Airbus Helicopters and Boeing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for their partnership on the Chinook H-47 to support Germany’s Schwerer Transporthubschrauber (STH) heavy-lift helicopter requirements. The purpose of the partnership is to bolster Germany’s defence readiness, while also supporting German economic growth. It will also help to combine the expertise of two of the world’s leading aerospace companies, enabling them to deliver advanced capability, readiness and innovative solutions as part of the German Chinook industry offering.
The partnership agreement will build on the existing Chinook partnership team which Is made up of AERO-Bildung GmbH, CAE Elektronik GmbH, ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH, Lufthansa Technik, Honeywell Aerospace and Rolls-Royce Deutschland. Boeing is committed to working with German industry on aircraft sustainment, including post-delivery modifications and installations, aircraft maintenance, supply chain services, training and logistical support, plus the potential for sub-systems Maintenance Repair and Overhaul work.
Eight NATO nations currently fly the Chinook – Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America – the aircraft having already proven its unique capabilities and mission readiness in several theatres including Air-to-Air refueling, Medevac, troop transport, search and rescue and humanitarian and disaster relief, and special operations.
“We are pleased that Airbus Helicopters has joined our team of strategic partners on the H-47 Chinook programme for Germany, and together we will provide the strongest offering to the Bundeswehr,” said Mark Cherry, Boeing Vice President and General Manager, Vertical Lift programmes, adding, “The Chinook has been the preferred heavy-lift helicopter in Europe for decades and a cornerstone of all kinds of NATO operations.”
“Building on decades of experience as a partner of the Bundeswehr, Airbus Helicopters is excited to join Boeing’s Chinook Germany industry team and to partner with Boeing on delivering maximum operational availability to the Bundeswehr,” said Wolfgang Schoder, General Manager of Airbus Helicopters in Germany.
