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11 décembre 2015 5 11 /12 /décembre /2015 12:50
La Royal Air Force dispose désormais de 14 Mark-6 Chinook photo Boeing

La Royal Air Force dispose désormais de 14 Mark-6 Chinook photo Boeing

 

10.12.2015 source Aerobuzz.fr

 

Boeing a livré (7 décembre 2015) le 14ème et dernier Mk6 Chinook commandé par le Royaume Uni. Ce qui porte à 60 la flotte des Chinook de la Royal Air Force. Cette livraison coïncide aussi avec le 35ème anniversaire de l’entrée en service de cet hélicoptère lourd au sein des forces aériennes britanniques. Les H-47 Chinook sont utilisés depuis 1980 pour le transport de troupes, pour des missions d’assaut et des évacuations sanitaires.

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10 décembre 2015 4 10 /12 /décembre /2015 12:50
Chinook et Tigre - photo Marine nationale

Chinook et Tigre - photo Marine nationale

 

08.12.2015 Marine nationale

Au large de Barcelone, un hélicoptère Tigre, un Cougar et un Chinook de l'armée de Terre à Séville ont effectué des séances d’appontages sur le pont d’envol du Bâtiment de Projection et de Commandement (BPC) Dixmude. Cette activité de préparation opérationnelle franco-espagnole a permis aux pilotes espagnols de s’entraîner à l’appontage sur BPC et à l’équipage de renforcer une fois de plus l’intéropérabilité avec des alliés.

photo Marine nationale
photo Marine nationale

photo Marine nationale

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13 novembre 2015 5 13 /11 /novembre /2015 17:35
photo Armée de l'Air (archives)

photo Armée de l'Air (archives)

 

13 novembre lindependant.fr

 

Tombé chez les rebelles talibans, en Afghanistan, après une panne de moteur et une éjection, le capitaine Noug a vécu les deux heures les plus interminables de sa vie avant d'être récupéré par des militaires américains.

 

"Ce jour-là, je volais avec un navigateur que je connais très bien. Cela faisait neuf semaines qu'on était sur place (..) on était acculturé au danger", a-t-il raconté à ses camarades lors d'un stage de récupération de pilotes en zone hostile à Captieux, près de la base de Mont-de-Marsan (Landes).

 

Envoyés dans une région où des taliban avaient fait exploser une voiture et immobilisé un convoi, le pilote de Mirage 2000 et son navigateur vont se retrouver pris au piège d'un mauvais concours de circonstances. "On est deux, un Mirage F1 et un Mirage 2000D. Comme d'habitude, il faut aller ravitailler (...) Mais ce jour-là, le tanker est beaucoup plus loin que prévu. Ca fait un trajet aller-retour de 45-50 minutes pour le F1" parti en premier, se souvient Alexandre, 35 ans, "Noug" de son nom de guerre (les militaires français ne dévoilent pas leur identité pour des raisons de sécurité). Le F1, qui aurait pu donner l'alerte, est donc absent quand le sort s'en mêle. Le moteur du Mirage 2000 s'arrête subitement alors que le chasseur fait une démonstration de force à basse altitude pour impressionner les insurgés.

 

"Une panne purement mécanique. Ce n'était pas notre jour. On essaie de rallumer le moteur, en vain. En une minute quarante (le temps d'actionner le siège éjectable et de descendre sous voile), on est par terre", dit Noug. Projetés hors du cockpit, le pilote et le navigateur se retrouvent au sol, sonnés, complètement à découvert dans une étendue jaune désertique. En descendant, suspendu à son parachute, le pilote a repéré sous ses pieds des fermes. "Quand on arrive au sol, on voit des gens qui se rassemblent sur les toits donc on se doute que notre position est compromise".

 

Les villageois vont-ils alerter les taliban ? Les attaquer ? A ce moment-là, "il faut dire les choses comme elles sont, on se sent tout seul et on est mort de trouille", raconte l'officier d'une voix calme. Lors de l'éjection, "on s'est déjà pris 18 G dans un sens, une claque à 280 km/h, 20 G dans l'autre sens à l'ouverture de la voile, on est tombé à 9 mètres/seconde". Les deux hommes réalisent rapidement qu'après le choc de l'éjection, ils ne pourront pas courir si l'ennemi approche. Le secteur est de surcroît truffé de mines héritées des Soviétiques, rendant toute fuite illusoire.

 

"Mon navigateur a son flingue à la main, il regarde les alentours pendant que je tente d'établir un contact radio", décrit Noug. En Afghanistan, les aéronefs de la coalition ne sont jamais loin. Bientôt, deux hélicoptères foncent droit vers eux, tournent deux ou trois fois, se posent, redécollent puis s'éloignent. En plein jour, à 10 h du matin, ils n'ont pas vu les fusées de détresse tirées par les deux hommes. "Autant vous dire qu'on prend alors un sacré coup au moral", soupire le capitaine.

 

Arrivent enfin six A-10 américains, qui se sont reroutés vers la zone du crash après avoir entendu l'appel à l'aide. "Ils parlent clairement à la radio, sont superdirectifs. Je n'ai jamais aussi bien compris l'accent US que ce jour-là"! Un des pilotes leur fait un petit signe de la main en passant au-dessus d'eux. "C'est super rassurant, souligne Noug, ils nous disent que les hélicos vont arriver dans 20 minutes".

 

Deux hélicoptères Chinook déboulent finalement plus tôt que prévu. Venus eux aussi à la rescousse après avoir entendu le signal de détresse, les "superfrelons" américains ramassent en un éclair les deux Français dans un nuage de poussière et de caillasse. "On a pu reprendre le boulot 30 jours plus tard, au début avec une grosse appréhension (...) Trois mois plus tard, on repartait en Libye", conclut-il.

