Canadian CH-147F programme reaches development milestone
The Canadian Department of National Defence announced on 21 October that final assembly of the first CH-147F Canadian Chinook helicopter has begun at Boeing’s Ridley Park, Pennsylvania plant. The development is a key milestone in Canada’s Medium-to-Heavy Lift Helicopter Project.
The Canadian government is acquiring 15 CH-147F Chinook helicopters under the programme, which will strengthen the Canadian Forces’ ability to operate safely in remote and isolated areas. The helicopter will feature long-range fuel tanks; a self-protection system to protect its occupants against threats such as missiles; an infra-red and electro-optical camera which will increase the safety and capabilities of the helicopter; as well as improved electrical systems.
Julian Fantino, associate minister of national defence, said of the development: ‘Our government is fully committed to providing our brave men and women of the Canadian Forces the new tools they need to defend Canada’s interests at home and abroad. The acquisition of these important capabilities demonstrates our ongoing efforts to help the Canadian Forces help Canadians.’
According to a government statement, the project is moving ‘ahead as scheduled and within budget’, with the first CH-147F set to come off the assembly line for tests and evaluation flights in June 2012. In June 2013, a new squadron at CFB Petawawa is scheduled to receive the first deliveries.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
