RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa., Nov. 18, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that its CH-47F Chinook helicopter has been fielded by Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. This is the third U.S. Army unit to field the CH-47F since the aircraft was certified combat-ready in July 2007. The 4th Infantry Division fielded the F model earlier this year.
"There are few times in the history of a unit when its troopers see tangible proof that a new era in its equipment and mission capability has arrived," said Bravo Company Commander Capt. Kevin Consedine. "But such an era has arrived with the CH-47F Chinook, and there is no question that the troopers of Bravo Company will remain true to their legacy and ready for any future mission."
Bravo Company was among the first responders conducting rescue and relief missions in the United States during hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and has deployed twice on humanitarian efforts in Pakistan. In combat, it has conducted air assault, resupply and transport operations. Since receiving the CH-47F, it has successfully conducted extensive exercises under night-vision goggles to simulate those same missions. The advanced features of the new aircraft significantly increase the unit's mission capability.
"Our 'soldiers first' focus represents our individual commitment to the quality of each and every CH-47F," said Tommy Filler, director, Boeing CH-47F Program. "This advanced aircraft provides greater capability and performance to meet our soldiers' needs today and well into the future."
Built at the Boeing Rotorcraft Systems facility in Ridley Township, Pa., the CH-47F helicopter features a newly designed, modernized airframe, a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and a BAE Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).
The CAAS greatly improves aircrew situational awareness and DAFCS provides dramatically improved flight-control capabilities through the entire flight envelope, significantly improved performance, and safety
in the harshest of environments.
CAAS also incorporates an advanced digital map display and a data transfer system that allows storing of preflight and mission data. Improved survivability features include the Common Missile Warning and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser systems.
Powered by two 4,733-horsepower Honeywell engines, the new CH-47F can reach speeds greater than 175 mph and transport more than 21,000 pounds. The CH-47F, with the Robertson Aviation Extended Range Fuel System, has a mission radius of more than 400 nautical miles.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.
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