AgustaWestland delivered the first two ICH-47F Chinook helicopters to Italian Army during an official ceremony held at Vergiate plant, Italy...
The ICH-47Fs will be operated by the Italian Army Aviation 1st Regiment "Antares" based in Viterbo, replacing the Boeing CH-47C Chinooks that have been in service since 1973.
The Italian assembled Chinnoks features a secure communication system, self-protection system and advanced datalink system.
Italian Army has 16 Chinooks on order along with a five year logistic support service contract. Deliveries will be completed in 2017.
The ICH-47F has a Maximum All Up Weight (MAUW) of 23 tons and is powered by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A turboshaft engines giving it excellent “hot and high” capability and is suitable for all weather operations.
The primary tactical mission of the ICH-47F aircraft is to provide air transportation for equipment and troops. Cargo can be carried internally and externally using the aircraft's cargo hook system. It can additionally perform special support functions, disaster relief and firefighting roles.
Under a Joint Industrial Agreement with Boeing, AgustaWestland carries out final assembly of ICH-47F in Italy, with responsibility for systems integration, final assembly and aircraft delivery to the Italian Army. In addition AgustaWestland is also being qualified by Boeing to produce the entire drive systems.
Boeing builds the fuselage in its rotorcraft facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
