New Chinook Helicopters for Australian army

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

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