Thu, Dec 01, 2005
Advances In Crew Protection Among Improvements
Australia's Minister of
Defence announced this week the country's Boeing Ch-47 Chinook
helicopters are about to undergo a $25 million upgrade to fit them
with electronic warfare and ballistic protection and advanced
communications to ensure they are combat ready for future
operations.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the Government has agreed to
the upgrade as part of a rapid acquisition project to provide the
Australian Defence Force with the flexibility to be able to deploy
the aircraft to cover a wide range of contingencies. Senator Hill
said the upgrades will provide the aircraft with enhanced
Electronic Warfare Self Protection equipment, additional crew and
passenger protection and advanced communications.
"This equipment will improve the safety and survivability of the
aircraft, as well as its ability to work closely with Coalition
forces if needed," Senator Hill said.
The six Chinooks -- which the MOD calls the largest and
most versatile helicopters in Australia -- are currently based in
Townsville, Queensland, and are used for transporting troops, heavy
lift of equipment and supplies and medical evacuation.
"This upgrade will ensure
they are equipped with the necessary protection and latest
technology to be safely deployed in any future high threat security
environment," Senator Hill said. "They will be equipped with an
enhanced level of ballistic protection against direct fire weapons,
such as small arms fire, as well as with Electronic Warfare Self
Protection equipment."
"The upgrade will ensure the Chinooks have advanced
communications equipment to operate with Coalition partners and
increased situational awareness to operate in demanding flying
environments," added Hill. "They will also be fitted out for
aero-medical evacuation and have improved gun mounts."
The new equipment to be installed on the Chinooks will soon be
acquired by Defence through a rapid acquisition tender process with
Australian industry and foreign equipment suppliers.
The Chinook acquisition program will continue to examine
technology upgrades to ensure the best possible capabilities and
protection are provided to our troops who are deployed on
operations.
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