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6 novembre 2015 5 06 /11 /novembre /2015 08:50
Meet The Military Medics Training To Respond In A Crisis

 

5 nov. 2015 by Forces TV

 

Being in the UK's Medical Emergency Response Team - or MERT - is one of the toughest jobs for a military medic.

In Afghanistan, they flew thousands of missions, collecting wounded troops from the battlefield and flying them to hospital in the back of a Chinook.

Forces TV has been given exclusive access to the course which trains the emergency medics of the future.

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30 septembre 2015 3 30 /09 /septembre /2015 07:35
CH-47F Chinook helicopter

CH-47F Chinook helicopter


28.09.2015 by Livefist
 

It's a phrase thrown about often in this business, but in the compulsively bumpy world of Indian aviation procurement, there are few occasions when an item chosen for the armed forces is a certain, unequivocal game-changer. The Indian government's decision to clear a deal for 15 Boeing Ch-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters steps far from the slapdash, frequently fallible procurement paths the armed forces have taken all too often. For one thing, the Chinook won a competition. Two, the government's decision to close the deal comes nearly three years of negotiations later -- an indication, perhaps and hopefully, that India has closed the best deal it could for the product. But now that the decks are truly cleared for a direct commercial sale contract between the Indian MoD and Boeing Defense, it's useful to examine sentiments within the Indian Air Force, which will operate the Chinooks possibly from its Chandigarh base, but possible closer to the country's capital too. Here are five reasons why the CH-47F Chinook in IAF colours (as detailed for the first time by artist Saurav Chordia above) could be a true game-changer in Indian service:

 

1. The IAF has had a troubled run with its spare heavylift rotory wing capability. Of the four Mi-26 Halos it bought in the eighties, three remain (one was written off after a severe crash-landing five years ago). But even before the accident, the platform has had typically severe serviceability issues that have mostly seen only one in the air at any given time -- not the worst of scenarios for such a small fleet, but grossly less than what the IAF wanted from these machines. Replaced with a full-sized fleet of new generation helicopters will give IAF planners the kind of heavylift rotory wing flexibility they've never had before. Squadron-sized numbers (and, of course, newer circumstances) will shore up serviceability and put more numbers in pilots' hands. The last few years have demonstrated that the ability to have more than one of these helicopters in the air at any given time is the difference, quite literally, between life and death. More numbers of heavylift copters in aero-bridge operations during humanitarian relief or disaster reconstruction work will be crucial.

 

2. Trials in 2010-11 convinced the IAF in no small measure that the tandem rotor capability would enormously boost what they were already doing with the conventionally framed Mi-26, especially in high-altitude operations. A comparison of what the tandem rotored Chinook could do in terms of landing approach capability, centre of gravity envelope etc., as opposed to the aerodynamic, performance and safety constraints on the CH-53 Super Stallion/Mi-26 proved to be too substantive to ignore. In simple terms, the IAF was convinced the Chinook could get more done, cleaner and safer.

 

3. The Chinook is substantially smaller and with a lower payload capacity than the Mi-26, but a higher degree of loading/unloading flexibility (especially rear loading) coupled with  a significantly greater number of cargo/troops/equipment configurations convinced the IAF that switching to the tandem rotor machine made more sense than explore the very capable Mi-26T2, that sports better engines, avionics and safety features than the variant the IAF currently operates. The Chinook's performance with under-slung cargo also won the IAF over.

 

4. The Chinook's flying qualities, agility in the air, significantly lower rotor diameter and landing flexibility will allow the IAF to fly it where it couldn't have even thought of taking the Mi-26. High altitude border areas, along narrow ridges and valleys, to deliver equipment, humans or materials for construction, road-building/repair, communications infrastructure building, disaster relief, casualty evacuation or any of the several other mission profiles the Chinook is built for. Why is that a game-changer? Because the IAF cannot satisfactorily deliver heavy payloads to precise sites even now. If not fully in some areas, tandem rotor operations will close the gap significantly, allowing the IAF to deliver closer to sites of requirement than ever before.

 

5. The Chinook is only the second heavylift helicopter the IAF will have ever operated. Unlike the Mi-26  that has performed strictly a troop/cargo transport role, the Chinook will obviously have a special missions profile as well. While the IAF has been looking at the MH-47 special operations configuration, the CH-47F variant it has chosen will definitely be used for special operations training and exercises, and will necessarily integrated with the larger joint special forces orbat. The IAF, a master at finding innovative new uses for its kit, could throw up several surprises behind the stick of a Chinook.

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27 mars 2015 5 27 /03 /mars /2015 12:20
RCAF Chinooks to be outfitted with missile defence system

Canada's new CH-147F Chinook medium- to heavy-lift helicopter makes its way from the nation's capital, up the Ottawa valley to its new home at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ont., on June 27, 2013. Canada and the RCAF have purchased 15 of these Boeing helicopters. PHOTO: Cpl Darcy Lefebvre

 

March 25, 2015 David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen

 

The RCAF’s new Chinook helicopters will be outfitted with a missile protection system built by Northrop Grumman Corporation.

 

As part of the advanced aircraft survivability equipment suite, the latest generation directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system protects the Chinook and its crew by automatically detecting a missile launch, determining if it is a threat and activating a high-intensity, laser-based countermeasure system to track and defeat the missile, the U.S. firm stated in a news release.

