Boeing is offering the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter to Poland. The announcement was made at the annual MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition where Boeing is highlighting advanced defense systems, capabilities and services. The CH-47F Block II is the newest iteration of the Chinook, providing increased lift and range. Chinook Block II is a modernized and ready now solution that provides increased operational flexibility, improved performance, and enhanced survivability. It builds upon the proven capabilities of the CH-47 Chinook, offering an upgraded platform that meets the capability that militaries need today and serves as a strong foundation for affordable future upgrades. Germany is the 21st customer and the 9th NATO nation to have selected the Chinook as its heavy-lift helicopter.
“Operating the Chinook in tandem with the newly acquired Apaches will serve as a force multiplier for the Polish Armed Forces due to their complementary capabilities. The combination of the Apache and Chinook helicopters provides greater operational effectiveness and the ability to conduct a wider range of missions,” said Adam Hodges, Business Development for Vertical Lift Programs.
“The Chinook has been a key part of the European defense and humanitarian relief missions for more than five decades and would enhance Poland’s cooperation with allied forces, and support the country’s defense needs. In addition, the Chinook would deliver additional benefits to Poland through job creation, economic growth and greater autonomy for the Polish defense industry,” said Tim Flood, senior director, International Business Development for Europe and Americas.
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a tandem-rotor helicopter originally developed by American rotorcraft company Vertol and now manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The Chinook is a heavy-lift helicopter that is among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters. It remains one of the few aircraft to be developed during the early 1960s – along with the fixed-wing Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft – that has remained in both production and frontline service for over 60 years. The military version of the helicopter has been exported to nations across the world; the U.S. Army and the Royal Air Force have been its two largest users. With more than 950 aircraft in 20 countries, the Chinook has a long history of successful operations worldwide and has been extensively used in various military operations and humanitarian missions.
In 2001, the CH-47F, an upgraded CH-47D, made its maiden flight. The first production model rolled out at Boeing’s facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and first flew on 23 October 2006. A CH-47F Block 2 is being implemented as of 2020. The Block 2 aims for a payload of 22,000 lb (10,000 kg) with 4,000 ft (1,200 m) and 95 °F (35 °C) high and hot hover performance, eventually increased up to 6,000 ft (1,800 m), to carry the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV); maximum takeoff weight would be raised to 54,000 lb (24,500 kg). It has 20% more powerful Honeywell T55-715 engines along with an active parallel actuator system (APAS) to enhance the digital advanced flight-control system, providing an exact torque split between the rotors for greater efficiency. A new fuel system combines the three fuel cells in each sponson into one larger fuel cell and eliminates intracell fuel transfer hardware, reducing weight by 90 kg (200 lb) and increasing fuel capacity. Electrical capacity is increased by three 60 kVA generators.
