The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has commissioned 17 CH-47 Block II Chinooks Extended Range to update its fleet, substituting some CH-47 JA models. These aircraft will be jointly produced by Boeing and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI).
Since the 1980s, Boeing and KHI have supplied the JSDF with more than 100 Chinooks, establishing it as one of Japan's most enduring and successful license manufacturing initiatives.
“This award strengthens our decades-long relationship with KHI and provides critical capability improvements that will keep the Japan Self-Defense Forces operating heavy-lift aircraft for decades to come,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Boeing Cargo Programs. “The Block II configuration and digital flight controls will modernize and significantly improve Japan’s helicopter transport capabilities by improving aircraft stability, safety, and efficiency.”
The Block II Chinook extended-range aircraft signifies the latest advancement in heavy-lift and multi-mission helicopters. This model features a state-of-the-art digital cockpit, a reinforced airframe, enhanced fuel tanks, and other improvements that enhance performance and ensure compatibility with the expanding global fleet of upgraded Chinooks. The incorporation of modern aircraft design and avionics systems facilitates future technological upgrades and the expansion of operational capabilities.
Japan becomes the fourth international customer for this advanced configuration, joining the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, ensuring that the JSDF remains at the forefront of heavy-lift aviation for the foreseeable future.
The H-47 Chinook is the preferred heavy-lift helicopter for the U.S. Army and 20 international operators. It is a sophisticated, multi-mission, tandem-rotor helicopter, proven in cargo and troop transport, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, special operations, humanitarian and disaster relief, and more.
The tandem rotor design offers increased stability and control, maximum agility, ease of loading and unloading, and superior performance in windy conditions. The Chinook can operate where others cannot. Rear ramp access on any terrain is unrestricted by tail rotor clearance, enabling tandems to operate on unprepared, mountainous locations and execute the unique pinnacle landing capability. The design also allows the Chinook to fly at altitudes up to 20,000 feet, higher than other helicopters in its class.
It includes a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system – the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) Cockpit paired with a Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS) – along with advanced cargo-handling capabilities that enhance the aircraft's mission performance and improve situational awareness.
Comments