 

Northrop Grumman’s various infrared countermeasure systems are now installed or scheduled for installation on more than 1,000 military aircraft around the world to protect 55 different types of large fixed-wing transports and rotary-wing platforms from infrared missile attacks, the firm noted.

 

No details were provided on the value of the contract or when the systems would be delivered.

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26 mars 2015 4 26 /03 /mars /2015 13:35
A Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter operating over Afghanistan - photo RAF

A Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter operating over Afghanistan - photo RAF

 

26 March 2015 by Flt Lt Henderson – Royal Air Force

 

After thirteen years supporting operations in Afghanistan, the first of the three remaining Royal Air Force Chinooks left Kabul this morning to begin the journey home.

 

Since the end of combat operations in Afghanistan in October 2014, three RAF Chinooks were retained in the country to assist British troops in non-combat roles but they are now on their way home.

 

In the early hours of Wednesday 25th March, the first of the heavy lift support helicopter from RAF Odiham in Hampshire was loaded on to the C17, marking the end of the UK Chinook Force’s contribution to operations in Afghanistan.

 

Synonymous with operations in Afghanistan over the last thirteen years, the Chinook Force has flown over 41,000 hours, extracted 13,000 casualties and its crews have been awarded numerous gallantry awards, including twenty three distinguished flying crosses for bravery in the air.

 

Group Captain Richard Maddison, RAF Odiham’s Station Commander, said, “The sight of a Chinook in Afghanistan will be iconic to many that have served there, or have witnessed the events from afar. The commitment of the personnel from the Chinook Force – whether in Afghanistan or supporting from the UK and other overseas locations – has been first rate.”

 

“We return with enormous pride at our contribution over this very testing period and wish those of the Puma Force the very best success as they continue to provide helicopter support in the country”.

 

Squadron Leader Paul Butler, Officer Commanding Operation TORAL Aviation Detachment said, “It is an honour and privilege to be the last Commanding Officer of the last Chinook detachment in Afghanistan.”

 

“I have been humbled by the dedication and steadfast work-ethic of the men and women working on the Chinook Force.”

 

“I am extremely proud of the contribution made by the Chinook Force during combat operations in this country, whether that be providing essential air mobility, moving coalition troops and equipment around theatre or undertaking lifesaving medical evacuation for injured troops.”

 

“Our role in Afghanistan has changed significantly since the end of Operation HERRICK, our mission on Operation TORAL, whilst different, is no less important. Providing aviation support to coalition troops working to ensure the institutional development of the Afghan government is a fitting end to our time in Afghanistan.”

 

A RAF Chinook helicopter is loaded into a C17 Globemaster for the long journey back to the UK from Afghanistan. - photo RAF

A RAF Chinook helicopter is loaded into a C17 Globemaster for the long journey back to the UK from Afghanistan. - photo RAF

The return of the Chinooks from Afghanistan also coincides with Defence Secretary Michael Fallon’s announcement to send two Chinooks to the Falkland Islands as part of measures designed to ensure defence resilience. He said:

 

"These measures will include the return of military support helicopters which were removed in 2006 to support operations in Afghanistan. On current plans this will involve the deployment of two Chinooks, which will be operational by the middle of next year.

 

"This is a significant capability which will provide reactive 24/7 tactical mobility in order to allow a swift and decisive response to any emerging incidents. The helicopters will also bring a heavy lift capability and will enhance the training opportunities available to the resident infantry company.”

 

The Chinook aviation detachment in Kabul will handover to the RAF Puma 2 Force from RAF Benson, on the 1st April 2015, the Puma 2 crews will remain in Afghanistan until the mission is complete.

A Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter operating over  Afghanistan

A Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter operating over Afghanistan

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10 février 2015 2 10 /02 /février /2015 08:35
Kabul Cabs – The Chinook Force In Afghanistan

Photo Cpl Andrew Morris - RAF

 

06 February 2015 Flt Lt Henderson- RAF

 

Royal Air Force Chinooks are continuing to make a significant contribution towards Afghanistan’s future security and stability following the end of the UK combat mission in the country on 31st December 2014.

 

Three Chinooks helicopters from RAF Odiham in Hampshire are currently deployed to assist the servicemen and women remaining in Afghanistan supporting the Afghan government and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in non-combat roles. The focus of the UK’s efforts in the country has evolved from leading combat operations to training, advising and assisting the ANSF, this includes leading the training at the Afghan National Army Officers Academy (ANAOA).

 

In November 2014, three of the eight heavy lift support helicopters previously assigned to operations in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan relocated to Kabul in support of the NATO-led mission, Operation Resolute Support. Sqn Ldr Hannah Brown, Officer Commanding Op TORAL Aviation Detachment said,

 

“The British mission in Afghanistan, known as Operation TORAL, is to support the institutional development of the Afghan government and the strengthening of the Afghan Security Forces. For us [the Chinook Force] this involves flying diplomats, UK and coalition military and freight around the capital.”

 

“The primary difference we’re making is that we’re keeping people off the roads. By far the highest threat at the moment in the capital are road side bombs and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devises. By using air we can transport people quickly and more safely to various locations in the city.”

 

“We’re not the only aviation assets here, there’s a large presence from the americans but we’re having a disproportionate affect with just our three aircraft. We’re a small detachment but we’re currently providing up to ten hours flying a day moving troops and equipment around Kabul.”

 

“I’m particularly proud that even within our first month here, we were already achieving a hundred percent of the flying task we were asked to do. That equates to roughly 2400 people being kept off the roads. When you consider how many convoys that haven’t had to happen, that is really rewarding.”

 

Later this spring the Chinook Force in Kabul will be replaced by three RAF Puma HC 2 helicopters from RAF Benson, they will remain in Afghanistan until the mission is complete.

