Maiden flight for Canada's CH-147F Chinook helicopter

News Article / July 13, 2012

Canada’s new CH-147F Chinook helicopter made its successful first test flight near Boeing’s facility at Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, on June 24.

“This is an exceptionally proud moment for our program and brings us one step closer to fielding this outstanding operational capability to meet the needs of Canadians at home and abroad,” said Colonel Carl Doyon, the medium- to heavy-lift helicopter project manager.

“I would like to congratulate the Boeing team and the suppliers who have made this possible.”

The inaugural flight lasted more than 80 minutes and confirmed the initial airworthiness of the aircraft, including its new electrical system and advanced common avionics architecture system cockpit, which reduces pilot workload.

After the Chinook's third flight on June 25, Boeing also completed the limited acceptance test procedure to validate aircraft performance and systems. The aircraft will continue to progress through ground and flight test activities in the coming months and soon will be joined by the second CH-147F, which is scheduled to roll off the production line later this month. The aircraft will continue flight testing over the next 12 months with a combined crew of Boeing/Canadian Forces test pilots.

The Royal Canadian Air Force will receive 15 CH-147F Chinooks. The helicopter will feature extended-range fuel tanks, an upgraded electrical system, and aircraft survivability equipment that will enhance the Canadian Forces’ ability to operate in remote and isolated areas and increase their capacity to respond to disasters both at home and abroad.

In June 2013, the first CH-147 is scheduled to arrive at 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ont.