Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Airbus Helicopters today 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.
"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," said Mark Cherry, Boeing vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift programs. "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."
The new partnership between Boeing and Airbus aims at bolstering German defense readiness while supporting German industry and economic growth. The partnership will draw on the strengths and combined expertise of the world's leading aerospace companies to deliver advanced capability, readiness and innovative solutions as part of the German Chinook industry offering.
"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. "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."
The partnership agreement builds 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 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.
"The partnership with Airbus Helicopters reaffirms our commitment to strengthen cooperation with German industry," said Dr. Michael Haidinger, president, Boeing Germany. "With our Chinook offering and together with our German industry partners, we will create more than 500 highly skilled jobs in-country, all in direct support of the Bundeswehr's heavy-lift mission requirements."
As chosen by eight NATO nations - Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America - the Chinook has proven its unique capabilities and mission readiness in multiple theatres and has delivered on many other mission requirements, including air-to-air refueling, medevac, troop transport, search and rescue and humanitarian and disaster relief, and special operations. Chinook air-to-air refueling operations have spanned the globe and the number of tanker hook ups, behind a variety of tanker aircraft, is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
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