Fri, Jun 10, 2005
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.
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