Airbus announced on 25 March that Boeing and Airbus Helicopters have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to partner on the H-47 Chinook in support of Germany’s Schwerer Transporthubschrauber (STH) heavy-lift helicopter requirements.
Mark Cherry, Boeing vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift programs said in a statement: “We are pleased that Airbus Helicopters has joined our team of strategic partners on the H-47 Chinook program for Germany, and together we will provide the strongest offering to the Bundeswehr. The Chinook has been the preferred heavy-lift helicopter in Europe for decades and a cornerstone for a multitude of NATO operations. It is the only heavy-lift helicopter capable of providing Germany immediate interoperability with allied nations and is significantly more powerful, versatile and agile than any other aircraft in its class.”
In a joint press release by both companies the agreement seeks to build on the existing Chinook partnership team consisting of AERO-Bildung GmbH, CAE GmbH, ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH, Lufthansa Technik AG, Honeywell Aerospace and Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co. KG. Boeing is committed to working with the German industry on aircraft sustainment, including post-delivery modifications and installations, aircraft maintenance, supply chain services, training, and logistical support, as well as the potential for sub-systems Maintenance Repair and Overhaul work.
Wolfgang Schoder, general manager of Airbus Helicopters in Germany said: “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. The H-47 Chinook is a proven, mature program in service with many of our allies, and is the optimum solution for Germany with an excellent price-performance ratio.”
