Boeing Chinook Modernization Program For Egyptian Air Force Is On Track
The air force that defends one of the world's oldest civilizations soon will be adding some of the most advanced Boeing [NYSE: BA] transport helicopters to its fleet.
Boeing is modernizing six CH-47C Egyptian Air Force Chinooks to the U.S. Army CH-47D standard. The first delivery is planned by the end of 2002, followed by five deliveries in 2003.
Boeing will complete contract negotiations for modernization of six more Egyptian Chinooks by the end of 2002. This will enable completion of two additional D-model upgrades in 2003, followed by four more in 2004. These modernized Chinooks will join four newly built CH-47Ds delivered to Egypt in 1999.
Egypt originally purchased 15 CH-47C Chinooks in 1980. Three CH-47Cs remain in the Egyptian fleet and will not be modernized. These aircraft may eventually be converted into maintenance trainers.
"Modernization of the Egyptian Air Force Chinooks means that nearly the entire worldwide CH-47 inventory will be D-models or later configuration," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager, Boeing Army Programs and Rotorcraft. "The fact that nearly all our customers have upgraded their Chinook fleets demonstrates clearly the high value they place on the CH-47's operational capabilities across the military and civil mission spectrum."
Boeing Army Programs and Rotorcraft is a business unit of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and produces and develops military rotorcraft, including the CH-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey and the RAH-66 Comanche for the U.S. Armed Forces and allied military services around the world.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, or IDS, is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $23 billion business. It provides systems solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.
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