MH-47G Special Operations Aircraft (SOA)
The CH-47F technology improvements will form the foundation for the new MH-47G modernization program that will improve MH-47D and MH-47E Special Operations Chinooks. The 25 MH-47E and the 11 MH-47D that are used in special missions will be converted to the new version by the end of 2003.
In May 2001 it was announced that the U.S. Special Operations Command, Technology Applications Contracting Office intends to acquire one each MH-47G helicopter. The CH-47F modernization program will sustain the U.S. Army's Chinook fleet to provide rotary-wing, heavy-lift capabilities well into the 21st century. Modernization will include aircraft remanufacturing, vibration reduction, improved avionics with integrated digital mission management systems and a digital map, and installation of more powerful Honeywell T55-GA-14A-714 engines. These core elements of the program will reduce operational and support costs to below those of the original CH-47D and provide at least another 20 years of economical and effective service.
When fielded, the MH-47G must have the same functionality that the MH-47E currently has in addition to the current MH-47D functionality. This includes, but is not limited to Mission Management; Aircraft Performance; Multi-Mode Radar Operation; Digital Map; and Aircraft Survivability Equipment Control. b. Dual Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Unit (INU)(EGI). A second EGI is being integrated to provide better navigation accuracy and a more reliable redundant navigator. This second EGI replaces the current Aircraft Heading Reference System (AHRS) that is obsolete and becoming unsupportable. All Army Special Operations Aircraft must have the capability of receiving and displaying Near Real Time Intelligence Data (NRTID) to provide the crew and customers with up to the minute situational awareness.
In July 2002 the Army announced plans to expand the Special Operaitons aviation arm to meet a growing demand for special operations forces. The plan is to add one battalion to the three existing in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The expansion would add 12 MH-47 helicopters, which are the only ones in the Army that can refuel in flight.
