Australia Upgrading its CH-47 Chinooks
Related Stories: Americas - Other, Australia & S. Pacific, Boeing, Contracts - Intent, ECM, Helicopters & Rotary, Protective Systems - Aircraft
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After decades as a largely unheralded workhorse, the distinctive, twin-rotor CH-47 Chinook medium-heavy lift helicopter has suddenly become the belle of the ball. Nations that have them are keeping them, and upgrading them. Boeing’s main customers in the US military plan to keep versions of the CH-47 in service past 2030. Nations that don’t have Chinooks, want them; but like a Harley-Davidson VRSCSE2 Screamin’ Eagle Fat Boy, those who step up to buy one know that second hand models aren’t exactly plentiful – and if you want new, you’ll probably have to wait a bit.
Canada is regretting its decision to sell its Chinooks to The Netherlands during the “peace dividend” 1990s, but Australia sensibly kept its Chinooks around – and they may also have a larger force in Afghanistan soon. Now the six machines of the 5th Aviation Regiment, C Squadron are about to undergo a $25 million upgrade to fit them with electronic countermeasures protection (which could include systems like the AN/ALQ-211 SIRFC, the M211 AIRCMM IR protection system, exhaust suppressors, et. al.), improved ballistic protection, and advanced communications.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the Government has agreed to the upgrade as part of a rapid acquisition tender process with Australian industry and foreign equipment suppliers. “This upgrade will ensure they are equipped with the necessary protection and latest technology to be safely deployed in any future high threat security environment.”
