Chook Numbers, Options for 2011-2014

[Warhawk]

Sadly with the loss of A15-102 recently, the Army has now 5 left until the arrival of 7 CH-47F post 2014. With the current operations, there is one insitu in the Ghan at this stage, with no reports of whether a attrition replacement being sent over from the pool at Townsville.

AA recently stated that at any one time, the average operational airframes floats around 3-4 out of the pool of 6. With the loss of A15-102, is it realistic to expect the Army to put off a direct airframe replacement until the foxtrot version arrives? In the past six months, given natural disasters and operational requirements it seems that all options should be looked at rather then wait another 3-5 years before the the fleet exceeds 5 again. There has been no mention, post CH-47F introduction, whether the CH-47D survivors would be re-manufactured into CH-47Fs and added to the AAV inventory here.

So what are the current options to bolster numbers:

* Procure surplus CH-47Ds off the Canadian Armed Forces insitu the Ghan (Total of 5 Ex-US Army held there that are up for sale)
* With the US 25th Infantry Div in Hawaii changing over to CH-47Fs in 2010-2011 and perhaps Hawian National Guard following suit in 2012, there are now a pool of 7 ex RAAF Ch-47Ds to choose from that could provide 1-2 airframes as these are currently flying in Iraq(See pic of 93-00928)

* Bring forward the acquisition of the CH-47F on a urgent Gov to Gov approach

The duel concern is that the Canadian Armed Forces CH-47Ds are "tired" and that the CH-47F requiries bedding in that would exceed the current timetable.

National Guard Units always look after their airframes as they seldom transfer out their "own"aircraft, thus would be in the best material condition.

Worth thinking about it? I think so, with two ex HNG Chooks that would give us the stated 7 airframe 2016 requirement of AAV chooks and maintain our commitments

Cheers
Gordy



Attached Image

[Brendan Cowan]

Interesting thoughts Gordy

It must be ages since combat and attrition losses were a formal factor in the acquisition cycle.

Creative solutions like yours are worth considering.

Perhaps even a short term in theatre asset lease could form a bridging capability until the CH-47F's come on line too.

From an historical perpective, this also prompts me to think how long it is since the ADF lost an aviation asset in an operational area?

BC

[Warhawk]

Here's some art work on 93-00930 in Iraq

Attached Image

[Warhawk]

And here's 93-00932 insitu of Iraq

Yes maybe a lease could be the go, though the equipment fix is the main theme of contention per our own fit on the Delta
As for combat losses, the last would be Vietnam,..be it a Magpie, Pelican or a Possum

Gordy

Attached Image

[Warhawk]

Another ex RAAF Chook, in the sand pit of Iraq

93-00933

Attached Image

[Brendan Cowan]

True,

Commonality of fleet configuration is always an issue both in mission capability and crew training perspectives.

Still, our folks are pretty adaptive where needs dictate action (and they are properly supported).

Yes, I was thinking of Vietnam in terms of operational losses.

BC