Aerospace
Boeing Secures Major CH-47F Chinook Contracts, Marks Transition to Block II Design
Boeing was given a contract to build 18 CH-47F Block I Chinooks for South Korea and one additional aircraft for Spain as part of a U.S. Department of Defence Foreign Military Sale (FMS). The agreement, worth at up to $793 million, represents the last aircraft to be ordered under the current CH-47F Block I FMS contract with the U.S. government as Boeing continues to transition to producing the sophisticated Block II design.
With this order, CH-47F Block I manufacturing and delivery will come to an end in 2027, but Chinook modernization efforts will continue with the H-47 Block II programme, which is already underway. Block II has a more effective drivetrain, a strengthened airframe, and reworked fuel tanks that increase lift and range.
U.S. Army Orders Additional Enhanced CH-47F Block II Chinooks(Opens in a new browser tab)
Six Block II aircraft, 36 for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and 14 for the United Kingdom are now under contract with the U.S. Army. Since a few years ago, SOCOM has been getting Block II aircraft, and the U.S. Army will get its first CH-47F Block II at the beginning of 2024.
In the heavy-lift market, Block I and Block II aircraft will coexist. Spain will grow its fleet to 18 aircraft with this most recent purchase of Chinook Block I aircraft, and South Korea will join 15 other operators that take use of the digital cockpit and superior cargo handling capabilities.
Germany chooses Chinook for future heavy lift competition(Opens in a new browser tab)
“South Korea adds to a growing list of operators around the world that recognise the value the modernised CH-47F Chinook brings to the table,” said Vince Logsdon, vice president, Global Business Development and Strategic Marketing for Boeing Defence, Space & Security. “While Spain is already benefiting from the aircraft in Europe, we are honoured to support South Korea’s modernization of its heavy-lift helicopter with a product capable of meeting the stringent mission requirements in Asia Pacific.”
Aerospace
When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited
During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.
Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.
Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.
His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.
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