Boeing, August 26, 1999 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - The first Boeing CH-47SD or ``Super D'' Chinook tandem-rotor helicopter made a successful first flight yesterday with test pilots Jack Jordan and Armand Barrieault at the controls. The Super D completed basic hover and flight maneuvers before completing a successful 1.5-hour flight, followed by another flight later in the day.
``The aircraft performed as advertised and met our expectations,'' said Jordan. ``The subsequent test flight program will enable us to ensure the SD digital cockpit management system works flawlessly so we can deliver a superior aircraft to our launch customer on time, on cost and within spec.''
``We are pleased with the first Super D's performance,'' said James Waterman, CH-47SD program manager. ``Completion of first flight is an important milestone, and reflects the high standards of professionalism and craftsmanship the Super D team has met throughout this program. We are looking forward to on-time delivery of the first SD this autumn.''
The Super D is the new standard CH-47 model. Although aimed primarily at the international market, the rotorcraft also will be available to the U.S. armed forces. It incorporates several significant system improvements as standard equipment, such as a fully integrated glass cockpit with automated flight controls, and full authority digital engine control.
The new Chinook will carry a three-person crew and standard seating for 37 passengers in the main cabin, although up to 55 troop seats can be installed. A variety of additional ``plug-in'' option kits are available to configure the Super D for operations on water or in snow, or several specialized missions such as search and rescue, fire-fighting and special operations.
The US Army also is committed to the Improved Cargo Helicopter program to modernize its CH-47D fleet and supports foreign military sales. This nearly guarantees prompt and reliable spares inventories and product support during the Super D's service life.
The Boeing Company develops and produces military rotorcraft in services worldwide at its production facilities in Mesa, Ariz., and Philadelphia. Among its products are the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter, CH-47 Chinook, the RAH-66 Comanche armed reconnaissance helicopter and the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
``The aircraft performed as advertised and met our expectations,'' said Jordan. ``The subsequent test flight program will enable us to ensure the SD digital cockpit management system works flawlessly so we can deliver a superior aircraft to our launch customer on time, on cost and within spec.''
``We are pleased with the first Super D's performance,'' said James Waterman, CH-47SD program manager. ``Completion of first flight is an important milestone, and reflects the high standards of professionalism and craftsmanship the Super D team has met throughout this program. We are looking forward to on-time delivery of the first SD this autumn.''
The Super D is the new standard CH-47 model. Although aimed primarily at the international market, the rotorcraft also will be available to the U.S. armed forces. It incorporates several significant system improvements as standard equipment, such as a fully integrated glass cockpit with automated flight controls, and full authority digital engine control.
The new Chinook will carry a three-person crew and standard seating for 37 passengers in the main cabin, although up to 55 troop seats can be installed. A variety of additional ``plug-in'' option kits are available to configure the Super D for operations on water or in snow, or several specialized missions such as search and rescue, fire-fighting and special operations.
The US Army also is committed to the Improved Cargo Helicopter program to modernize its CH-47D fleet and supports foreign military sales. This nearly guarantees prompt and reliable spares inventories and product support during the Super D's service life.
The Boeing Company develops and produces military rotorcraft in services worldwide at its production facilities in Mesa, Ariz., and Philadelphia. Among its products are the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter, CH-47 Chinook, the RAH-66 Comanche armed reconnaissance helicopter and the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
See also |
Boeing CH-47SD Chinook
