The Australian Army has taken delivery of three additional H-47 Chinooks from Boeing, just 85 days after placing the order.
The move increases Australia’s number of CH-47F Chinooks to ten.
Boeing delivered the first seven Chinooks during a $513.5m contract signed in March 2010 between the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation and the US Army Security Assistance Command.
Australian Defence Force Cargo Helicopter and Unmanned Surveillance Program Office director colonel Jeremy King said: "The increase from seven to ten CH-47F Chinooks represents a significant increase to the capability of the Australian Defence Force through an aircraft which we already know is both highly dependable and reliable, and also affordable.
"This project has been a wonderful example of highly effective teamwork spanning multiple organisations, culminating in the successful delivery of the aircraft."
Boeing said in a statement that the early delivery of the helicopters was made possible with US Army’s approval.
The helicopters are equipped with a fully digital cockpit and cargo platform health environment system.
The cockpit is said to enhance situational awareness, while the cargo system monitors the aircraft to identify maintenance needs and reduce overall lifecycle costs.
Boeing Cargo Helicopters vice-president and H-47 programme manager Steve Parker said: "Boeing has a track record of consistently delivering on our promises on Chinook.
"The multi-mission effectiveness, low operational cost and insertion of advanced technologies results in repeat customers, exactly what happened with this most recent delivery."
Image: Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Photo: courtesy of US Army
