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2014-11-01

FIRST NEW-BUILD MH-47G SPECIAL OPERATIONS CHINOOK

US Army receives helicopter ahead of schedule

Boeing has completed initial flight and delivery of the first, new-build MH-47G-configured Chinook helicopter to the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command ahead of schedule.

“It is an honor to be trusted to design, produce and deliver this advanced capability for the Army Special Operations customer,” said Steve Parker, vice president, cargo helicopters and H-47 program manager. “The advanced technology inherent in the new-build MH-47G ensures that the users and operators will have the superior mission capability that they require.

“This delivery also begins a new chapter that will carry the Chinook forward for many more decades and is the latest demonstration of Boeing and the wider Team Chinook’s commitment to delivering upon promises made.”

The new-build MH-47G configuration incorporates a number of production improvements to include the digital advanced flight control system, more robust, improved monolithic machined-frames, and improved air transportability. The entire program, valued at approximately $300 million, calls for eight aircraft deliveries through 2015

The MH-47G is specially suitable to complete long-range missions at low level, day or night, in adverse weather, over all types of terrain.

The MH-47G’s fully integrated digital Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) permits global communications and navigation. CAAS is among the most advanced U.S. Army helicopter systems. CAAS includes integrated forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and multimode radar for nap-of-the-earth and low-level flight operations in conditions of extremely poor visibility and adverse weather. Today’s MH-47Gs contain a fully integrated digital cockpit management system, long-range fuel tanks and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics.

61 MH-47Gs currently required for 160th SOAR

In 1995 Boeing completed delivery of a single MH-47E prototype and 25 production aircraft to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), based at Fort Campbell. This fleet has operated around the world and conducted combat missions in every climate and condition. The aircraft has excelled in high altitude operations as conducted in combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The MH-47G builds on the MH-47E capabilities with the addition of the CAAS cockpit and enhanced aircraft survivability equipment. With Chinook fleet growth, the 160th SOAR will add a Chinook battalion and expand its operational capabilities.

8 Additional New Build MH-47Gs planned for 160th SOAR

8 New Build aircraft are currently in development and production, based on a newly designed monolithic, machine framed fuselage similar to the CH-47F. The first delivery of these New Build aircraft has already began, and set the stage for a potential upgrade of the entire 61 Aircraft Fleet of 40+ year old sheet metal Fuselages.

The MH-47G combines many proven Chinook systems and features. Notable among these are fuel tanks providing twice the capacity of the CH-47F and an in-flight refueling system. MH-47Gs are remanufactured on the common MH-47G/CH-47F production line.

MH-47 Chinook

The Chinook has been in U.S. Army service since 1962, and the current CH-47F/MH-47G modernization programs, which includes a mix of remanufactured and new aircraft, will ensure this tandem rotor helicopter remains in the Army fleet at least through the 2030s. It is conceivable that Chinooks will be Army Aviation assets for a century or more. In addition, Chinooks have served the armed forces of more than 19 international customers and performed in commercial service around the world.

The MH-47 Chinook and its “E,” “D” and “G” variants are the primary heavy lift transport helicopters for the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The MH-47 differs from its CH-47 sister model with its incorporation of combat systems designed to make the helicopter more survivable on missions deep in enemy territory and during nighttime, low-level flight.

The MH-47 also has in-flight refueling capability for long-range insertions. The helicopter can be used for parachute insertion, fast rope insertion and water insertion of special operations troops.

Chinook the legendry aircraft

There are famous aircraft but the Chinook name is revered. It achieved legendary status in combat situations in Vietnam and the high regard continues to this day thanks in no small part to its performances in the Gulf.

It contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, common aviation architecture cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics Its primary mission is to move troops, artillery, ammunition, fuel, water, barrier materials, supplies and equipment on the battlefield. Its secondary missions include medical evacuation, disaster relief, search and rescue, aircraft recovery, fire fighting, parachute drops, heavy construction and civil development.

Chinooks first were used in combat in 1965 during the Vietnam conflict. During the last days of the Vietnam War one Chinook is reported to have carried 147 refugees in a single lift.