 

Sqn Ldr Brown said, “There are people on the Chinook Force now who don’t remember a time when we haven’t been in Afghanistan. After 14 years it will be a big step change for us but also a chance for a reset back at RAF Odiham.”

 

“We will have the opportunity to start supporting other exercises and contingency operations as required and we will also be able to focus on training in other environments that we haven’t been able to concentrate on while our main effort has been flying in Afghanistan.”

 

Engineers from 1310 Flight, normally based at RAF Odiham get to work on a Chinnok while it sits on the pan at Kabul.

 

“The Chinook has become synonymous with Afghanistan, every time you see an image of troops in Helmand, chances are you will see an RAF Chinook in the background.”

 

“We’re extremely proud of the support we provided to operations in Afghanistan so it will be a sad day when we leave this country but I think we’re leaving it a better state than when we arrived and it’s a chance for the Chinook force to look ahead to new things.”

Kabul Cabs – The Chinook Force In AfghanistanKabul Cabs – The Chinook Force In Afghanistan
Kabul Cabs – The Chinook Force In Afghanistan
Kabul Cabs – The Chinook Force In AfghanistanKabul Cabs – The Chinook Force In Afghanistan
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26 janvier 2015 1 26 /01 /janvier /2015 12:20
Rafale Blanche 2015 avec le 430 ETAH


25 janv. 2015 45eNord.ca

 

Chinook et Griffon survolent la région de Québec lors de Rafale Blanche 2015.

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4 octobre 2014 6 04 /10 /octobre /2014 11:50
photo AgustaWestland Boeing

photo AgustaWestland Boeing

 

04/10/2014 Avia News

 

AgustaWestland a livré à l'armée italienne les deux premiers exemplaires de ICH-47F «Chinook» en fin de semaine. Au total l’Italie a commandé 16 hélicoptères de ce type.

 

Une cérémonie de remise a eu lieu sur les installation d’AgustaWestland près de Varese Vergiate.

"La dernière génération du «Chinook» offre un saut quantique en termes de portée, de protection, de sécurité, de lutte et des capacités globales de performance, grâce aussi à une suite de mission numérique sur mesure, par rapport à la flotte actuelle de CH-47C, qui a été le cheval de bataille de l'aviation de l'armée italienne pendant plus de quatre décennies », explique le chef de service du programme «Chinook» le Gen Claudio Graziano.

 

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14 août 2014 4 14 /08 /août /2014 07:30
RAF Chinooks now considered for Iraq aid crisis

 

12 Aug 2014 By Ben Farmer, Defence Correspondent

 

British Chinook helicopters could soon join RAF transport planes and Tornado jets operating in Iraq as the UK rapidly escalates its aid mission

 

Britain is considering sending Chinook helicopters to Iraq to bolster an aid mission for thousands of desperate refugees fleeing Islamist extremists demanding they convert or die.

The heavy lift helicopters would join two RAF C130 Hercules planes already carrying out aid drops and Tornado jets on their way to the region, as Britain rapidly steps up efforts to save a quarter of a million people fleeing fighting in northern Iraq.

The proposal was being discussed in a meeting of Government’s COBR emergencies committee on Tuesday afternoon.

 

Read more

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13 août 2014 3 13 /08 /août /2014 21:50
a RAF Tornado from RAF Marham arrives at RAF Akrotiri Cyprus - photo UK MoD

a RAF Tornado from RAF Marham arrives at RAF Akrotiri Cyprus - photo UK MoD

 

Aug. 13, 2014 - By ANDREW CHUTER – Defense News

 

LONDON — Britain will be part of an international mission to rescue Yazidi refugees stranded in northern Iraq, Prime Minister David Cameron said Wednesday.

 

“Detailed plans” were being pieced together to get the operation underway, Cameron said after chairing a meeting of the British Government’s Cobra crisis committee meeting.

 

“We need a plan to get these people off that mountain and get them to a place of safety, and I can confirm that detailed plans are now being put in place and are underway, and that Britain will play a role in delivering that,” he said.

 

News an international effort was being organized to rescue thousands of Yazidis trapped by Islamic State (IS) jihadists comes as French President Francois Hollande announced they would start supplying arms within hours to Iraqi Kurds fighting the militants.

 

“For several days, France has had the necessary measures in place to support the operational capabilities of the forces fighting IS,” the statement from Hollande’s office said.

 

France had already been delivering humanitarian aid for several days.

 

The US is conducting airstrikes against Islamic State militants in the region as well as supplying arms to Kurdish forces and aid to refugees.

 

Tuesday Washington announced it was sending 130 military advisers to northern Iraq.

 

Britain has been ramping up its basing of military assets in the region over the last few hours but continues to stress that the helicopters, strike aircraft and transport aircraft involved remain part of a humanitarian mission.

 

The Royal Air Force is already conducting airdrops of water and other essentials from Hercules C-130s based in the region.

 

A small number of Tornado GR4 strike aircraft equipped with Rafael Litening III reconnaissance and targeting pods has also deployed to the British base at Akrotiri, Cyprus, to aid the RAF airdrop mission with surveillance capabilities.

 

The British have also announced they are forward-basing a small number of Boeing Chinook helicopters in the region. Media reports here say four of the heavy-lift helicopters have been dispatched.

 

The MoD has not detailed what role the helicopters will play. The aircraft departed their base at Odiham, southern England, Wednesday, enroute to the region

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4 août 2014 1 04 /08 /août /2014 12:45
L’acquisition de trois hélicoptères Chinook par les FAR devient effective

 

 

01.08.2014  medias24.com

 

Le Maroc renforce sa flotte de Chinook, les célèbres hélicoptères militaires américains. Trois CH47D ont été confirmés jeudi soir tandis que la possible acquisition de trois autres est annoncée par la presse spécialisée.

