|
Blackanthem Military News
|
Last Updated:
Sep 6, 2008 - 11:54:07 AM |
|
|
Blackanthem Military News
 |
| Capt. Nick Ryan, Chinook pilot, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad from Espanola, N.M., inspects a CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopter during a pre-flight inspection on Camp Taji July 8. The CAB is the first aviation brigade to bring the state-of-the-art aircraft to the Global War on Terrorism. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt, CAB PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B) |
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - The Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, have brought something new to the fight.
Weighing in at roughly 30,000 lbs. with the capability to haul 20,000 more, the CAB has begun using their fleet of new CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopters in the Global War on Terrorism around the MND-B area of operations July 8.
The CAB is the first aviation brigade to bring the new, state-of-the-art aircraft to the war and will use their updated fleet to provide logistical support to the MND-B mission.
"There are measurable improvements on this aircraft than what the D-model (CH-47D Chinook helicopter) offered," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeremy Vance, pilot, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 4th Avn., Regiment, CAB, from Concord, N.C.
This will be Vance's second tour into combat having deployed in 2006 with the CAB during Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07. "At first I didn't want to fly the F-models, because I hate change. Since I've flown the F-model and than went and flew the D-model, I can see how much better the new aircraft is. With these helicopters, we can see where we are regardless of the visibility."
The new helicopters are an upgraded cargo helicopter which replaces the 20-year old CH-47D model. The digital crew station is redesigned to include a digital map, glass cockpit and enhanced communications and navigation equipment for better situational awareness.
In addition, the basic CH-47F configuration retains all the CH-47D model's features but has an integrated personnel cooling system, along with a state-of-the-art missile warning system and an improved countermeasure dispenser.
Essentially, the aircraft has morphed from analog to the present digital age with a reinforced structure taking cargo helicopters from the Vietnam era to present day avionics.
"There are a couple of things that have made this a lot better than the D-model," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mordicah Thomas, a pilot with Co. B from Fort Worth, Texas, who is currently on his fourth OIF/Operation Enduring Freedom tour of duty. "For instance, it is a lot structurally stronger which will reduce wear on the aircraft. Also, this aircraft can be configured to either carry just passengers, passengers and cargo or just cargo.
"During my days of flying, I've carried Humvees, artillery pieces, pick-up trucks and even a shipment of ice cream for the troops serving in Afghanistan. It doesn't matter to me what I carry as long as the cargo makes the Soldiers life just a little bit easier."
Other new and improved features include: integrating a satellite-based tracking system, upgrading the steel engine mounts for the Chinook's bigger engines, overhauling the interior and exterior lights and revamping the air filter to keep rocks and small debris out of the engines.
Another key addition on the new Chinook will lengthen the crewmembers' endurance during busy nights of pushing pallets at bases throughout Iraq. A new electric pump for the helicopter's auxiliary power unit will enable the teams to takeoff faster after a complete engine shutdown, an option not present on the D- model. Without it, the crewmembers would have to manually pump-start the engine's power unit if it failed to start.
"What I like about this aircraft is that everything works so much better," said Staff Sgt. Jose Virella, 35, flight engineer, Co. B from Corozal, Puerto Rico, who is on his first tour to the OIF theater of operations. "The aircraft causes a lot less stress on the pilots which makes my job a lot easier."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
 |
| Spc. Matthew Patterson, Chinook cargo helicopter crew chief, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad from Springfield, Mo., prepares a weapon mount on a CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopter on Camp Taji during a pre-flight inspection July 8. The CAB is the first aviation brigade to bring the new helicopters to the Iraqi theater of operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt, CAB PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B) |
|
 |
| Staff Sgt. Jose Virella, Chinook helicopter flight engineer, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad from Corozal, Puerto Rico, tests the blade rotors on a CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopter during pre-flight inspections on Camp Taji July 8. The CAB is the first aviation brigade to bring the new helicopters to Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt, CAB PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B) |
|
 |
| Spc. Matthew Patterson, Chinook cargo helicopter crew chief, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad from Springfield, Mo., prepares a CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopter, tail number 18 dubbed Barely Legal, during a pre-flight inspection on Camp Taji July 8. The CAB is the first aviation brigade to bring the new aircraft to the Iraqi theater of operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt, CAB PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B) |
|
|
Comments
Ed Patterson
31 Jul 2008, 18:09
Spc Matt Patterson is my son and I cannot express how much I appreciated
reading this article and seeing Matt in action. I am very proud of him and
his service. THANK YOU!
ps The "barely legal" design was Matt's creation!
Hollie
01 Aug 2008, 07:56
Great article. I love seeing those young men in action to defend the
freedoms we take for granted in our country every day. It makes me proud
to have men and women who are willing to put their lives on hold here in
America to secure our country for generations to come. The technology that
is being used in Iraq is amazing, and is a direct result of the
opportunities American's have to attend college and resources to develop
new things. Thank you soldiers and god bless America.
Patti & Hannah
04 Aug 2008, 14:19
Thank you for this article on our friend, Matt Patterson. We APPRECIATE ALL
that our men & women are doing to protect our freedoms & all they are
sacrificing back at home!! Keep up the good work & we are proud of him!!
Thank you & God bless
M.J. Rookstool
09 Aug 2008, 08:54
A big thank you for this article and the pictures. Matthew is my grandson
and I'm very proud of him. All of the men and woman in service are to be
commended. The familes that are waiting for them are to be in our prayers
also. May the Lord bless you all and keep you in the hollow of his hand.
Gran
Josh
19 Aug 2008, 08:15
Great design there Matt. Other than playing the guitar I never knew you
were so artistic. Keep up the great work over there working those
Chinooks.
|
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
