Boeing hands first Chinook helicopter to US army

RIDLEY TOWNSHIP

Boeing has delivered the first configured Chinook helicopter to the American army with a ceremony.

United States aircraft manufacturer Boeing has delivered the first multiyear II configured CH-47F Chinook helicopter to the U.S. Army, as Turkey – along with some other countries – are waiting for the delivery of the chopper that become famous during the Vietnam War.

The delivery was celebrated on July 29 in a ceremony at the production facility in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, United States.

 “This delivery is an example of teamwork and commitment to the troops in the field,” said Col. Rob Barrie, who was accepting the aircraft on behalf of the U.S. Army.

Boeing was awarded a $4 billion multi-year contract in June 2013 that included 155 CH-47Fs and options for an additional 60 more aircrafts.

Deliveries for this contract are expected to continue through until 2019 with Turkey, Australia and the United Arab Emirates among some of the international clients that have signed a contract to receive the helicopters.

Ankara signed a contract worth nearly $400 million in 2011 with Boeing to buy six CH-47 Chinooks.
Chinook helicopters were introduced in 1962 as the CH-47 Chinook, with models A, B and C of the chopper deployed during the Vietnam War.

A central element in the Gulf War, they continue to be the standard helicopter for the U.S. Army in the global fight against terrorism. Since its introduction 1,179 Chinooks have been built.