Singapore starts receiving new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters from Boeing

 

One of the RSAF's new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopter. Photo c/o RSAF.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has started receiving brand new CH-47F heavy lift helicopters it has ordered from American aviation company Boeing in November 2016.

The first batch of new helicopters was delivered to the RSAF's Helicopter Detachment based in Oakey, Australia, which is used as a training base for helicopter pilots to maximize the wide airspace and terrain of the region.

The new helicopters will be replacing the older CH-47D Chinook helicopters that are in service with the RSAF since 1994.

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) did not disclose the number of new CH-47F helicopters ordered

10 new CH-47F Chinooks are expected to be based in Australia, where the RSAF currently has 5 CH-47D based in the detachment since 2018.

The RSAF describes the new CH-47F Chinook as "an advanced helicopter with fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, and advanced cargo-handling capabilities".

The helicopters are also equipped with enhanced self-protection suite and Satellite Communications (SATCOM) system.

The helicopters, together with the acquisition of new Airbus H225M medium lift helicopters, are part of the RSAF's modernization program aimed at replacing ageing CH-47D Chinook and AS332M Super Puma helicopters, respectively.

The new CH-47Fs and H225M helicopters are used for combat operations, but can also be used for search and rescue (SAR), aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in both local and international theatres.




[1] Republic of Singapore Air Force
[2] Jane's
[3] Australian Defence Magazine