 Military News
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:
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