New CH-47F Chinooks For Dutch Military

Boeing Co., ST. LOUIS: The Boeing Company announced today a production preparation agreement with the Defense Materiel Organization of the Dutch ministry of Defense for the possible purchase of Chinook helicopters. The agreement provides for the planning and long-lead activities that will support production and will include the procurement of new CH-47F Chinooks with an option for additional aircraft and modernization kits for the current fleet of 11 Dutch CH-47Ds. 
 
“This preliminary agreement exemplifies the Royal Netherlands Air Force's commitment to the Chinook's value and versatility,” said Jack Dougherty, director, Chinook programs.” From military operations to humanitarian relief efforts, the Chinook can do it all.” 
 
Boeing and the Defense Materiel Organization intend to execute the full production contract in 2006, with aircraft deliveries planned to begin in 2008. The new aircraft will feature an improved Honeywell cockpit configuration, improved situational awareness and survivability features along with a modernized airframe. The RNLAF Chinook fleet serves with the 298 Squadron based at Soesterberg Air Force Base and supports the Dutch Air Mobile Brigade and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations.  
 
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.