In a major boost to Army’s medium lift helicopter capability, CASG has delivered three additional CH-47Fs Chinooks two and half months ahead of schedule.

The addition of three CH-47Fs to the existing fleet of seven significantly expands Army’s battlefield capability in the areas of air mobile, air assault, aero medical evacuation and amphibious operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The three new Chinooks are straight off the Boeing production line and are fitted with the latest US Army technologies, including updated avionics and next generation self-protection systems.

Executive Officer Cargo Helicopter Management Unit Major Michael Hansen, said the success of the project represents a significant amount of negotiation, contract work and governmental liaison.

“Achieving delivery of three new aircraft inside four months demonstrates highly effective and coordinated project acquisition between the US Army, Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group and Army Aviation,” he said.

“By employing the foreign military sales strategy the ADF also leverages the benefits of being part of a much larger fleet, which is growing to almost 500 CH-47Fs flying with the US Army.

“Not only does the ADF see the benefits of scale in the initial purchase price but the ongoing cost of consumable and repairable items is greatly reduced.”

© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence