RIDLEY PARK, Pa.–A CH-147F Chinook, the last of the $1.5 billion direct commercial sale of 15 of the heavy lift helicopters is wheels up from the Boeing [BA] delivery center on its way to its base outside Ottawa Tuesday.
For Canadian Air Force Capt. Adam Mramor, the Chinook will become part of the squad of more than 400 people and immediately enter training. All 15 helicopters join the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron under command of 1 Wing Kingston, Ontario, and will be based at Canadian Forces Base, Petawawa.
“The systems are different and more advanced, with the biggest difference between this new helicopter and earlier models is the electronics, an avionics management system, and a helicopter defensive suite that is state of the art,” he told Defense Daily, after delivery ceremonies here while standing next to the cockpit.
Mramor began training on the new helicopter in March, and completed the transition in May. Then he spent another six weeks on a maintenance test pilot course.
The helicopter also features long-range external fuel tanks that about double the range.
Canadian Air Force Col. Andrew Fleming, program manager for the Medium-Heavy-Lift Helicopter Project Management Office, said the new helicopters will provide Canada with a “capability on a scale we’ve not had before,” particularly disaster relief.
This is the time of year calls come in for assistance as a result of floods, fires and other issues, Fleming said.
Fleming and Boeing Vice President of H-47 Steve Parker both emphasized the Canadian Chinook program was able to deliver all 15 helicopters on time and on budget.
There has been a lot of interest in the program, Parker said, due to the advanced capabilities of the helicopters.