Australia Upgrading its CH-47D Heavy Heli Fleet

Latest updates: New helicopters arrive; Crash in Afghanistan. RAAF & US CH-47Ds(click to view full) 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 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. Australia has ordered CH-47Fs, but in the mean time, the 6 CH-47Ds in 5th Aviation Regiment, C Squadron have received defensive upgrades, lost a helicopter in Afghanistan, and rose to 7 machines under a new deal. Contracts & Key Events AIRCMM on… July 2/12: Arrival. Australia’s government announces that their 2 additional CH-47Ds have been handed over to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Townsville. The government release cites companies like Nova Defence, BAE Systems in Townsville, Flying Colours Aviation, and Columbia Helicopter Incorporated for playing a role in delivering the […]