The U.S. Army has awarded Boeing a contract to produce 12 new CH-47F Chinooks for the Egyptian Air Force. With this $426 million foreign military sale, Egypt will replace its fleet of CH-47D helicopter with the modern F model, and benefit from its advanced multi-mission capabilities. The CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter for the U.S. Army and international defense forces. It contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities complementing the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics.
“Boeing is committed to supporting the defense modernization mission of the Egyptian armed forces and ensuring the best capability for Egypt’s national defense and security,” said Vince Logsdon, vice president, Boeing International Business Development.
“The F-model aircraft will enhance Egypt’s Chinook capabilities and help effectively accomplish its heavy-lift objectives. Boeing’s partnership with the Egyptian Air Force remains strong as we continue to work together to modernize their fleet,” said Ken Eland, vice president and H-47 program manager.
The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of 23 Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters to Egypt, for an estimated amount of $2.6 billion, according to a notice published on May 26, 2022. In addition to the 23 aircraft, the government of Egypt also requested the sale of 56 T-55-GA-714A engines (46 installed and 10 spare), 52 inertial navigation systems, 29 AN/AAR-57 missile warning systems and a variety of other avionics, 75 machine guns M-240 with their ammunition, and maintenance equipment. The Egyptian Air Force already operates the CH-47 Chinook (16 CH-47D and 3 CH-47C) helicopter. Currently, 19 aircraft, namely , are flown by the 18th and 33rd squadrons, both based in Kom Awshim Air Base, southwest of Cairo.
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a tandem rotor helicopter developed by American rotorcraft company Vertol and manufactured by Boeing Vertol. The Chinook is a heavy-lift helicopter that is among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters. Its name, Chinook, is from the Native American Chinook people of Oregon and Washington state. The Chinook possesses several means of loading various cargoes, including multiple doors across the fuselage, a wide loading ramp located at the rear of the fuselage and a total of three external ventral cargo hooks to carry underslung loads. Capable of a top speed of 170 knots (200 mph; 310 km/h)
