BAE Systems has completed the first flight test of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS). This first flight represents a significant milestone in the Chinook program.

"Achieving first flight in just over a year after contract award is a credit to the Boeing and BAE Systems teams, and will ultimately benefit the warfighter by bringing the modernized helicopter to the field quickly," said Jack Dougherty, director of Boeing Chinook Programs.

The DAFCS replaces a legacy flight control system on CH-47D helicopters as Boeing upgrades 300 of those aircraft to the F-model standard under contract to the U.S. Army. Its digital design provides significantly greater reliability, maintainability, and flexibility than the existing analog control. The system also incorporates a built-in diagnostic system for detecting and analyzing system failures and faults.

"The CH-47 has been in service with the Army for more than 40 years and still represents a benchmark in capability and versatility," said Sean Bond, vice president of Aerospace Controls for BAE Systems.

"It's an honor to take part in this upgrade that will keep the Chinook in the Army's inventory for decades to come."

Following successful completion of flight tests, BAE Systems expects to begin production of the DAFCS, with deliveries scheduled for early 2006. In addition to about 450 U.S. Army Chinooks, military units worldwide operate about 350 CH-47s that are potential candidates for the flight control upgrade.

FMI: www.na.baesystems.com