Boeing, July 16, 2023 - The Chinook has been a part of Italian Army Aviation for 50 years and counting. With the first CH-47C arriving in 1973, and the modernized CH-47F entering service in Italy in 2014, the heavy-lift helicopter has been performing troop transport, search and rescue, and humanitarian and disaster relief, including the provision of medical supplies to remote areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the years, the Italian Army has witnessed the evolution of the Chinook to the modern and versatile platform it is today. With the latest CH-47F, Italy takes advantage of the advanced common avionics glass cockpit system, modern digital automatic flight controls and advanced cargo handling capabilities.
Boeing spoke with Maj. Gen. Andrea Di Stasio, commander of Italian Army Aviation, to discuss his thoughts on the role the Chinook continues to play for the Italian Army.
What does it mean for Italy to reach 50 years of Chinook operations?
Fifty years ago, the Italian Army Aviation decided to make a bet, an investment on a unique capability that the CH-47 represents. In 50 years, we have done a lot, employing the Chinook during emergency situations and natural disasters in Italy and abroad, and participating in many international operations as a heavy-lift helicopter. With the F model, we decided to make the same bet, to renew a proven, effective choice.
What are your favorite characteristics of the Chinook?
I believe that the lifting capabilities, in conjunction with state-of-the-art avionics, are the most outstanding characteristics. These features allow us to significantly increase the power lift and excursion of center of gravity for transportation operations; in terms of versatility, the tandem rotor configuration grants it full maneuverability, avoiding all the drawbacks given by the presence of a tail rotor.
Italy once operated the C-model Chinook and upgraded to the CH-47F. How has modernization helped with emerging challenges?
The transition from the C-model Chinook to the CH-47F has indeed helped the country to keep up with emerging challenges. For example, the CH-47F features advanced avionics and systems that enhance situational awareness, mission planning and execution. It incorporates digital systems that provide improved communication, navigation and mission management capabilities, offering better maneuverability even in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.
What new and improved capabilities of the CH-47F stand out to you?
Among all the capabilities possessed, its strongpoints are the enhanced lifting capacity and an advanced avionic strictly connected with the flight director system, which allows the helicopter to flight a pre-planned route or to maintain set parameters, improving situational awareness. This reduces pilot workload and enhances flight control capabilities, particularly in degraded visual environments such as brownout operations.
Eight NATO countries operate the Chinook. How important is it that all operate the same heavy-lift aircraft?
Using the same heavy-lift helicopter is a great help that could lead to interoperability between NATO members. For example, we send our pilots to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence for qualification or instructor courses and we often compare our TTPs (technical tactical procedures) with other countries, as we have recently been doing for brownout landing procedures in Spain.
Was the CH-47 Chinook key in performing a mission that would have been difficult to accomplish otherwise?
Certainly! The CH-47 Chinook helicopter has been involved in numerous challenging missions over the years, showcasing its versatility and capability to operate in demanding situations. Some notable examples occurred during Afghanistan and Mali operations to perform emergency resupply to a forward operating base under enemy action pressure. These operations serve as testament to the CH-47 Chinook’s importance in performing complex and high-risk missions, where its unique capabilities and adaptability prove essential to mission success.
Over the years, the Italian Army has witnessed the evolution of the Chinook to the modern and versatile platform it is today. With the latest CH-47F, Italy takes advantage of the advanced common avionics glass cockpit system, modern digital automatic flight controls and advanced cargo handling capabilities.
Boeing spoke with Maj. Gen. Andrea Di Stasio, commander of Italian Army Aviation, to discuss his thoughts on the role the Chinook continues to play for the Italian Army.
What does it mean for Italy to reach 50 years of Chinook operations?
Fifty years ago, the Italian Army Aviation decided to make a bet, an investment on a unique capability that the CH-47 represents. In 50 years, we have done a lot, employing the Chinook during emergency situations and natural disasters in Italy and abroad, and participating in many international operations as a heavy-lift helicopter. With the F model, we decided to make the same bet, to renew a proven, effective choice.
What are your favorite characteristics of the Chinook?
I believe that the lifting capabilities, in conjunction with state-of-the-art avionics, are the most outstanding characteristics. These features allow us to significantly increase the power lift and excursion of center of gravity for transportation operations; in terms of versatility, the tandem rotor configuration grants it full maneuverability, avoiding all the drawbacks given by the presence of a tail rotor.
Italy once operated the C-model Chinook and upgraded to the CH-47F. How has modernization helped with emerging challenges?
The transition from the C-model Chinook to the CH-47F has indeed helped the country to keep up with emerging challenges. For example, the CH-47F features advanced avionics and systems that enhance situational awareness, mission planning and execution. It incorporates digital systems that provide improved communication, navigation and mission management capabilities, offering better maneuverability even in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.
What new and improved capabilities of the CH-47F stand out to you?
Among all the capabilities possessed, its strongpoints are the enhanced lifting capacity and an advanced avionic strictly connected with the flight director system, which allows the helicopter to flight a pre-planned route or to maintain set parameters, improving situational awareness. This reduces pilot workload and enhances flight control capabilities, particularly in degraded visual environments such as brownout operations.
Eight NATO countries operate the Chinook. How important is it that all operate the same heavy-lift aircraft?
Using the same heavy-lift helicopter is a great help that could lead to interoperability between NATO members. For example, we send our pilots to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence for qualification or instructor courses and we often compare our TTPs (technical tactical procedures) with other countries, as we have recently been doing for brownout landing procedures in Spain.
Was the CH-47 Chinook key in performing a mission that would have been difficult to accomplish otherwise?
Certainly! The CH-47 Chinook helicopter has been involved in numerous challenging missions over the years, showcasing its versatility and capability to operate in demanding situations. Some notable examples occurred during Afghanistan and Mali operations to perform emergency resupply to a forward operating base under enemy action pressure. These operations serve as testament to the CH-47 Chinook’s importance in performing complex and high-risk missions, where its unique capabilities and adaptability prove essential to mission success.
Elicotteri Meridionali (Boeing Vertol) CH-47C Chinook
See also |
ICH-47F Chinook in
Aviazione dell'Esercito CH-47C Chinook in
Aviazione dell'Esercito 