 

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9 juillet 2014 3 09 /07 /juillet /2014 11:35
CH-47F Chinook helicopter

CH-47F Chinook helicopter

 

Jul 8, 2014 Rajat Pandit, TNN

 

NEW DELHI: India is now close to inking major deals worth over $2.5 billion for two iconic American helicopters, the Apache attack and Chinook heavy-lift choppers, which thrashed their Russian rivals both technically and commercially earlier.

 

Defence ministry sources on Monday said the around $1.4 billion deal for 22 AH-64D Apache Longbow gunships, armed with deadly Hellfire and Stinger missiles, and the $1.1 billion one for 15 CH-47F Chinooks, equipped with powerful contra-rotating tandem rotors, are "almost ready" now.

 

"These two deals for IAF will be placed for approval before the first defence acquisitions council (DAC) meeting to be chaired by Arun Jaitley on July 19. Thereafter, the cases will be moved for the cabinet committee on security's final nod," said a source.

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4 juillet 2014 5 04 /07 /juillet /2014 07:20
CH-147F Chinook (Photo: Combat Camera/Forces canadiennes)

CH-147F Chinook (Photo: Combat Camera/Forces canadiennes)

 

3 juillet 2014 par Jacques N. Godbout – 45eNord.ca

 

Le ministre de la Défense nationale Rob Nicholson a accueilli ce jeudi 3 juillet à 13h30 la livraison du 15e et dernier hélicoptère CH147F Chinook de Boeing au Hangar d’installations de soutien des HELTML (hélicoptères de transport moyen à lourd) à la Garnison de Petawawa où a eu lieu une cérémonie marquant un jalon important en matière d’approvisionnement.

 

Les Forces armées canadiennes avaient reçu leur premier hélicoptère CH-147F Chinook il y a à peine un peu plus d’un an, le 27 juin 2013.

«La livraison du 15e et dernier hélicoptère Chinook démontre le solide engagement de notre gouvernement à fournir aux hommes et femmes en uniforme le matériel dont ils ont besoin pour réaliser leur travail, a déclaré à cette occasion le ministre de la Défense nationale. Le modèle F canadien du Chinook, conçu spécialement pour répondre aux exigences opérationnelles et environnementales uniques du Canada, offrira une mobilité et une souplesse plus grandes à l’Aviation royale canadienne, tandis qu’elle protège les Canadiens et les intérêts canadiens, au pays et à l’étranger.»

 

Suite de l'article

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16 juin 2014 1 16 /06 /juin /2014 16:50
RAF flying high in new Chinook helicopters

An RAF Mark 6 Chinook helicopter at RAF Odiham [Picture: UK MoD]

 

16 June 2014 Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment and Support and The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP

 

The first of 14 new RAF Chinook helicopters has been unveiled today by the Defence Secretary following their entry into service on time.

 

During a visit to RAF Odiham in Hampshire, the home of the Chinook Force, Philip Hammond also announced a new £115 million agreement with Boeing Defence UK to maintain the engines of the RAF’s increased fleet of 60 Chinooks; a move that will replace 5 existing support contracts with one arrangement, saving the taxpayer over £20 million.

The first of 14 Chinook Mark 6 helicopters, which were ordered in 2011 as part of a £1 billion programme, have now achieved their entry into service on time, and 3 of the new aircraft have been delivered to the RAF, who have commenced training in the UK.

The Defence Secretary and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, who himself is a Chinook pilot, were given a tour of one of the brand new aircraft and shown the upgraded capabilities that the helicopters provide to pilots and crew.

Benefiting from a new digital automatic flight control system that provides improved handling qualities and aircraft stability, offering increased safety, the Mark 6 is the most advanced heavy-lift helicopter ever operated by the RAF.

An RAF Mark 6 Chinook helicopter in flight
An RAF Mark 6 Chinook helicopter in flight [Picture: Crown copyright]

Philip Hammond said:

These state-of-the-art aircraft will provide a significant uplift in helicopter capability, operating as the battlefield workhorse of the RAF, supporting the army on the front line for decades to come. The 14 new Chinooks will boost our fleet to 60, already the largest in Europe.

The new aircraft are part of an £11 billion investment to update, replace and support all of MOD’s helicopter capability over the next decade that will sustain truly world-class rotary wing capabilities for the UK armed forces.

Air Chief Marshal Pulford said:

The Chinook Mark 6 represents the pinnacle of the RAF’s heavy-lift capability and is the most advanced Chinook helicopter we have ever operated.

Chinook has proved itself time and again on operations, most recently in Afghanistan. The new Mark 6 variant will ensure the Chinook fleet is able to continue to play a key role in future operations, wherever they may be.

MOD’s Director of Helicopters, Adrian Baguley, who was responsible for delivering the Mark 6 and the engine support contract, said:

The Chinook Mark 6 has been delivered into service on time less than 3 years after MOD signed the main contract with Boeing, which is a truly outstanding achievement.

This has been achieved through the excellent work of Defence Equipment and Support working together with our industry suppliers, Boeing and the front line to deliver this exceptional new heavy-lift helicopter capability for UK defence.

All 14 new aircraft will be delivered to MOD before the end of 2015 and are on track to be fully operational by early 2017.

