Article Posted on : - Apr 20, 2013

CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter. A Boeing photo.

RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA (BNS): US defence major Boeing has recently completed the first flight of the newest CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter for the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force.

The March 15 flight, at the Boeing helicopter facility near Philadelphia, happened ahead of schedule and confirmed initial airworthiness for the Mk6 Chinook, Boeing said.

The Mk6 Chinook features advanced technology including UK-specific avionics, a forward-looking infrared system, and interoperable communication and navigation equipment.

The helicopter is undergoing comprehensive testing in Mesa, Arizona, before delivery to the UK later this year.