Boeing Helicopters has been cleared by the US Department of Defense to begin engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) work on its Chinook Improved Cargo Helicopter (ICH).
The company expects to receive an initial $20 million contract before the end of the month to begin modifying two US Army CH-47Ds to ICH configuration.
Boeing estimates the 36-month EMD effort will cost $75 million. Up to 300 Chinooks could be upgraded with the AlliedSignal Engines T55-GA-714-714A, a strengthened airframe and a partial digital glass cockpit by Rockwell Collins. The US Army will receive its first ICHs in 2003.
Source: Flight International
