Boeing Chinook modernisation programme for Egyptian Air Force is on track

Boeing is modernising six CH-47C Egyptian Air Force Chinooks to the US 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 modernisation 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 modernised 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 modernised. These aircraft may eventually be converted into maintenance trainers.

"Modernisation of the Egyptian Air Force Chinooks means that nearly the entire world-wide CH-47 inventory will be D-models or later configuration," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager, Boeing Army Programmes and Rotorcraft speaking at Farnborough 2002. "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."

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