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11 juin 2014 3 11 /06 /juin /2014 07:20
L’US Army vend ses CH-47D Chinook

 

9 juin 2014 par Frédéric Lert – Aerobuzz.fr

 

Le dernier rapport du Sénat français sur les forces spéciales vient une fois plus de le rappeler : il manque aux militaires français des hélicoptères de transport lourd. La plupart de nos voisins européens en ont, mais pas nous. C’est d’autant plus regrettable que ceux qui font la guerre au Sahel par 40°C à l’ombre (ou plus), et qui auraient bien besoin de ces bêtes de somme, ce sont précisément les Français.

 

Le rapport du Sénat, qui cite le Chinook en exemple, donne les chiffres suivants (sans préciser toutefois les altitudes et les températures d’opérations) : la capacité d’emport du Caracal est de 900 kg à 300 km. L’hélicoptère américain emporte quant à lui 5500 kg, soit six fois plus, sur la même distance. Le rapport rappelle également que « l’hélicoptère de transport lourd (HTL) avait fait l’objet d’un « objectif d’état-major » au mois de juin 2006 et un rapport de l’Inspection Générale des Armées Air fin 2006 avait recommandé l’acquisition d’une telle capacité. Plusieurs hypothèses avaient alors été évoquées : échange de potentiel au niveau européen (…), achat sur étagères, lancement d’un programme industriel européen. Aucune de ces pistes n’a été poursuivie afin de ne pas remettre en question la commande des 68 NH-90 de l’armée de terre ». Ajoutons qu’à la fin de la décennie, l’armée de Terre avait envoyé des missions d’études à droite et à gauche pour étudier les différentes solutions possibles. Bref, l’armée de Terre aura ses NH90 Caïman, magnifique appareil aux commandes de vol électriques. Mais elle n’aura pas ses hélicoptères poids lourds qui sentent fort l’hydraulique.

 

Dans le même temps, on apprend que l’US Army vient de vendre un nouveau lot de dix CH-47D à des opérateurs privés. Le processus de vente avait été entamé en décembre dernier et s’est terminé en avril 2014. Les « D », âgés de vingt ans en moyenne, sont progressivement remplacés dans les régiments de l’US Army Aviation par des « F », plus récents et plus puissants. Le lot de Chinook a été vendu à trois opérateurs nord-américains spécialisés dans le travail aérien : Billings Flying Service, Columbia Helicopters et CHI aviation. Les prix s’étageaient de 2 à 3,5 millions de dollars suivant les potentiels des appareils. Au total, les dix CH-47D sont partis pour 28 millions de dollars, soit une vingtaine de millions d’euros. Bien moins cher qu’un seul NH90.

 

N’allez pas croire que cet article suggère que les armées françaises auraient pu acheter des hélicoptères d’occasion auprès de l’US Army. On sait bien qu’acheter du matériel militaire auprès de l’Empire, c’est se lier les mains sur le terrain diplomatique tout en sabotant la fameuse BITD française (Base Industrielle et Technologique de Défense). On sait aussi que ces affaires là sont bien plus compliquées qu’elles ne le paraissent et que des appareils d’occasion ne sont pas forcément de bonnes affaires techniques et financières. Il faut former les équipages et les mécaniciens, acheter des pièces…

 

Si de simples opérateurs privés franchissent le pas, c’est sans doute par pure inconscience ou sur le conseil de leurs actionnaires qui souhaitent plomber les bilans… On sait enfin que pour défiler le 14 juillet, le CH-47D d’occasion n’est ni très glamour ni suffisamment français. Mais pour servir de bétaillère et de camion de déménagement dans le sable du Sahel ?

 

L’US Army prévoit de vendre dix autres Chinook cette année. Si les armées sont intéressées, elles peuvent toujours aller jeter un œil sur le site gsaauctions.gov, tout y est ! En attendant, pour transporter un groupement tactique parachutiste vers ses bases d’assaut dans le massif des Ifoghas, il nous reste le système D et les TRM 10000 que le monde entier nous envie…

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8 avril 2014 2 08 /04 /avril /2014 11:45
photo Netherlands MoD

photo Netherlands MoD

 

Apr.8, 2014 by Anno Gravemaker - FG

 

After committing four Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters in November last year to support the UN's stabilisation activities in Mali, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has announced it will also deploy three Boeing CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters.

 

The reason behind the expanding deployment is that the UN cannot guarantee the medical evacuation of Dutch forces on a "24-7" basis. Currently-available civilian helicopters are unable to operate at night or in high-risk areas, due to a lack of self-protection capabilities.

 

Expected to arrive in the second half of this year, the Dutch Chinooks will be stationed in Gao. In addition to medical evacuation tasks, the rotorcraft will also be used for tactical transport and logistical support. The nation's defence ministry says the cost of committing the additional aircraft is estimated at about €45 million ($62 million).

 

French helicopters participating in the nation's Operation Serval campaign in Mali will support Dutch ground forces until the Chinooks arrive.

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8 avril 2014 2 08 /04 /avril /2014 07:20
A CH-47F Chinook helicopter of the US Army. Photo army.mil

A CH-47F Chinook helicopter of the US Army. Photo army.mil

 

 

7 April 2014 army-technology.com

 

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has been awarded a multi-million dollar subcontract for the modernisation of the US Army's CH-47F Chinook Avionics Trainers (CAT).

 

The deal, awarded by Usfalcon under the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) SPOTS V contract, requires the company to perform upgrade services to four of the simulators currently located at the army's 128th Aviation Brigade in Fort Eustis, Virginia, US.

 

Specifically, this includes the aircraft product improvement programme one (PIP1), which will ensure concurrency of the simulators to the aircraft, as well as other product lifecycle and functional improvements, such as the networking of simulators to enable trainees to perform more advanced maintenance scenarios.

