RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa., Aug. 16, 2012 -- As Boeing [NYSE: BA] marks the
50th anniversary of delivering the first H-47 Chinook military
helicopter, the company is nearing completion of a $130 million
renovation of its production line near Philadelphia that will help it
meet global demand for the latest model, the CH-47F.
"The Chinook has served as the backbone of U.S. Army aviation since the
Vietnam era, revolutionizing how we move troops and supplies in combat,
and save lives and deliver aid in times of need," said Col. Bob Marion,
U.S. Army Cargo Helicopter program manager. "The latest F-model has
ushered in a new era of heavy-lift capability for the U.S. Army. With
continued technology insertions, I fully expect that 50 years from now
there will be a centennial celebration for Chinooks still in service."
Boeing has delivered more than 1,200 Chinooks to 18 operators around the
world since delivering the first to the U.S. Army on Aug. 16, 1962.
More than 800 are in operation today, conducting combat, cargo transport
and humanitarian relief missions.
"Chinook is Boeing’s longest continuously running production program,
and it’s in greater demand today than ever before," said Leanne Caret,
vice president, Vertical Lift and H-47 Programs. "Chinooks are being
delivered on schedule and operating at a higher rate than any time in
history, thanks to our team's innovation, efficiency, and focus on
meeting our customers' needs."
The production line updates will enable Boeing to continue to affordably
increase Chinook production rates. Boeing is scheduled to deliver
nearly 60 Chinooks this year and has submitted a multiyear, firm
fixed-price proposal to the Department of Defense to provide 155 CH-47Fs
to the U.S. Army with deliveries beginning in 2015.
Asian Defence News
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