The new Boeing [BA] CH-147F Medium-to-Heavy-Lift Helicopter for Canada is progressing ahead of schedule after making its first flight on June 24.
“Boeing and the Canadian Department of National Defence are focused on delivering the next generation of advanced vertical-lift aircraft to meet the needs of the Canadian military today and well into the future,” said Leanne Caret, Boeing Vertical Lift vice president and H-47 Programs manager.
The inaugural flight lasted more than 80 minutes and confirmed the initial airworthiness of the aircraft, including its new electrical system and advanced Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit, which reduces pilot workload. After the Chinook’s third flight on June 25, Boeing also completed the Limited Acceptance Test Procedure to validate aircraft performance and systems.
The aircraft will continue to progress through ground and flight test activities in the coming months and soon will be joined by the second CH-147F, which is scheduled to roll off the production line later this month.
The Canadian H-47 Chinook, designated CH-147F by the Canadian Forces, provides advanced features that include a newly designed, modernized airframe with a long-range fuel system, upgraded electrical system, and enhanced fully integrated Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and Digital Automatic Flight Control System. The aircraft also has improved survivability features, including a Directional Infrared Countermeasures system, internal ballistic protection, and crashworthy, armored pilot and co-pilot seats.
The Canadian government awarded Boeing a potential $1 billion contract for 15 Medium-to-Heavy-Lift Helicopters and in-service support in June 2009 (Defense Daily, Aug. 11, 2009). Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2013.
In January, Boeing selected three companies for in service support of the Canadian Forces CH-47F: L-3 Communications [LLL] MAS (Mirabel, Quebec): technical publications; Raytheon [RTN] Canada Limited (Calgary, Alberta): supply chain support; and L-3 Electronic Systems (Enfield, Nova Scotia): logistics support analysis (Defense Daily, Jan. 31).