 

Kratos Training Solutions senior vice-president Jose Diaz said that the maintenance of the CH-47, which is a vital asset for troops, is critical to the army.

 

"Based on our detailed knowledge of these simulators, coupled with the use of our advanced software integration lab capability, device downtime will be minimised and student training will continue during the upgrade period," Diaz said.

 

Manufactured by Kratos, the CH-47F CAT is a high fidelity hands-on training system (HOTS) designed to train soldiers in fault isolation procedures (FIPs), remove and install (R/I) tasks, and system and subsystem familiarisation in a fully immersive physical environment.

 

Additional tasks include servicing and inspection, maintenance operational checks (MOCs), and component identification.

 

It is currently used to support heavy-lift helicopter maintenance training at the US Army's Aviation Logistics School (USAALS) in Fort Eustis.

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1 avril 2014 2 01 /04 /avril /2014 07:45
photo Netherlands MoD

photo Netherlands MoD

 

28/03/2014 Helen Chachaty journal-aviation.com

 

La ministre néerlandaise de la Défense Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert a annoncé ce 28 mars l’envoi de trois hélicoptères CH-47 Chinook au Mali. Ils opèreront au profit de la MINUSMA (Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation au Mali) pour des missions de transport tactique, et plus particulièrement pour effectuer des évacuations sanitaires. Un contingent de 70 militaires supplémentaires devrait être déployé, l’unité devrait être opérationnelle d’ici octobre 2014.

 

Cette décision est justifiée par le fait que la MINUSMA ne dispose actuellement que de trois hélicoptères civils loués, qui ne peuvent intervenir en situation de combat. Le rapport publié par les Pays-Bas fait également état de bombardements « indirects » à Gao et dans les environs, dont deux tirs de roquettes en direction de l’aéroport au début du mois de mars. « Il n’y a pour l’instant eu ni victime ni dommages sérieux, mais la fréquence de ces bombardements pourrait augmenter », précise le document, justifiant ainsi en partie l’envoi de moyens supplémentaires.

 

C’est le second renfort héliporté fourni par les Pays-Bas en peu de temps. Le gouvernement avait décidé en novembre 2013 d’envoyer quatre hélicoptères AH-64D Apache, des drones de surveillances ainsi que 380 militaires au Mali, pour des missions de renseignement et de protection des troupes au sol.

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5 décembre 2013 4 05 /12 /décembre /2013 08:35
DSCA Approves Sale of 14 Chinooks to S. Korea

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved the sale of 14 Chinook cargo helicopters to South Korea. (Boeing)

 

Dec. 4, 2013 By WENDELL MINNICK – Defense News

 

TAIPEI — A $151 million deal for 14 Boeing CH-47D Chinook cargo helicopters to South Korea has gotten the green light from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

 

Released under the Foreign Military Sales program, the Dec. 3 DSCA notification said the aircraft will be sold and transferred to South Korea incrementally once the US Army begins taking receipt of new-production CH-47F model aircraft, a process estimated to begin in the January time frame.

 

The 14 CH-47Ds are currently operated by US Forces Korea in South Korea. The T55-GA-714A engines will be provided from US Army inventory located at Camp Humphrey, South Korea.

 

The US Army will not replace the CH-47D aircraft being sold and transferred to South Korea. This will allow the US Army to avoid transportation and demilitarization costs of approximately $13.4 million.

 

“The proposed sale will improve the ROK’s [Republic of Korea] capability to meet current and future requirements for troop movement, medical evacuation, aircraft recovery, parachute drop, search and rescue, disaster relief, fire-fighting and heavy construction support.”

 

In June, Boeing announced that it was in discussions with South Korea on “requirements for upgrades as well as newly manufactured Chinooks.” According to the Boeing announcement, the South Korean Army currently operates 23 CH-47D/DLR, and the Air Force operates five HH-47D for combat search-and-rescue missions.

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2 décembre 2013 1 02 /12 /décembre /2013 08:20
Snow Capped Mountains Of Afghanistan

 

 

12/1/2013 Strategy Page

 

A 10th Combat Aviation Brigade CH-47 Chinook helicopter crewed by members of the Texas and Oklahoma National Guard serving under 3rd Battalion (General Support), Task Force Phoenix, makes its way through the snow capped mountains of Paktya province, Afghanistan, while conducting an air assault, Nov. 27, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Peter Smedberg)

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12 septembre 2013 4 12 /09 /septembre /2013 07:20
Fleet Canada Inc. To Provide Parts For Chinook CH-47

September 11, 2013. David Pugliese - Defence Watch

 

News release from Fleet Canada:

 

FORT ERIE, ONTARIO, CANADA, September 11th, 2013 – Fleet Canada Inc is proud to announce the award of a supplier contract from The Boeing Company to supply subassemblies for the Chinook CH-47 helicopter. This is an exciting development in the continuing growth at the facility, whose manufacturing history in the area dates back to 1930.

 

The scope of work in this package includes of the forward pylon, work platforms, and pylon kits. The new contract follows another Chinook contract that was awarded in 2011 for the manufacture and assembly of the Front Cockpit Nose Enclosure.

 

“Fleet is proud to be part of this iconic program for the world’s largest aerospace company. This contract represents a significant award for our locally owned and operated company and reinforces the pride we have in our workforce. We have a talented and dedicated team with a very bright future ahead,” remarked Glenn Stansfield, President and C.E.O of Fleet Canada Inc.

 

This award represents a significant increase in the rotorcraft and military markets for Fleet and is in keeping with our strategy of diversification of our business. This work will highlight the effectiveness across the broad skill set Fleet Canada has to offer. We look forward to future opportunities with Boeing and our other valued customers.

