US approves foreign military sale of CH47F Chinook helicopters to Australia.

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of CH-47F Chinook helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $259 million.  The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 29.

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An Australian CH-47F carrying a M777A2 howitzer during a training exercise in 2016 (Picture source: US Marine Corps)

The Government of Australia has requested to buy four CH-47F cargo helicopters with customer-unique modifications; eight T55-GA-714A aircraft turbine engines, five AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS); eight Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS/EGI) +429; and two EAGLE+429 Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS/EGI).

Also included is mission equipment; communication and navigation equipment; spare parts and components; special tools and test equipment; publications and technical manuals; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, maintenance, technical, and logistical support services, and other related elements of program and logistical support. The total estimated value is $259 million.

The CH-47F has a suite of improved features such as an upgraded digital cockpit featuring the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), a new monolithic airframe with vibration reduction, and the Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS), which provides coupled controllability for operations in adverse environments (reduced visibility, brown out, high winds). The CH-47F's common cockpit enables multiservice digital compatibility and interoperability for improved situational awareness, mission performance, and survivability, as well as future growth potential. The CH-47F has an empty weight of 24,578 pounds and a maximum gross weight of 50,000 pounds. The CH-47F can lift intra-theater payloads up to 16,000 pounds in high/hot environments.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our US important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats, increase operational capabilities, strengthen its homeland defense and promote military cooperation.

These aircraft will be provided from U.S. Army stock. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s).