First CH-147F arrives in Canada

Canada is back in the Chinook business again, as the first CH-147F arrived in Canada yesterday. The first of 15 aircraft to arrive over the next year, they will be operated by 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, located at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. The photos are of 147303 at theOttawa International Airport and 147304 before delivery in the US.  (Photos courtesy of the Canadian Department of National Defence.)

Modeler's Note: The CH-147F is based on the MH-47 with the beak nose and large sponsons which Italeri and Revell have issued. Both kits are the Italeri plastic and it appears that only the Italeri kit is currently available. While not the most modern Chinook kit on the market, it still holds up very well and is arguably the best Chinook in 1/72. Sadly, it suffers from Italeri's insane overpricing trend of the last few years.

CH-147F Flies

Today Boeing announced that Canada's first CH-147F Chinook successfully completed its first flight on June 24 in Pennsylvania.  The inaugural flight lasted more than 80 minutes and confirmed the initial airworthiness of the aircraft, including its new electrical system and cockpit.  It is expected that the first CH-147F will be delivered to the RCAF in 2013 and they will be based at CFB Petawawa.

Modeler's Note: My understanding is that the CH-147F is based on the MH-47 which Italeri and Revell have issued.  Both kits are the Italeri plastic and it appears that only the Italeri kit is currently available.  While not the most modern Chinook kit on the market, it still holds up very well and is arguably the best Chinook in 1/72.  Sadly, it suffers from Italeri's insane overpricing trend of the last few years.

CTV Clip on the CAF Chinooks and CH-146s in Afghanistan

Watch at CTV.ca

CAF CH-147s in Kandahar

A few photos of the "new" CAF CH-147s in Afghanistan were posted on the ARC discussion board last night. Click here, eh. These are ex-U.S. Army aircraft on loan to the CAF until their new build Chinooks are ready. Also how to paint a 1:1 scale helo.

UPDATE: Sadly the pics on ARC have been taken down, but here are a couple courtesy of the Canadian Department of National Defence, including one of the CH-47 before the Canadian markings were added.