Canada has signed a C$1.2 billion ($1.1 billion) contract for a reduced fleet of 15 Boeing CH-47F transport helicopters and expects to receive its aircraft between July 2013 and 2014.
Ottawa initiated its procurement process for a new medium-lift helicopter in June 2006. It selected the CH-47F the following month, launching a lengthy period of negotiations. The Canadian Forces had previously been expected to acquire 16 of the aircraft, which will be designated CH-147Fs in national service.
Canada's aircraft will be powered by Honeywell T55-L-714A engines and feature Rockwell Collins common avionics architecture system cockpits, BAE Systems digital advanced flight control systems and have distinctive long-range fuel tanks. Self-protection will be provided by a suite to include directional infrared countermeasures equipment and laser and radar warning systems.
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© Boeing |
The US Army was the launch customer for the CH-47F |
"These helicopters are key to giving our military a robust ability to operate in remote and isolated areas," says defence minister Peter MacKay. They will also be made available to respond to events such as forest fires, floods and earthquakes, says the Department of National Defence.
Boeing has committed to delivering offsets worth 100% of the contract value. The airframer has already placed business worth more than $500 million with Canadian companies, including Nova Scotia-based IMP Aerospace for manufacturing activities.
Ottawa expects to spend around a further C$2.2 billion on in-service support for its new Chinooks during their first 20 years of use.
Canada retired the last of its previous CH-47Cs in 1992, but the need to acquire a replacement medium-lift capability became apparent through Operation Athena, its ongoing commitment to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. With its CH-146 Griffons (Bell 412s) suitable only for utility tasks, Ottawa in early 2008 requested the purchase of six CH-47Ds worth around $375 million from US Army stocks.
The CH-147Ds were handed over "as is, where is" at Afghanistan's Kandahar airfield late last December and were due to be declared fully operational in May. The aircraft are expected to fly a combined 2,400h in theatre every year.
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© Master Cpl Robert Bottrill/Canadian Forces Combat Camera |
Canada acquired six CH-47Ds from the US Army in Afghanistan |
Ottawa has also recently made major investments in its fixed-wing transport aircraft capacity. Its armed forces operate four Boeing C-17s and will field 17 Lockheed Martin C-130J-30s from late next year.
Separately, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a possible $300 million-plus deal to supply Egypt with a further six CH-47Ds. The nation's air force has 19 C/D-model Chinooks, according to Flightglobal's HeliCAS database.
Source: Flight International
