Australian Army commissioned its first two Boeing CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters 0605153.

“The outgoing CH-47D Chinooks have proved highly effective in Australian operations, and the new CH-47F Chinook will deliver an improved cargo helicopter for Australia’s Army,” said Rear Admiral Tony Dalton of Australia’s Defence Materiel Organisation. “Furthermore, the project to deliver the new Chinooks remains on schedule and under budget.”

Australia was among the Chinook’s first international customers and now there are almost twenty countries operating the helicopter.

“Working with our Australian allies to build a modernised Chinook fleet enables more seamless operations with U.S. and other forces,” said Col. Robert Barrie, project manager, U.S. Army Cargo Helicopter Office.

“The Australian Army values the features and capabilities of the advanced CH-47F Chinook and we delivered them as promised,” said Steve Parker, Boeing vice president, Cargo Helicopters and H-47 program manager. “These aircraft will meet their demanding mission requirements now and well into the future.”

The Australian Chinook fleet is flown by the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment, 16th Aviation Brigade. Under the scope of the contract, Boeing Defence Australia will provide delivery and on-site operational maintenance support to the seven aircraft.

The F-model CH-47 introduces more powerful engines and composite rotor blades, plus airframe structure changes to reduce vibration and structural enhancements to the cockpit, cabin, aft section, pylon and ramp.

For more than 70 years, Boeing and Australia have maintained a partnership operating and supporting a broad range of platforms that now includes, in addition to Chinook, the Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control System and C-17 Globemaster III.