Mon, Jan 31, 2011
The Aircraft Is Scheduled To Complete Its Flight Test Program
In August After Approximately 100 Flight Hours
Representatives of Boeing, its suppliers and the Netherlands
Ministry of Defence marked the first flight of the Royal
Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) CH-47F (NL) Chinook heavy-lift
helicopter in a ceremony Jan. 25 at Summit Aviation in Middletown,
DE. The aircraft made its first flight on Dec. 8 and is scheduled
to complete its flight test program in August after approximately
100 flight hours. There are two aircraft in flight test.
RNLAF Chinook
The RNLAF has ordered six CH-47F (NL) Chinooks to enhance its
current fleet of 11 CH-47D (NL) aircraft. The new Chinooks are
equipped with survivability equipment, a forward-looking infrared
system, and fast rope positions, which will be used to support
Special Forces operations. The engines will include air particle
separators for operation in harsh environments. These additions
will make the RNLAF CH-47F a versatile, multi-role aircraft for
worldwide operations. Boeing expects to begin delivering the
aircraft later this year, making the RNLAF the first international
customer to field the new CH-47F.
The flight tests have included assessments of the advanced
operational capabilities enabled by the aircraft's Avionics Control
and Management System cockpit and newly integrated Digital
Automatic Flight Control System. By the conclusion of the tests,
the aircraft will be certified airworthy by the Netherlands
Military Aviation Authority.
"The Chinook has over the years proven itself to be a true
workhorse for the Netherlands Air Force," said Air Commodore Theo
ten Haaf, Commanding Officer Defence Helicopter Command of the
RNLAF. "The aircraft proved to be 'the right tool' for a difficult
and challenging job, especially in austere environments and during
the combined air and ground operations in Afghanistan. Both ground
troops and aircrew speak highly of it."
He added, "The CH-47F is a major improvement over the 47D model.
The arrival of these new aircraft in the RNLAF will ensure that the
RNLAF continues to operate with the best in the field of tactical
transport helicopter operations both now and in the future."
"Our goal is to use available technology to provide customers
with the best solutions while enabling long-term sustainability,"
said Leanne Caret, H-47 Programs vice president for Boeing. "We
have a long-standing relationship with the Netherlands and this new
aircraft is another example of our focus on providing advanced
solutions to meet our customers' growing demands."
The Netherlands MOD and Boeing also are evaluating a potential
upgrade of the current CH-47D (NL) Chinook fleet to the new CH-47F
(NL) configuration.
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