Chinook charter

and

today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for joint work on the next-generation Chinook helicopter for the Italian Army and other future rotorcraft opportunities.

Specifically, the MOU between the Rotorcraft Division of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems and AgustaWestland identifies potential opportunities for both companies to work together to offer joint solutions for future heavy-lift rotorcraft requirements. Initially, the MOU teams Boeing and AgustaWestland to jointly market the CH-47F aircraft as the replacement for the current Italian Army Chinook fleet.

The two companies have also agreed that on future opportunities for new helicopter sales in Italy and the UK, AgustaWestland will serve as the prime contractor, and Boeing will serve as the exclusive prime subcontractor.

The CH-47F Chinook features a new airframe, improved flight controls, advanced avionics and communications capability as well as advanced survivability measures and transportability features. The aircraft is in production, and deliveries to the US Army began in December 2006.

The Italian Army fleet of Chinooks is currently used for peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and firefighting missions.