New Chinook helicopters land in Townsville

Townsville’s 5th Aviation Regiment received a boost yesterday with the delivery of two new Chinook helicopters direct from the United States. SEE THE VIDEO>>>

Townsville’s 5th Aviation Regiment received a boost yesterday with the delivery of two new Chinook helicopters direct from the United States.

A massive US air force C-5 Galaxy touched down with the helicopters at Townsville’s RAAF base just after lunch.

Arrival

The Australian Defence Force’s heavy-lift battlefield aviation capability is receiving a $595 million boost with the acquisition of four new CH-47F Chinook helicopters.

The spend will bring Australia’s current fleet of Chinooks to 14 with the third and fourth Chinooks expected to arrive in Australia in mid-2022.

On the ground was for the arrival was Major Nicholas Ludwick.

He said the first two Chinooks was a 40 per cent increase in capability for the regiment.

“The capability they can provide is quite extraordinary, not only in the defence construct but civilian community as well, “ Major Ludwick said.

Arrival

The Minister for Defence Peter Dutton also welcomed the arrival of the choppers.

“The additional helicopters will strengthen Army’s airlift capability into the future and increase the ADF’s ability to support operations globally,” Mr Dutton said.

Arrival

“The Chinook is Defence’s largest helicopter, with a long and proven track record of supporting ADF operations in Australia, our near region and further afield.”

He said the arrival comes approximately three months after the sale was approved and highlights Australia’s excellent working relationship with the United States.

Originally published as New Chinook helicopters land in Townsville