Boeing

Boeing has signed a contract calling for the delivery of nine CH-47SD Super D Chinook helicopters to Taiwan under a Foreign Military Sale agreement with the U.S. government. The procurement, valued in excess of $300 million, includes logistical support. Deliveries will begin in 2001.

Taiwan's air force currently operates three Boeing 234 Commercial Chinooks configured for military service. These rotorcraft have been involved in VIP transport and a variety of humanitarian service and disaster relief missions since the early 1980s.

"This foreign military sale is extremely important for Boeing and the U.S. Army Program Management Center in Philadelphia," said Charles Vehlow, vice president and general manager for Military Rotorcraft. "Taiwan is a long-time Chinook user, and we look forward to many more decades of CH-47 service there. Taiwan's procurement of a new CH-47SD fleet will greatly expand its response capabilities for the disaster-relief and nation-building missions in which the Commercial Chinooks have performed so well."

The CH-47SD Chinook is the current standard for heavy-lift helicopters in international service. Boeing has received orders and options for nearly 20 Super Ds since the new design was introduced in February 1999.

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