In July, Boeing delivered the first multiyear II configured CH-47F Chinook helicopter to the US Army - one month ahead of schedule. The delivery was celebrated in a ceremony at the production facility in Ridley Township, Pa.

“This delivery is an example of teamwork and commitment to the troops in the field,” said Col. Rob Barrie, project manager, Cargo Helicopter Office, accepting the aircraft for the US Army.

“This delivery demonstrates Boeing’s ongoing commitment to our customers,” said Steve Parker, vice president, Cargo Helicopters and H-47 program manager. “Experienced teams worked together to deliver the advanced, multimission capability of this aircraft to meet the Army’s needs today and well into the future.”

The multiyear II configuration incorporates a number of product improvements such as the new cargo-on-off-loading system that enables rapid re-configuration of the floor for cargo missions and the cargo platform heath environment system that provides real-time health monitoring to further reduce maintenance actions and ultimately reduce the overall life cycle cost of the product.

Boeing was awarded a $4 billion multi-year contract in June 2013 that included 155 CH-47Fs and options for an additional 60 aircraft. Deliveries for this contract are expected to continue through 2019. International customers on contract to receive this advanced configuration include Australia, Turkey and the UAE.

The tandem-rotor Chinook is the backbone of combat, logistics and humanitarian operations for the US Army and 18 other operators around the world. This order would eventually bring the Army’s CH-47F total procurement close to its target of 464 aircraft, including 24 to replace peacetime attrition aircraft. The US Army’s current inventory stands at 241 F-model aircraft.

CH-47F units have logged more than 86,000 combat hours in Afghanistan, maintaining an operational readiness rate of over 80 percent while conducting air assault, transport, and medical evacuation and support missions.

In June this year Boeing delivered the 15th CH-147F medium-to-heavy-lift helicopter to the Canadian Army, ensuring advanced operational capability for the Canadian Chinook fleet. The final CH-147F as per the Canadian program, will join the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, under command of 1 Wing Kingston, Ontario.

The Canadian CH-147F is an advanced, multi-mission helicopter that features a modernized airframe with a long-range fuel system allowing it to fly twice as far as standard range models. An upgraded electrical system provides additional power and redundancy, while a fully integrated common avionics architecture system cockpit and digital automatic flight control system reduce pilot workload and provide greater situational awareness.

“This was a complex aircraft program, yet the partnership and collaboration between Boeing, the Canadian customer and our industry partners enabled us to deliver all 15 aircraft on or ahead of schedule,” said Steve Parker, Boeing vice president Cargo Helicopters & H-47 program manager.

Canada is among the 18 countries around the world operating Chinooks. H-47s also have performed humanitarian support, disaster relief, rescue, fire-fighting and nation-building missions on six continents in all climates and conditions.

The first in the long line of Chinooks was the YHC-1B tandem-rotor transport helicopter that rolled out in 1961. It was designed to serve the US Army and Air Force as a medium-lift helicopter and evolved into several versions.

Chinook helicopters were introduced in 1962 as the CH-47 Chinook, and models A, B and C were deployed in Vietnam. As the product of a modernization program, which included refurbishing existing CH-47s, the first CH-47Ds were delivered in 1982 and were produced until 1994. A central element in the Gulf War, they continue to be the standard for the US Army in the global campaign against terrorism.

CH-47A, B and C models served with distinction for a decade in Vietnam until the war’s end in 1975.

During 2002, Boeing was developing the CH-47F, scheduled for first production in 2004, and was under contract to modernize at least 300 Chinooks to the new F-model standard, which features reduced vibration effects, an integrated cockpit control system and more powerful engines with digital fuel controls. These improvements will make the Chinook fully compatible with 21st century operational and war-fighting requirements and improve the aircraft’s efficiency and effectiveness.

The CH-47F/MH-47G modernization program is now in full-rate production, and will ensure this tandem rotor medium-lift helicopter remains in the US Army fleet at least through the 2030s. It is conceivable that Chinooks will be army aviation assets for a century or more.

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