very cool! I'd love to build a model of the new MH-47G someday.......great to see them honor a legacy.
I was confused by your refering to the new special forces helicopter as an MH-47F.............I think the newest line chinook is the CH-47F, while the newest S.O.F. chinook is the MH-47G.......here's a few press releases from philly....
CH-47F Chinook
To extend the service life of the CH-47 beyond 2030, Boeing developed the CH-47F in the mid-1990s and began production in 2003. Boeing is conducting major cost reduction initiatives, which improve manufacturing processes and affordability. The program features improvement aimed at reducing operating and support costs; improving reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM); and providing digital battlefield compatibility in communications and navigation. The program included modernization of 394 existing CH-47Ds and production of 17 new helicopters. The CH-47F Chinooks possess the following capabilities and characteristics:
- Improved airframe structure to reduce vibration effects
- Structural enhancements in the cockpit, cabin, aft section, pylon and ramp -- flexible paint system with corrosion preventive compounds
- Integrated cockpit control system -- Common Aviation Architecture System -- Improved electrical, avionics and communication systems
- Improved Avionics with Digital Advanced Flight Control System -- Situational awareness and improved digital map display
- More powerful engines with digital fuel controls. Two turbine engine hubs, each with a Textron Lycoming T55-L714 engine -- each with 4,900 SHP
- A maximum payload capacity of 21,500-pounds (Based on U.S. Army requirements for the CH-47F)
- An operating range up to 329 nautical miles
- Modularized hydraulics and triple cargo hooks
- Composite, manual-folding, tandem-rotor blades with three blades per hub
Boeing Delivers First MH-47G Special Operations Chinook
PHILADELPHIA, Pa., May 07, 2004 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered the first MH-47G Special Operations Chinook helicopter to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Thursday during a ceremony in Philadelphia.
The MH-47G is the seventh and most capable iteration of the world's most advanced heavy lift helicopter. Boeing will produce at least 37 G-models, which will significantly increase the inventory of Special Operations Chinooks. The delivered aircraft is one of three modernized under the U.S. Army's Reconstitution Program to replace operational losses of MH-47Es. Under the U.S. Army's Cargo Helicopter Modernization Program, plans call for Boeing to remanufacture and deliver 58 additional MH-47Gs by 2011 to help meet urgent Special Operations requirements.
"The delivery of the first MH-47G marks the beginning of years' worth of Chinook production and support work for Boeing and its suppliers," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager, Boeing Rotorcraft Systems. "All of us at Boeing are extremely proud of the Chinook and its record of service with the U.S. Army, Army Special Operations and our allies around the world for more than four decades. Now it's time to begin a new chapter that will carry the Chinook forward for many more decades."
The MH-47G features a number of upgrades over earlier models, including more efficient engines, improved avionics, reduced interior vibration and improved air transportability. Also, the aircraft's fully integrated digital Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) will enable Special Operations aviators to integrate global communications, navigation, survivability and situational awareness capabilities.
"As magnificent as this aircraft is, it's only as good as the people who plan it, design it, build it, fly it and support it in a number of ways," said Lt. Gen. Philip R. Kensinger, commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command to Boeing employees gathered at the event. "Whatever piece, small or large, is yours in the Army's acquisition of the MH-47G, you are making a direct contribution to the global war on terrorism."
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command uses its current fleet of 34 Special Operations Chinooks -- 23 MH-47Es and 11 MH-47Ds -- to complete clandestine exfiltration and infiltration missions at low level, day or night, in all weather conditions. The Army plans to modernize these aircraft to the G-model configuration to better support its Special Operations mission.
Boeing builds the Chinook in Philadelphia, where more than 4,600 employees use state-of-the-art Lean manufacturing and engineering methods to generate efficiencies and cost savings in all stages of development and production. Boeing's longest running continuous production program, the Chinook first entered service with the U.S. Army in 1962 and has been used in countless military, civilian and humanitarian missions around the world.