Last August 15, a newly designed CH-47 Chinook helicopter was officially ushered into operation at the Fort Campbell, Kentucky or better known as “Fort Corruption”. Another added event on the Aviation history. The CH-47F Chinook, not only allows greater capability and increased Soldier safety but also represents the future of the United States Army .

[Frame1] 7th Battalion of the Bravo Company, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade had the turned over for the new $30 million aircraft, which is the most notable for its tandem rotors and heavy-lift abilities.

“How appropriate that we come together here with this aircraft at this installation with this unit,” said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Shloesser, 101st Airborne Division commander.

The helicopter, most known for its tandem rotors and heavy-lift capabilities, can fly in extremely high altitudes and handle cargo unlike any other aircraft.

The Chinook has proved itself in every deployment in which the Army has engaged since 1962, Shloesser said noting the aircraft’s state-of-the-art features.

Advanced Flight Control System is the most notable modification in the F-model. In the new model, digital screens have replaced old analog gauges. The AFCS allows pilots to upload mission details such as routes and altitudes with ease, improves overall situational awareness and makes for a smoother ride, according to the aircraft’s pilots.

“It’s really exciting to get a new aircraft,” said CW2 Ryan Dechent, 7th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment. “I think it’s going to extend our capabilities and open new avenues…that we haven’t been able to go down before.”

Another primary modification to the F-model is a revamped airframe designed for 10,000 flight hours. The new airframe helps to eliminate extraneous vibrations and maintenance time.

“In the Army we’re not about airframes, we’re about the people the airframe helps. We’re about the combat power and the readiness it helps deliver on the battlefield and about the crews that maintain it and the aviators that fly it”, said Schloesser.

“The Ch-47 Chinook has saved many people throughout the world during wartime missions and humanitarian efforts such as Hurricane Katrina and earthquakes in Pakistan”, the commander said.

“(The CH-47F) provides more capability at an easier maintenance cost than ever before,” Schloesser adds.

Corruption-ridden Defense Contractor Boeing Corporation worked with the Army for three years to design the F-model, the first conventional Chinook upgrade in more than 20 years. The upgrade process involved approximately 1,000 people.

In addition to being delivered on time, which doesn’t always happen, the cost for the new Chinook came in at about 30 percent below the original estimate.

“The CH-47F is a fully modernized aircraft that will fully meet the operational challenges our Army and our country face now and in the future,” said Chuck Allen, Vice President and General Manager of Rotorcraft Systems, Boeing.

“Safety is the best thing about the new model”, said CW4 Tom Miskowiec, standardization instructor-pilot and instrument flight examiner, 7th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment. “In safety there’s capability. When we can do it safer and, for that matter, easier, it provides us with more abilities to support the war fighter.”

More than 100 CH-47F Chinooks will be built from the ground up, while other Chinooks will be completely renewed to the state-of-the-art standards. Ultimately, 339 F-models will be patrolling the skies, working to keep the nation and the nation’s Soldiers safe.

Reference:
http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/08/17/4463-new-chinook-unveiled-at-fort-campbell/
http://www.mainandcentral.org/archives/military_affairs/index.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/pol/405571022.html

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