First Italian Army ICH-47F Chinook Performs Its Maiden Flight | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-04.29.24

Airborne-Unlimited-04.23.24

Airborne-Unlimited-04.24.24 Airborne-FltTraining-04.25.24

Airborne-Unlimited-04.26.24

Thu, Jun 27, 2013

First Italian Army ICH-47F Chinook Performs Its Maiden Flight

Primary Tactical Mission Is Troop And Equipment Transport

The first ICH-47F Chinook for the Italian Army successfully accomplished its maiden flight on June 24th at Vergiate in Italy. The aircraft took to the air for 15 minutes, performing as expected carrying out basic handling tests and main systems checks.

According to a news release from AgustaWestland, this ICH-47F Chinook is the first of an order for 16 units plus four options placed by the Italian MoD Procurement Agency (ARMAEREO). The contract also includes a five year logistic support service. The delivery of the first aircraft is planned in early 2014 with final deliveries in 2017. The ICH-47Fs will be operated by the Italian Army Aviation 1st Regiment "Antares" based in Viterbo and they will replace the 40 CH-47C Chinooks that have been in service since 1973.

Under a Joint Industrial Agreement with Boeing, AgustaWestland is prime contractor for the Italian ICH-47F program, with responsibility for systems integration, final assembly and aircraft delivery to the Italian Army. In addition AgustaWestland is also being qualified by Boeing to produce the entire drive systems. Boeing Rotorcraft Systems builds the fuselage at its Ridley Park, PA, facility in the United States of America whilst final assembly is carried out at AgustaWestland's Vergiate plant in Northern Italy.

“The Italian Army will soon fly the latest variant of the proven heavy lift platform that will give it new capabilities," said Alessandro Parrini, Senior Vice President Italian Government Business Unit, AgustaWestland. "This maiden flight confirms that the strategic partnership between the Company and the Service is providing a significant contribution to the modernization of the Italian Army helicopter fleet.”

The ICH-47F customized version incorporates a secure communications system, self-protection system and advanced datalink system. This new ICH-47F Chinook variant has a Maximum All Up Weight (MAUW) of 23 tons, is equipped with two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines giving it excellent “hot and high” capability and is suitable for all weather operations.

The primary tactical mission of the ICH-47F aircraft is to provide air transportation for equipment and troops. Cargo can be carried internally and externally using the aircraft's cargo hook system. The helicopter's payload, long range and high cruise speed make it a unique asset to meet the Italian Army's needs and can additionally perform special support functions, disaster relief and firefighting roles.

(Image provided by AgustaWestland)

FMI: www.agustawestland.com

Advertisement

More News

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.26.24): DETRESFA (Distress Phrase)

DETRESFA (Distress Phrase) The code word used to designate an emergency phase wherein there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and i>[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (04.26.24)

"General aviation is at the forefront of developing and introducing innovative technologies that will transform the entire aviation industry..." Source: Kyle Martin, Vice President>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.27.24): Direct

Direct Straight line flight between two navigational aids, fixes, points, or any combination thereof. When used by pilots in describing off-airway routes, points defining direct ro>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.27.24)

Aero Linx: Women in Corporate Aviation Women in Corporate Aviation support individuals seeking career advancement and professional development in the business aviation industry. Me>[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (04.27.24)

“We would like to thank the many volunteers that help throughout the year to pull off the event, as well as the several reviewers, judges, and SURVICE staff that provide team>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2024 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC