Aerospace

U.S. Army Grounds Entire Fleet of Chinook Helicopters

U.S. Army grounds Boeing-made Chinook helicopters fleet

The US official grounded the entire new fleet of Chinooks that are equipped with Honeywell engines as a result of the precautions taken.

According to the most recent data, engine problems have not caused any injuries or fatalities. Depending on how long the order lasts, the grounding of the Chinook helicopters, a workhorse on the battlefield since the 1960s, might present logistical difficulties for American soldiers.

Approximately 400 Chinooks powered by Honeywell engines are being used by the US Army, according to the details. Boeing declined to respond to inquiries and sent them to the Army.

According to a Honeywell spokeswoman, the engine manufacturer collaborated with the army to find that certain O-ring components didn’t adhere to the company’s design requirements. According to him, the components were put at an Army installation during routine maintenance. The Honeywell official said the business is attempting to provide the Army with new parts, however, he declined to identify the manufacturer of the parts.

US Army and Sikorsky agree on a $2.3 billion purchase of Black Hawk helicopters(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to an Army spokeswoman, the service has found the source of the fuel leaks that led to “a few engine fires among a few” of the helicopters. She claimed that the Army is acting to remedy the problem.

India received the first batch of Chinook helicopters in February 2019. Boeing completed the delivery of 15 Chinook helicopters to the Indian Air Force in 2020.

Meet the Bell 360, the latest rival to the Sikorsky Raider X.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Both regular and special Army personnel use the Chinook, a heavy-lift utility helicopter, to transport more than forty-dozen soldiers or items. For 60 years, it has been a mainstay of the Army’s helicopter fleet.

About 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters are in India. They have become one of the most important military tools for airlift operations in places like Ladakh and the Siachen Glaciers to support Indian forces stationed in these areas over the past few years.

IAF to induct first batch of domestically built LCH at Jodhpur (Opens in a new browser tab)

Sources : WSJ

Related Topics:Apache helicopter chinook Helicopter

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.