New Chinooks

TWO NEW CHINOOKS:
Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) CH-47D Chinook fleet will be bolstered by a further two helicopters following the loss of one aircraft on operations in Afghanistan in May 2011.
The purchase of the additional CH-47D Chinooks, effected through Defence signing of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the United States will bring Australia’s total CH-47D Chinook fleet to seven.
The additional aircraft will reduce pressure on the training and maintenance schedule for the ADF Chinook fleet resulting in enhanced support to the two Chinook’s currently deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).
The two additional aircraft have been sourced from the United States, and will be transported to Australia for servicing and modification to the current Australian CH-47D configuration. The aircraft are expected to arrive in Townsville by the end of January next year and are anticipated to be ready for domestic operations from mid-2012.
The CH-47D Chinook undertakes the medium-lift utility role with great versatility, including troop movement, battlefield equipment transport, search and rescue and disaster relief roles. The CH-47D Chinook aircraft has been an extremely capable workhorse since they entered ADF service in 1995.
This procurement will ensure the continued utility of Chinook aircraft on overseas operations, domestically through Defence Assistance to the Civil Community and in training and sustainment of aircrews.
The CH-47D Chinook have been deployed on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan since 2006. They have performed an outstanding service for both ADF and ISAF forces and are in high demand across Afghanistan due to its superior performance in hot and high altitude conditions.
The CH-47D fleet will be replaced with seven new CH-47F Chinook helicopters from around 2016.

Thanks Alex.

I have been following Chinooks since 12 SQN's CH-47Cs A15-001 to A15-012.

Four were recycled as CH-47D A15-102 to A15-105.

Then two new-build CH-47D A15-201 and A15-202.

So I guess these two will become A15-301 and A15-302.

Making the CH-47F A15-401 to A15-407.

Now that is all logical, but something that may occur is that we do not progress a C-27J acquisition, and get more CH-47F and C-130J.

The next few months should tell.

Hi Batman

Apparently the offer of 2-6 Ghan stored ex-Canuck Chooks to us were pretty warn out.

Looking forward to see if the two ex US Army CH-47D's are ex RAAF brethren examples as the Hawaian NG has been replaced our exchanged CH-47Ds with Foxtrots in 2010.

Looking forward to the serials


BTW ;That's A15-102/103/104 and 106 ; A15-005 stayed US Army after being re-built

Maybe she'll come over,...as A15-105 ,..nothing surprises me anymore

Hope A15-009 comes back,..flew on her in the 70's,..as human freight

Best
Gordy

Thx Gordy

Was writing off top of my head - forgot A15-005 stayed US Army.

cheers, B'man

I read this recently with glee!!!!!!

The US Army is already considering options for introducing a new CH-47H variant in the 2020 timeframe, succeeding the CH-47F and MH-47G models launched in the year 2000 timeframe. A minimum effort would increase the helicopter's lift by 1t by optimising the existing rotor hub and transmission. Honeywell is working on the T55-L-715 to power the new model.

A re-engining would require a larger investment, but replacing the 4,870shp Lycoming T55 with a 7,500shp engine could improve overall lift capacity to almost 29,500kg (65,000lb).

The most ambitious possibility would involve widening the fuselage to allow the aircraft to lift as much as 34,000kg, including the airframe. But this design approach would require the army to waive a standing requirement for any army aircraft to be transported by a C-17A strategic transport.

Now there's a chook on steriods, but how do you get it to the theatre???????

Still keeping an eye out for the CH-47D attrition Fy Serials. They shoul dbe here soon this month or perhaps last month
Cheers
Gordy

I think that they will still be rolling out new and recycled Chooks when the initial airframe design cracks it's century at this rate!

What a marvellous bird!

;)

BC

The Boeing Company has received a U.S. Army contract valued at approximately $370 million for 14 CH-47F Chinook helicopters to support Foreign Military Sales efforts. The aircraft will be delivered to the U.S. Army beginning in 2014; all but one are intended for Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

“This new aircraft sale brings our Chinook backlog to more than 200 aircraft for both domestic and international customers worldwide,” said Leanne Caret, H-47 Programs vice president. “Boeing’s recent $130 million investment to create a world-class Chinook manufacturing facility near Philadelphia means we are well positioned to respond to this demand.”

Seven of the new Chinooks will be delivered to the Australian Defence Force and six aircraft will be delivered to the United Arab Emirates under the terms of a previously announced Foreign Military Sales agreement between the U.S. government and the two countries. One additional aircraft is to be delivered to the U.S. Army to fulfill its own requirements.

Minister for Defence – Acceptance of two CH-47D Chinook Helicopters
1 February 2012

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith today announced that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) fleet of Chinooks has increased to seven following the arrival of two additional CH-47D Chinook helicopters in Townsville.

