Additional CH-47Fs for Australia
On 29 April 2021, the US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Australia of four CH-47F Chinook helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 259 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
Australia has requested to buy four CH-47F cargo helicopters with customer-unique modifications; eight T55-GA-714A aircraft turbine engines, five AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS); eight Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS/EGI) +429; and two EAGLE+429 Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS/EGI). Also included is mission equipment; communication and navigation equipment; spare parts and components; special tools and test equipment; publications and technical manuals; US Government and contractor engineering, maintenance, technical, and logistical support services, and other related elements of program and logistical support.
The Australian defence Force has operated the Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for most of the period since 1974. Thirty of the type have entered Australian service, comprising twelve CH-47C variants, eight CH-47Ds and ten CH-47Fs. The Chinooks have been operated by both the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Australian Army.
Currently the Australian Army operates the CH-47F Chinook. These are based at Townsville (Qld.)/Garbut Barracks with C Squadron/5th Aviation Regiment. Overview of Australian Chinooks according to the Scramble Magazine database:
Photo by Patrick Dirksen (Scramble Archive)