As the OEM of the Commercial Chinook, the Model 234, Columbia plans to create a new model of super heavy-lift aircraft, the 234 Special Purpose helicopter (234SP), by converting existing CH-47D Chinook aircraft. This 234SP development program leverages the existing Model 234 design foundation, while retaining the legendary performance of the CH-47D.
Coupled with the planned Chinook Integrated Sustainment Program (CISP), these programs are aimed at enhancing opportunity and support for commercial Chinook operators by providing a fully FAA-certified transport category rotorcraft and providing unparalleled affordability, readiness, and on-demand capabilities.
Mike Tremlett, President and CEO of Columbia Helicopters said "Our introduction of the 234SP into the market marks a new chapter in Chinook commercial operations. We are thrilled to lead the way in unlocking unprecedented opportunities for operators with this groundbreaking aircraft, enabling them to optimize their fleets and achieve unparalleled performance and efficiency."
The first customer of the 234SP is current CH-47D operator ROTAK Helicopter Services, based in Anchorage, Alaska.
Ely Woods, President of ROTAK, expressed enthusiasm for this program, stating, “We are excited to bring this new opportunity to the industry and offer a new option for clients in the domestic heavy-lift market. Our partnership with Columbia and continued support has allowed a unique opportunity to change the industry. We are proud to be the launch customer for this new endeavor.”
European customer Heliswiss International, a Swiss helicopter operator specializing in heavy-lift long-line precision work and disaster relief, will also be a customer for the 234SP.
Severin Riedl, Chairman of Heliswiss’s parent company, Swiss Helicopter Group, writes, “For over 60 years, Heliswiss International has developed an expertise in the construction and assembly of complex structures worldwide with the help of 10 ton category aircraft. In the frame of its development strategy and the global development plan of the Swiss Helicopter Group, Heliswiss has assessed the European market and confirmed the need for a 20 tons category helicopter.”
Stéphane Delaye, CEO of Heliswiss adds, “With the signature of a Letter of Intent to purchase a Chinook, Heliswiss makes a further step in its project to operate the 234SP as a utility-purposed Super Heavy Helicopter, and to support the ambitious development plan of Power Grids in Europe with an unmatched lifting capacity of more than 10 tons. We are happy to have the support of Columbia Helicopters to operate a Chinook in early 2025, independent from the certification process of 234SP.”
With certification and market entry planned for 2025, the 234SP development program signifies a pivotal moment in the history of the Chinook. It offers operators an opportunity to optimize their fleets and achieve unparalleled performance and efficiency.
Columbia Finalizing CH-47D Foresight MX HUMS STC
Columbia Helicopters (Heli Expo Booth #3708) and GPMS International (Booth #3016) have completed design, manufacturing, and installation in support of obtaining an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Foresight MX on the CH-47D platform.
Foresight MX stands as the sole predictive Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) available to CH-47D operators, offering an integrated suite encompassing Mechanical Diagnostics, Flight Data Monitoring (FDM), Engine Monitoring, and Rotor Track and Balance capabilities.
Rob Roedts, Vice President of Aircraft Solutions at Columbia Helicopters, expressed enthusiasm for the strides made by the joint engineering team: "We're thrilled with the progress achieved by our collaborative efforts. Foresight MX's scalability is truly remarkable, promising CH-47D operators unprecedented capabilities. The system will be substantially lighter and more cost-effective compared to original factory-installed systems, if ever present on the aircraft."
As a premier utility operator and renowned authority in maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, Columbia Helicopters recognizes the distinct demands of heavy-lift missions. Leveraging its status as the OEM for the Model 234 and 107-II helicopters and holding the FAA Type Certificate for the CH-47D Chinook, Columbia delivers tailored STC solutions to optimize capabilities and operational availability, with the introduction of Foresight MX HUMS representing the latest evolution.
Ronnie Ries, Vice President of Marketing at GPMS, said CH-47D operators are anxiously awaiting the STC. “With the divesture of these aircraft from militaries around the world, commercial operators are acquiring them for a fraction of the original price. But replacement parts are expensive, and inventory of key components can be very scarce. That’s where Foresight MX comes in. With its predictive capabilities, CH-47 operators can turn unscheduled events into scheduled maintenance. Additionally, the integrated Rotor Track and Balance capability will significantly reduce the headaches operators experience.”
“We’re not done after we receive the STC on the CH-47D,” Roedts continues. “We plan to continue to work with GPMS to extend the STC to the Columbia Model 234 and other models. They’ve been a great partner and we can’t wait to bring predictive HUMS to heavy-lift operators around the world.”
About Columbia Helicopters : Columbia Helicopters, Inc. (CHI) is a global leader in heavy-lift helicopter operations, providing innovative helicopter solutions for a wide range of industries including construction, firefighting, aerial logging, and more. With over 60 years of experience, CHI is renowned for its commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
See also |
Commercial CH-47 in
Columbia Helicopters GPMS State of Vermont Boeing CH-47D Chinook
Helicopters Firefighting 
