Boeing delivers 300th CH-47F to Army

RIDLEY PARK, Pa., Oct. 28 (UPI) —

The 300th F variant of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter has been delivered ahead of schedule to the U.S. Army by Boeing.

The Chinook features a modernized airframe, a common avionics architecture system cockpit for improved situational awareness and a digital automatic flight control system for improved capabilities in a variety of environmental conditions.

"This (delivery) marks another benchmark for the CH-47F program," said Lt. Col. Michael Hauenstein, the Army’s CH-47F product manager, Office of the Project Manager, Cargo Helicopters. "More importantly, we have met this benchmark ahead of schedule, within cost, and produced an aircraft that performs as required worldwide."

Boeing said the first CH-47F Chinook was produced in 2006. Since then 18 U.S. Army and National Guard units have been trained and equipped with the cargo/transport helicopter.

The aircraft received by the Army earlier this month to the Army by Boeing was handed over 75 days ahead of schedule, the company said.