By AgustaWestland on Thursday, June 27th, 2013
First Italian Army ICH-47F Chinook Performs Its Maiden Flight
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the primary ICH-47F Chinook for the Italian Army successfully accomplished its maiden flight on June 24th at Vergiate in Italy. The aircraft took to the air for quarter-hour, performing as expected whilst accomplishing basic handling tests and main systems checks.
This ICH-47F Chinook is the primary of an order for 16 units plus four options placed by the Italian MoD Procurement Agency (ARMAEREO). The contract also encompasses a five year logistic support service. The delivery of the 1st aircraft is planned in early 2014 with final deliveries in 2017.
The ICH-47Fs can be operated by the Italian Army Aviation 1st Regiment “Antares” based in Viterbo and they’re going to replace the 40 CH-47C Chinooks which were in service since 1973.
Under a Joint Industrial Agreement with Boeing, AgustaWestland is key contractor for the Italian ICH-47F program, with responsibility for systems integration, final assembly and aircraft delivery to the Italian Army. Moreover AgustaWestland also is being qualified by Boeing to supply the whole drive systems.
Boeing Rotorcraft Systems builds the fuselage at its Ridley Park, PA, facility inside the America whilst final assembly is completed at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Northern Italy.
Alessandro Parrini, Senior Vice chairman Italian Government Business Unit, AgustaWestland said: “This is an exhilarating moment for us and our customer. The Italian Army will soon fly the newest variant of the proven heavy lift platform which will give it new capabilities. This maiden flight confirms that the strategic partnership between the corporate and the Service is providing a vital contribution to the modernisation of the Italian Army helicopter fleet.”
The ICH-47F customized version contains a secure communications system, self-protection system and advanced datalink system. This new ICH-47F Chinook variant has a Maximum All Up Weight (MAUW) of 23 tons, is provided with two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines giving it excellent “hot and high” capability and is acceptable for all weather operations.
The primary tactical mission of the ICH-47F aircraft is to offer air transportation for equipment and troops. Cargo may be carried internally and externally using the aircraft’s cargo hook system. The helicopter’s payload, long range and high cruise speed make it a distinct asset to fulfill the Italian Army’s needs and will additionally perform special support functions, disaster relief and firefighting roles.
The Joint Industrial Agreement between AgustaWestland and Boeing also features a licensing arrangement that permits AgustaWestland to market, sell and bring these “Chinooks” for other countries.
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