Under the Canada's First Defence Strategy, the Government of Canada is purchasing 15 medium-to-heavy lift Chinook F-model helicopte...
Under the Canada's First Defence Strategy, the Government of Canada is purchasing 15 medium-to-heavy lift Chinook F-model helicopters (also known as CH-147F) to fulfill Canada’s transport requirements.
As part of the Medium-to-Heavy Lift Helicopter Acquisition Program, Boeing has committed to providing Industrial and Regional Benefits equal to $1.25 billion, which will ensure that Canadian industry benefits from this procurement.
The total estimated cost for the Medium-to-Heavy Lift Helicopter Program is approximately $5 billion.
The total project acquisition cost is estimated at approximately $2.3 billion, which includes the 15 helicopters; in-service support set-up, equipment procured directly through a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the United States (U.S.) government such as engines, electronic warfare equipment, along with radios, navigations and other electronic equipment; new infrastructure in Petawawa; project management costs; and a complete maintenance and aircrew training program, including simulation devices and courseware.
The 20-year in-service support program for the helicopters, the training systems, and equipment procured directly through a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the U.S. government, excluding personneland operating costs, has an estimated value of $2.7 billion.
In June 2006, Canada announced its plan to acquire a new fleet of medium-to-heavy lift Chinook F-model helicopters to meet the CF rotary-wing transport requirements for the next 20 years.
In December 2008, Separate from the Medium-to-Heavy Lift Helicopter Program, Canada acquired six used Chinook D-model helicopters (CH-147D) in order to meet an urgent need for a medium-lift capability in Afghanistan.
The acquisition of these helicopters was processed through a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the U.S. government.
This capability lasted until the end of the mission in 2011.
Two of the original six Chinook D-model helicopters were damaged beyond economical repair while in operation in Afghanistan.
The Department of National Defence (DND) is pursuing disposal options for the remaining four Chinook D-model helicopters.
In August 2009, Canada announced a contract award, valued at US$1.2 billion, to the Boeing Company to build the helicopters and initial in-service support set-up for Canada’s Medium-to-Heavy Lift Helicopter Program.
In December 2009, Canada announced Canada’s new fleet of 15 Chinook F-model helicopters will be based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario. The new helicopter squadron will be designated 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron.
In March 2010, Canada announced Montréal-based CAE would be the single operational training systems provider for the Chinook F-model helicopter fleet.
CAE was awarded a contract valued at approximately $250 million to establish and maintain a comprehensive aircrew training solution.
In June 24, 2012, Canada’s first Chinook F-model helicopter successfully completed its maiden test flight at a Boeing test facility, kicking off the year-long Test and Evaluation phase of the program which is comprised of both ground and flight-test activities.
In February 5, 2013, Boeing-led training began for aircraft technicians, loadmasters and flight engineers at a training site near Philadelphia. It is anticipated that approximately 45 graduates will be available to support the arrival of the first Chinook helicopter in the summer of 2013.
Following the conclusion of a year-long flight test program led by Boeing, the first F-model Chinook is scheduled to arrive on schedule at a new facility located at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario, in June 2013.
Aircraft will be delivered at a rate of approximately one aircraft per month, with all aircraft being delivered over a 12-month period.
The helicopters are expected to reach Initial Operational Capability, as planned, in 2014.
A contract amendment to provide 20 years of in-service support for the helicopters is currently being developed with the Boeing Company. The negotiations are expected to conclude in May 2013.
A contract amendment to provide 20 years of in-service support for the helicopters is currently being developed with the Boeing Company.
The negotiations are expected to conclude in May 2013.
Boeing will also provide Industrial and Regional Benefits equal to the value of the 20 year in-service support amendment.
In addition, Boeing will be required to provide Direct Industrial and Regional Benefits work equal to 75 per cent of the value of the in-service support.
