First two CH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Netherlands
12 Oct 2012
On October 8, 2012, the first two new Boeing CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters were handed over to the Netherlands' Defence Helicopter Command (DHC) at Gilze-Rijen Air Base. Six CH-47F were ordered in February 2007 following the loss of two CH-47D aircraft in Afghanistan operations and the decision to expand the Chinook fleet.
The two CH-47F are joining the existing CH-47D Chinook fleet of the Royal Netherlands Air Force 298 Squadron today, having received in-country modifications at Woensdrecht AB logistics hub following their arrival in August 2012. Meanwhile the Joint Netherlands Training Detachment at Fort Hood, Texas, has also received two CH-47Fs. The final two aircraft of the order are expected to be delivered soon; one for Fort Hood in September and one for Gilze-Rijen in early 2013.
The Boeing CH-47F is the latest variant of the Chinook, with improved airframe, new Honeywell engines, and modern avionics suite including the Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit, and BAE Systems' Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS). The Dutch CH-47F painted in overall grey are fitted with FLIR turret, five fastrope positions and defensive aids systems, although the full special operations kit as proposed five years ago had been cancelled for budgetory reasons. Likewise the option for three additional aircraft was not exercised. Originally planned for 2009-2010, software and other development issues had caused several delays.
The addition of six CH-47F brings the Dutch fleet to a total of 17 Chinooks. The Netherlands' ambition is to replace the remaining 11 CH-47D Chinook helicopters with an equal number of new-build CH-47F.
2024
9 February 2024 | MILAVIA News
Red Arrows launch 60th Diamond Season plans
SIXTY seasons of dynamic displays inspiring millions of people will be celebrated by the Red Arrows in 2024.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team officially launched their diamond anniversary campaign today – including unveiling special artwork that will be carried on each of the team’s distinctive Hawk jets.
A new nine-aircraft show is part of plans for the milestone season, featuring manoeuvres not seen for a generation in the Red Arrows’ display routine, which changes each year.
Also announced today is a five-week overseas tour by the team, staged later this summer, to help mark the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
2022
12 January 2022 | ACC
Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” kicked off their first ever winter training trip in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Jan. 10. The Thunderbirds’ training season, ranging from November through March, is a time to integrate and synchronize as a team and practice the demonstration.
2021
20 May 2021 | RAF
Red Arrows Return to UK Airshows
Audiences across the UK can once again enjoy the spectacular displays of the Red Arrows the first time in almost two years.
14 March 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons conduct strikes against Daesh in support of Iraqi ground forces
RAF Typhoons operating as part of the counter-Daesh Coalition have conducted a series of air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces.
11 March 2021 | USAF News
Air Force receives first F-15EX
The U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first F-15EX from the Boeing Co. March 10 at the company’s St. Louis facility.
25 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft conducts last operational flight
The RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft has carried out its last operational flight after 14 years of service. The Sentinel R1 aircraft of V (Army Cooperation) Squadron have flown circa 32,300 hours conducting approximately 4,870 sorties during its service life. The withdrawal from service was first announced as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.
17 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons carry out second round of airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq this year
RAF Typhoons have carried out airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq for the second time this year.
2020
23 March 2020 | RAF
Training update for the Red Arrows
… decision has been taken not to send the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, overseas for work-up training this year.
21 March 2020 | MILAVIA News
Air Show Cancellations
The challenging and unprecedented situation presented by this global crisis has forced many organizations to cancel or postpone air shows and other public aviation events.
13 March 2020 | ACC
U.S. Air Force update for air show support
"Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. "
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