Boeing's CH-47F Chinook helicopter moves into Operational Testing phase

The Boeing Company has announced that it's first production CH-47F Chinook helicopter for the US Army has moved into Operational Testing (OT) phase. The aircraft successfully completed acceptance and developmental flight-testing in December 2006.

"The new CH-47F is characterized by technology," said Jack Dougherty, director, Boeing H-47 Programs. "The aircraft is equipped with a new digital cockpit and advanced avionics to meet the needs of current and future warfighters."

The OT phase, which ends in April, includes more than 60 flight test hours that simulate a wide range of mission scenarios. The US Army is scheduled to field the aircraft in July 2007.

The aircraft, which Boeing characterizes as an advanced heavy-lift helicopter, is the first of 452 CH-47F helicopters to be included in the U.S. Army Cargo Helicopter modernization program. It features a newly designed, modernized airframe and a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and BAE Digital Advanced Flight Control System.

The advanced avionics are aimed at providing improved situational awareness for flight crews with an advanced digital map display and a data transfer system that allows storing of preflight and mission data. Improved survivability features include Common Missile Warning and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser Systems.

Interestingly, Boeing implemented lean manufacturing techniques in the manufacture of the aircraft, which reduced the overall part count, simplified the manufacturing and assembly process, facilitated the provision of totally new airframes for all CH-47Fs and generated a cost savings of more than 30 per cent.

The new components will also reduce operating and support costs, improve the aircraft's structural integrity and extend the Chinook's service life.

Powered by two 4,868-horsepower Honeywell engines, the new CH-47F can reach speeds greater than 175 mph and transport payloads weighing more than 21,000 lbs. The CH-47F, with the Robertson Aviation Extended Range Fuel System, has a mission radius greater than 400 miles.