Chinook helicopters getting overhaul in Delaware County, Middletown

835
Advertisement

The Delaware County Boeing site will give H-47 Chinooks a new lease on life.

Boeing and the U.S. Army signed a contract for the Chinook Block II program’s first three test aircraft

 “We’re bringing several improvements to the Chinook, including a more efficient drivetrain that takes power from the engines to the new Advanced Chinook Rotor Blades,” Boeing Director of Sales & Marketing Randy Rotte stated.  “These new blades can lift 1,500 additional pounds on their own, making it that much easier for crews to lift payloads without any adjustments. They can just pick it up and go, saving time and effort.”

Ultimately, 542 Chinooks will return to Boeing’s Ridley Park facility for Block II upgrades starting next year. The series of upgrades will pave the way for the Chinook to remain operational through 2060.

The site employs a large number of Delawareans.

Advertisement

“This latest Chinook upgrade is a testament to the robustness of its original design and its 55-year legacy of technological advancements,” said Chuck Dabundo, vice president of Cargo Helicopter programs and H-47 program manager.

In Delaware, Summit Aviation has been converting older Chinooks to civilian use. The helicopters can be used for firefighting, cargo and heavy lifting duties. Summit is based at an airport near Middletown.

 

 

 

Advertisement
Advertisement