RIDLEY PARK, Pa. – Boeing [NYSE: BA] this month delivered to the U.S. Army, 75 days ahead of schedule, the 300th CH-47F Chinook helicopter.
“This marks another benchmark for the CH-47F program,” said Lt. Col. Michael Hauenstein, the Army’s CH-47F product manager, Office of the Project Manager, Cargo Helicopters. “More importantly, we have met this benchmark ahead of schedule, within cost, and produced an aircraft that performs as required worldwide. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this if it wasn’t for the partnership of the entire Chinook community.”
The CH-47F has a modernized airframe, Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit that improves crew situational awareness and the Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS), which offers enhanced flight-control capabilities for the multitude of conditions in which the helicopter is used.
“The Chinook provides a lifeline to soldiers,” said Steve Parker, Boeing vice president, Cargo Helicopters & H-47 program manager. “There are soldiers alive today because of the dedication of this team.”
Since the completion of the first CH-47F Chinook in 2006, 18 U.S. Army and National Guard units have been trained and equipped with the aircraft.
“The efficiency we have demonstrated is keeping the Chinook a highly relevant U.S. Army asset today and into the future,” said Parker.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.