In November last year, the Government approved the purchase of the two ex-United States Army Chinooks following the loss of one ADF Chinook on operations in Afghanistan in May 2011.

The Minister said the new Chinooks would enter a period of deep maintenance and modification to bring them up to the same configuration as the existing ADF Chinook fleet.

Both Chinooks are scheduled to be delivered to the Australian Army to support operations by the middle of 2012.

The CH-47D Chinook is a highly capable medium-lift utility helicopter. Its roles include troop movement, battlefield equipment transport, search and rescue and disaster relief.

Chinooks have been highly capable workhorses since they entered ADF service in 1995 in operations both in Australia and overseas.

Chinooks have been deployed on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan since 2006.

They have performed an outstanding service for both ADF and International Security Assistance Forces and are in high demand across Afghanistan due to their superior performance in hot and high altitude conditions.

The ADF CH-47D fleet will be replaced with seven new CH-47F Chinooks from around 2016.

A little side track,......


I found an incident back in 2008 whereupon a damaged Chook was transported back by semi to Townsville, circa July 2008, with accident late June?

16 SOBs weren't injured

Have a pic but no details on ADF 3A15 or mention of serial,.. so "help" me somebody???? :blink:


Still dragging on the serials of the two new Chooks that arrived last month in Oz! :(

Regards

Gordy

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AUSTRALIAN MINISTER for Defence Stephen Smith announced on February 1 that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) fleet of Chinooks has now increased to seven following the arrival of two additional CH-47D Chinook helicopters in Townsville, Queensland. This followed Government approval in November last year of the purchase of the two ex-United States Army Chinooks following the loss of one ADF Chinook on operations in Afghanistan in May 2011.

The Minister said the new Chinooks would enter a period of deep maintenance and modification to bring them up to the same configuration as the existing ADF Chinook fleet. Both Chinooks are scheduled to be delivered to the Australian Army to support operations by the middle of 2012

Two new CH-47Ds handed over to the Army's 5th Aviation Regiment on the 08/06/2012
These two ex US Army Helicopters were shipped ex Germany after the parent Unit's Ch-47Ds were replaced by CH-47Fs. Unit may have been B Co, 5/158th Avn Regt (GSAB) 12th CAB "Big Windy" (Based Katterbach, Germany)

Meanwhile one of the surviving Army Chinooks made a heavy landing in Afghanistan on the 22/06/2012. There was significant damage, requiring the area to be secured so that a decision can be made on how to get it to Tarin Kowt.A Crewman were injured with the remaining slightly injured.

So two down, but add two more, we're back to 6, but maybe back to 7 if this one is repaired.

Meanwhile catchup per Pollies


Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel – Joint Media Release – Army takes delivery of two Chinook helicopters

2 July 2012


Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that two additional CH-47D Chinook helicopters have been handed over to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Townsville.

The Chinook provides the ADF with an outstanding battlefield lift capability and has provided excellent service to Army for more than 25 years.

The purchase of the two ex-United States Army helicopters was approved by Government last November following the loss of a CH-47D Chinook on operations in Afghanistan in May 2011.

No mention of the second one being down. Maybe next month?

Gordy

New Chinook Serials are as follows: A15-151 and A15-152.

REgretfully the original US Army serials were not supplied

Also it seems that they are not ex RAAF Ch-47Cs remanufactured, thus "new"airframes

Seems the Army doesn't know their previous serials? Odd eh!

(Quick research but only GUESSING,...maybe their CH-47Ds 89-00151 & 89-00152 ??????????????????????)Regards
Gordy

A15-103 was the damaged Chook per July 2012 in the Ghan and has been recovered for repairs

Gordy

Hiya Gordy,

ex 89-0151 and -0152 could be possibly, as you have guessed. 89-0151 (M.3305, ex CH-47C 76-22678) and 89-0152 (M.3306, ex CH-47C 76-22684).

However, my money would be on Army just allocating this "block" to differentiate between previous batches.

As you know, the RAAF CH-47Cs were A15-001 to -012. When recycled back to Army as CH-47Ds, the four retained their unique sequence number but were serialled in the "-100" block - A15-102 to A15-106.

The follow-on two CH-47Ds were A15-201 and -202.
Similarly, these latest ones could have been -301 and -302, but I would say that -151 and -152 have been used.

cheers mate, JB

PS. I am sure Army knows the ex-US Army serials, it surely would be in the paperwork and aircraft logbooks, if only for due diligence.

This post has been edited by batman on Aug 30 2012, 07:59 AM

A15-151 is ex 89-00143
A15-152 is ex 89-00163
Regards,
Andy

thanks Andy, did you see it painted on their sides?

JB

Good work Andy!!!

