Boeing

The government of Spain has awarded a contract to Boeing to modernize five Boeing 414 International Chinook helicopters to the Spanish Army's CH-47D configuration. This order represents the final installment in a modernization program that began in 1991.

The CH-47D Chinook is the standard for heavy-lift helicopters worldwide and is in service with the U.S. Army and nearly 20 international customers. Boeing produces the Chinook at its facility in Philadelphia.

"We are very pleased to have another demonstration of confidence from Spain," said Charles Vehlow, vice president and general manager for Military Rotorcraft. "Spain's modernization program will increase the capabilities and operational efficiency of its Chinook fleet and provide a uniform configuration that will serve its Army well for decades."

Modernization of the Spanish Chinooks will begin in January 2000 with deliveries scheduled in 2002. The value of the modernization program was not disclosed.

The air arm of the Spanish Army, Fuerzas Airmoviles del Ejercito de Tierra, has operated Chinooks since 1975, and currently operates 17 Chinooks, 12 of which are modernized CH-47Ds, delivered from 1991 to 1993 and in 1999. These are based with Battalion Helicopter Transport at Colmenjar Viejo, near Madrid.

99-205