New Chinook Helicopters for Austraalian army
Defence Media Mail List
NEW CHINOOK HELICOPTERS HANDED OVER TO DEFENCE
Info about Chinooks : http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ch47d/
The Department of Defence has accepted the two newest additions to the Australian Army’s Chinook helicopter fleet from
their manufacturer, The Boeing Company.
The new aircraft will now have minor modifications carried out to enhance safety and performance before entering service
with the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment’s C Squadron.
After Airworthiness Board approval, the two aircraft will be accepted into service in a ceremony at the 5th Aviation
Regiment in Townsville before the middle of the year.
The two new CH-47D Chinook helicopters will bring the total number in the Army to six, boosting its capacity for troop
lift and logistic support.
The tandem rotor Chinooks have become familiar to Australians through their use in civil defence emergencies, and they
were used to provide aid to Papua New Guinea during the western provinces drought in 1997.
“The Chinook is a superb machine for the Australian Army – it is reliable, strong and flexible,” said Brigadier Robert
Walford, Commander Aviation Support Group.
“The additional two aircraft will significantly enhance our ability to support field operations and support Defence
capability.”
Contact: COL Mark Patch 02 6265 7727, 0416 266 730
ENDS