And be rewarded with two double shots of each

Used in support Obama's vist to Ireland in 2011

89-00143 D cn# M3297 C cn #B541
US Army cnvt. from ex CH-47C 68-15829
1998 F/159AVN.Mid May 2011 nose art TAILWIND in Dublin Ireland for support HMX-1. Belonged B/5-158AVN

89-00163 D cn #M3317 C cn#B665
US Army cnvt. from ex CH-47C 70-15023
Mid May11 in Dublin Ireland for support HMX-1. Belonged to B/5-158AVN


More over, I think, like the Dutch, that these two aircraft and their Aussie brethen CH-47D+s will not be rebuilt into CH-47Fs as they found that it was more economical to buy new and get an additional 10 years flying out of their new CH-47Fs( Now buying 17 new ones and sell the old CH-47D+s off for spares breakdowns)

Best
Gordy

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Prequel shots

A15-152 in first conception: 70-15023,C/N: B.665.

In 1970, Boeing Vertol CH-47C Chinook C/N B.665, getting ready to lift after finishing delivery. Aircraft was from 196th Aviation Company, 269th Aviation Battalion. Ft. Bragg, NC, airplane photo, aircraft photo, Glenn E. Chatfield"

Gordy :blink:

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Another prequel shot, this time A15-151 when as CH-47C 68-15829 Cn B541 259th Aviation coy, attending Middle Wallop UK 1982

Photo Air Britain

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In the meantime..

ROTARY WING GIRLS DO IT FOR LEGACY:
Australia’s rotary Wing Group in Afghanistan found a unique way to raise funds for Legacy – and raise morale among its members at the same time.
Christening each of its helicopters with a unique name and adding WWII-inspired nose art to their aircraft is the basis of the project.
Funds for Legacy are then raised through the sale of commemorative and collectable patches reflecting that art.
The full collection of patches currently stands at six, with at least one new Chinook expected in theatre next year to replace one recently lost in a heavy-landing incident.
“Rough n Reddy” adorns the helicopter currently in Kandahar, which is undergoing a major servicing.
Among the previous ‘girls’ in the fleet – and the patch collection – were “Good as Gold”, “Life’s a Beach” and “Dusty Blonde” – while “Dark n Stormy” and “Naughty n Nice” are now lovingly referred to as ‘the girls who are no longer with us’, both having been written off in accidents.
Sergeant Christopher Payne, serving with the Rotary Wing Group, said that most units did something to collect money for one charity or another while they were deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations.
“I think Legacy was a good choice for us – and obviously the nose-art connection is a very good fit for the group too,” Sergeant Payne said.
“Everyone gets right behind this as a worthwhile project, and we all love our girls.”
While on a media visit to Afghanistan in September, editor of CONTACT magazine Brian Hartigan happily volunteered the US$30 necessary to secure himself a full set of patches – and was even happier knowing that a sizeable portion of his cash was headed Legacy’s way.

(IMG:https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247735_10151290278419739_593022730_n.jpg)

Apparently there were only 300 sets produced, primarily to support the Townsville Legacy branch.
Neither the Legacy website or Legacy facebook page has any info on availability or price.
They have appeared on ebay though



Attached Image

from our contact email


Hello,


Just thought I'd provide some information on the Chinooks for you.

A15-102 was the aircraft that experienced the heavy landing in 2008. It was extensively repaired and returned to service in 2009 after approx 8 months.

We have recently acquired A15-151 and A15-152, two D models from the US Army. I can try and locate the manufacture serial numbers for you. They were acquired in Jan 2012 and underwent an extensive mod program to align the aircraft with ADF required modifications such as FDR, CVDR, HF radio etc. They were handed over to 5 Avn Regt in Jun 2012.

They have also received ladies, 151: Silky Smooth and 152: Second Chance.

Cheers

James Chapman

Any information whether A15-103 is being repaired???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Has it been returned ot OZ?????

Gordy :unsure:

"Hiya Gordy,

ex 89-0151 and -0152 could be possibly, as you have guessed. 89-0151 (M.3305, ex CH-47C 76-22678) and 89-0152 (M.3306, ex CH-47C 76-22684).

However, my money would be on Army just allocating this "block" to differentiate between previous batches.

As you know, the RAAF CH-47Cs were A15-001 to -012. When recycled back to Army as CH-47Ds, the four retained their unique sequence number but were serialled in the "-100" block - A15-102 to A15-106.

The follow-on two CH-47Ds were A15-201 and -202.
Similarly, these latest ones could have been -301 and -302, but I would say that -151 and -152 have been used.

cheers mate, JB"

With the "new" D-models being A15-151 and A15-152, it appears the CH-47F models are going to be in the -300 series.

A model of a CH-47F in the Russell Offices R1 foyer today shows "A15-301", marked also as "08075". This presumably is US Army s/n 10-08075.