Boeing Australia Accredited to Repair Chinook Rotor Blades

09 Juli 2019

The Australian Army’s Chinook rotor blades can now be repaired locally by Boeing Defence Australia (photo : AeroAustralia)

Boeing Australia Component Repairs (BACR) has been accredited to overhaul CH-47 Chinook rotor blades, bringing new capability to Australia and delivering time and efficiency savings to local operators of the platform.

“Until now, rotor blades have been shipped to the US for overhaul work,” said Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) director sustainment operations, Darryn Fletcher.

“BACR’s accreditation provides customers with faster turnaround, enabling them to better maintain and restore airworthiness of these robust, multi-mission rotorcraft.

“Developing in-country capability also supplements BACR’s extensive portfolio of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and provides another practical means for Boeing to minimise costs and deliver improved value-for-money solutions to our customers.”

CH-47F of the Australian Army (photo : Boeing)

CH-47 Chinooks serve the defence forces of more than 19 countries worldwide, with the Australian Army operating a fleet of ten.

“While the Commonwealth of Australia will be the initial customer, this unique Australian MRO capability will enable BACR to service international CH-47 customers,” said Fletcher.

BACR’s engineering expertise, repair facilities, equipment and experience provide valued and flexible repair solutions to both local and international commercial and defence customers.

The rotor blade overhaul capability, which typically involves composite structure repairs for damage ranging from lightning to bird strikes, complements BDA’s CH-47 Integrated Support Services Contract (ISSC). The ISSC delivers training, engineering and maintenance support to optimise readiness of the Australian Army’s Chinook fleet.

(AeroAustraliaMag)