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Dutch CH-47D, Afghanistan
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On September 27, 2006, the US DSCA notified Congress of the Netherlands’ request for up to 9 of the newest CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopters along with 18 T55-L-714A turbine engines and ACMS Block 6 cockpits. Holland is also looking to upgrade 11 of its existing CH-47D Chinook Cargo Helicopters to the newer CH-47F configuration. If all options are exercised, the DSCA notification places the total value at up to $652 million.

Early procurements are going to be a bit more modest, however. Now, a contract for missile warning systems has been announced…

Dutch CH-47Fs

CAAS? No.
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The Dutch have deployed some of their CH-47Ds to Afghanistan as part of ISAF’s mission in the southern Afghan provinces, and this was cited in the DSCA’s request as part of the rationale for the sale/upgrade. Canada is also seeking to acquire CH-47s for use by its ISAF contingent, but is having difficulty securing helicopters in time and remains dependent on Dutch, British, and American assistance.

One major difference in the CH-47F-NL will be the cockpits. Dutch CH-47Fs will use Honeywell’s Avionics Control and Management System (ACMS) Block-6 cockpit avionics suite, rather than Honeywell’s newest CAAS standard for the USA’s SOCOM helicopters and CH-47Fs. At present, the Dutch CH-47D Chinooks use ACMS Block-5 cockpits, which makes ACMS Block-6 easier for them to integrate and operate.

One major difference in the multi-role CH-47F(NL) compared to the US Army Ch-47F will be the cockpits. Dutch CH-47Fs will use Honeywell’s Avionics Control and Management System (ACMS) Block-6 cockpit avionics suite, rather than Rockwell Collins newly developed CAAS standard for the USA’s Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters. At present, the Dutch CH-47D Chinooks use ACMS Block-5 cockpits, which have proven themselves in Dutch service on national and international missions. The ACMS Block-6 will be easier for the Dutch to integrate and operate than a new system like CAAS. From a European point of view, it’s also significant that ACMS is also in process to fulfil European airspace requirements via certification against European Civilian/Military Air Regulations.

The current ACMS Block-5 simulator, operated by CAE Benson, will be adapted to host also the ACMS Block-6 training. Contract negotiations are in process.

Other equipment in the CH-47F(NL) will include secure communications suite including Satcom, HF, UHF and VHF radios, weather radar, digital map functionality, a integrated Wescam MX-15HDi Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) turret with laser illuminator, Terma (CHASE) and Northrop Grumman (AAR-54 RWR) Air Defense Systems, Digital AFCS to improve flight control capabilities, provisions for Permali/Plasan ballistic protection system, a Robertson Extended Range Fuel System (ERFS), Pall Engine Air Particle Separators (EAPS), hoist and fast roping capabilities, M3M .50 cal guns and Simula crashworthy cockpit crew seats. There are also some hardware provisions for a future upgrade like a Helmet Mounted Display. All systems are being integrated in the helicopter during production at the Boeing facility.

The contract will also include ground support equipment, special tools and test equipment, management support, modification kits, support equipment, spare and repair parts, supply support, training, publications and technical data, U.S. Government Quality Assurance Team, United States Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support.

The principal contractors in this sale will be The Boeing Company of Ridley Park, PA (CH-47 OEM) and Honeywell, Incorporated of Phoenix, AZ (T55 engines). The Dutch intend to negotiate an industrial offset agreement, but it was not announced in the DSCA release.

Implementation of this sale will potentially require the assignment of 2 U.S. Contractor Field Service Representatives to the Netherlands for up to 3 years. A team of contractors will be also required to provide technical assistance during the upgrade of the aircraft, and up to 6 U.S. Government representatives will travel to the Netherlands for 8 trips to participate in program support and technical reviews.

A standardization program to upgrade the current Dutch CH-47D to the CH-47F configuration has been postponed and is planned to occur in 2014-2018. A contract for this standardization is not yet in place.

Contracts & Key Events

May 14/08: Northrop Grumman Corporation announces that their AAR-54 Missile Warning System (MWS) has been picked for the RNLAF’s CH-47F Chinook helicopters:

“Under the terms of the multi-million dollar contract, Northrop Grumman’s Defensive Systems Division will provide eight MWS shipsets and spares, in addition to follow-on support, to the RNLAF beginning in Jan. 2009 and continuing through January 2010.”

Feb 15/07: Boeing announces the signing of a contract for the 6 aircraft. News reports in the Netherlands cite the contract’s value at EUR 389.5 million (currently about $509 million), and Boeing’s release places the delivery dates at July 2009 – January 2010.

See DID’s “The February 2007 Dutch CH-47F Chinook Deal, Explained” for more information re: the aircraft, equipment, financing, and why the order is for only 6 CH-47Fs. There is also an option in this contract for another 3 aircraft, which would bring the total under this contract to 9, and the Dutch CH-47 fleet to 20, if it is exercised.

Feb 02/07: In a series of releases and reports, the Dutch MvD/MINDEF states their intention to acquire 6 CH-47F helicopters, with the ACMS block 6 cockpit avionics instead of the newest CAAS standard, along with support and ancillary equipment. To that end, the Dutch will deliver equipment to Boeing worth EUR 11 million (currently about $14.3 million) as Government Furnished Equipment. The helicopters are also to have “special forces preparations.”

Two of the new CH-47Fs are intended to replace previously lost Chinooks, whilst the other 4 augment the fleet and bring it up to a total of 17 CH-47s (all versions). See Dutch language sources: MvD Public release | Submission to Parliament [PDF format].

Jan 30-31/07: A Dutch Parliamentary document states that the 6 helicopters will be available by 2009, and that the Production Preparation Agreement will run until February 16, 2007. An MvD document submitted to Parliament on January 31, 2007 [PDF format] clarifies several details, noting that the “PPA” makes sure the Chinooks CH-47F will be delivered by 2009. Boeing’s release will cite a delivery period of July 2009 – January 2010.

Almost EUR 20 million has been paid for the PPA, and there is a EUR 17.5 million project reserve. The remainder of the EUR 389.5 million will be paid between 2007-2010 and is supposed to be financed by profits from “sales of surplus material” like Dutch F-16s, some MLRS rocket launchers, et. al.

Additional operating costs related to the CH-47F are estimated at EUR 3.6 million per year for the 4 extra Chinooks above the 2 “loss replacement” aircraft. This has to be budgeted, and about 58 people will be hired at an annual cost of EUR 2.9 million to do the work. The selection for the ACMS block 6 cockpit will also require further training and conversion.

Thanks to DID readers David Vandenberghe and VHJM van Neerven for their tips and pointers.