 

This new work package for Fleet is aligned with Boeing’s 90-year history and long-term commitment to engage with Canadian industry in areas of high value defense and aerospace work. This contract was awarded to Fleet based on their capabilities and competitiveness, as well as, how this work will support the fulfillment of Boeing’s Industrial & Regional Benefits (IRB) programs. Canada’s IRB policy requires prime contractors, such as Boeing, to make investments in the Canadian economy as a result of winning defense and security contracts with the government of Canada. Boeing has four active IRB programs tied to the procurement of the CC-177 airlifter and support; ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system, CH-147 helicopter and support, and the Mercury Global program. Through successful implementation of these IRB programs, Boeing continues to support Canada’s position as a global leader in aerospace by creating long-term, high-value opportunities with Canadian industry

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11 septembre 2013 3 11 /09 /septembre /2013 07:35
India shops for 6 Chinooks

September 11, 2013 Shishir Gupta and Pramit Pal Chaudhuri -  Hindustan Times

 

New Delhi - India wants to ink a deal for six Chinook heavy-duty helicopters by the time Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meets US President Barack Obama on September 27 in Washington.

 

A half-dozen CH-47 Chinooks, a twin-engined helicopter capable of carrying 50 troops or 6.5 metric tonnes of cargo, will carry a price tag of about $500 million (`3,200 crore).

 

Introduced in 1962, the Chinook played a major role in the Vietnam war and has been the mainstay of the American forces in Afghanistan.

 

The Boeing-made helicopters will be bought through the foreign military sales route in which arms are sold in a government-to-government deal on a fixed price basis — ruling out haggling that often invites bribery charge.

 

The Chinook deal is being fast-tracked, say Indian government sources, and New Delhi hopes to have it finalised by December.

This is partly being driven by a desire to flesh out the thin agenda at the Washington summit. The proposal will be added to the schedule of US deputy secretary of defence Ashton Carter when he comes to New Delhi September 16-18.

 

The Indian side wants some major defence purchases readied for the summit, but other Indo-US weapons deals are caught in red tape. For example, the M777 howitzer deal has been in the works for two years and now, in part because of rupee devaluation, the price tag is bigger.

 

The Chinooks also face barriers. Boeing recently tried to add limited liability clauses to its military purchases and the Indian government is not happy about it. US sources say they have yet to receive any notification from the ministry of defence about the Chinooks.

 

The induction of the Chinooks will confirm the Stars and Stripes look of the Indian Air Force’s airlift capabilities. India has already bought C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift airplanes.

 

Military sources say the US aircraft have proven better at functioning at high-altitudes then the Russian planes they are replacing.

India has been mulling buying Chinooks to replace the Russian-made Mi-26 transport helicopters that were transformational when they were introduced a quarter-century ago but have a record of chronic maintenance problems.

 

India will be the 17th air force in the world to use Chinooks.

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29 août 2013 4 29 /08 /août /2013 17:30
New Middle East Clients Lining Up To Buy CH-47 Chinooks

In June, Boeing began delivery of 13 new CH-147F model Chinooks to Canada. Here, the first helicopter off the line demonstrates its capabilities Aug. 28. (Boeing)

 

Aug. 29, 2013 - By PAUL McLEARY – Defense News

 

MIDDLETOWN, DEL. — Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar head the list of countries looking to begin flying variants of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in coming years, Boeing officials said here Wednesday. .

 

If deals being negotiated between Boeing, the US government, and these three countries eventually come to fruition, projections are that at least 54 Chinooks would be shipped overseas, making up a good portion of the 168 Chinooks that foreign clients around the globe are considering buying in coming years.

 

Pentagon officials and defense industry brahmins have been talking for the better part of two years about how they’re planning to rely on foreign sales to make up for the reductions they’re seeing in the US defense market, but a chart shown to reporters Wednesday really drove that point home.

 

On top of the 830 Chinook H-47 variants that are currently flying around the world, the chart showed, Boeing executives are working with foreign clients and the US government to sell another 168 to new and existing clients if all goes as planned.

 

In addition to the six CH-47D models and 16 CH-47F models that Libyan officials are working on buying, Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in fielding one of the world’s largest CH-47F fleets, with at least 24 helicopters being considered for the oil-rich kingdom.

 

Mark Ballew, director of business development for Boeing’s Chinook program, said the company is preparing to do a flight demonstration in Saudi Arabia, and that Qatar is interested in buying eight of the “F” models similar to what the company produced for Canada, which feature larger external fuel tanks and an upgraded electrical system.

 

Morocco, which has already purchased three “D” models, also is talking about buying three more, and Egypt, which currently flies 18 “D”s, has enquired about buying six more from the US Army as it retires them in the switch to the upgraded “F” aircraft.

 

Boeing is also involved in the competition for India’s heavy lift requirement, which would mean 15 more “F” aircraft if it wins.

 

The deals with these countries are still very early on in the negotiation stage, Ballew and other executives stressed, adding that contracts for the birds aren’t expected soon.

 

Any deals several years down the road would be welcome news for Boeing, however, as the company’s $4 billion, five-year deal with the US Army for 214 more CH-47 “F” models will end in 2019.

 

That agreement would add to the 241 CH-47F helicopters that the Army already has in its fleet, eventually bringing the service close to its goal of 464 “F” models.

 

The foreign deals — especially with countries in the Middle East — aren’t just helicopter contracts, however. Countries in the region have generally neglected establishing their own maintenance and logistics programs, which would mean years of repair work for the contractor.

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