The first production CH-47F Chinook helicopter will soon be seen in a battle field as the U.S Army has begun the OT or Operational Testing of the aircraft.
The aircraft has successfully completed acceptance and development flight testing last December.
The helicopter will be the first of 452 CH-47F helicopters that will find a place in the U.S. Army Cargo Helicopter modernization program.
The helicopter features improved avionics that provide better situational awareness for flight crews with an advanced digital map display.
It also has a full load of improved survivability features that includes Common Missile Warning and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser Systems.
It is powered by two 4,868HP Honeywell engines. The engines allow the helicopter to reach speeds of 175mph and also carry a payload of more than 21,000 pounds.
The engines of this aircraft are made fuel efficient so that it can have a mission radius of more than 400 miles.
The OT phase is expected to continue till April and if all goes as per plan then the helicopter will find a place in the U.S. Army in July.
Via: gizmag
