement Program when information on this program is of second pass quality.

Participation in this program would align the configuration of Australian Chinooks with future United States Army Chinooks.

"The new Australian Chinooks will also receive some additional ADF-specific equipment to meet certain operational and safety requirements," Faulkner said.

The new aircraft will based at Townsville, where the existing CH-47D are operated by ‘C-Squadron' of Army's 5th Aviation Regiment.

"As with the current Chinook fleet, Australian industry will have the opportunity to support the new helicopters as part of through-life support arrangements," he added.