Posted on 06/20/2006 5:22:55 AM PDT by ladtx
RIDLEY TOWNSHIP -- The Boeing Co. unveiled a new generation of Chinook helicopters Thursday that could be used by the Army as early as May 2007 and keep the Chinook in operation for another 30 years. Boeing’s CH-47F features a more modernized airframe and enhanced avionics from the company’s stellar CH-47D model, which will allow for easier navigation.
The CH-47F aircraft on display at the rollout ceremony was the first of 452 Boeing will assemble over the next 12 years at its Ridley plant as part of the U.S. Army Cargo Helicopter modernization program. The company will also refurbish 61 CH-47D models and turn them into the newer model, delivering a total of 513 Chinooks to the Army.
(Excerpt) Read more at delcotimes.com ...
As a former Chinook instructor pilot I'm glad to see this further upgrade. It's a great aircraft and next to the venerable Huey one of the best ever built.
Any pictures? TIA
Great, Thank You !
Pinging to the new Chinook.
ping
Seems to me we could have saved tons of taxpayer dollars if the Marines had gotten on board for this buy instead of chasing the Osprey.
The Marines would never buy the -47; they would have to admit the Army has a good aircraft. ;o)
The only thing that irritates me about this story is the authors use of the term "chopper" in the headline. I don't recall any Army aviator ever referring to his aircraft as a "chopper". Might as well call it a "whirlybird" if you're going to call it a "chopper".
AKA The non-essential bus. ;-)
I used to tell my students that the non-essential bus was the one that took you out to the parking spot on the flight line and the essential bus was the one that picked you up when you landed.
I don't think the chinook would be able to deploy aboard LHA's or LHD's, or LPD's.
I'm a UH-1H, UH-60A and C-12 guy. Never had the privilege of flying the Chinook. Not even as a passenger.
I enjoyed the Chinook just because you felt like you could really get some work done. When I was stationed in Korea we would keep a monthly running total of tonnage hauled just to give us bragging rights over everone else. But for just pure flying fun the OH-58 wins, hands down.
Are you going to the VCPA reunion in DC this year?
Oops, I meant VHPA.
You just know I couldn't resist.
They fold the blades and put them on C-17s and I believe they have deployed somewhere via ship.
Not going to make it this year either. I've never been to one, seems like something else always comes up. I would like to make one some time just to see some of the old crowd before they (we) all just fade away.
You'll have mail in a few minutes.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.