have a proper­sized fleet. Six of the eleven D­model Chinooks


(D­661 thru D­667) are modified Canadian Air Force helicopters and have between 10,000 – 15,000 flight hours. The other five D models (D­101 thru D­ 106) are newly built by Boeing. The process of procuring the CH­47Fs


began in 2003, with the purchase con­ tract signed in 2006. Initial delivery was to be in 2009, but was delayed. Commander of the 298th Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Hermans, was very pleased these two new helicopters final­ ly arrived. “We can now better fulfill the demand for transportation. For exam­ ple, the transportation of our Marines, Commandos, and Special Forces are one of the main tasks of our squadron. Having more helicopters will make all our tasks more easy to realize.” Two of the new CH­47Fs are to be sta­


tioned at Fort Hood, Texas, where basic flying training of Dutch pilots is conduct­ ed. Before being delivered to the 298th Squadron, the CH­47F’s were at Woensdrecht Airbase in the Netherlands


where final modifications were made, including installing map holders and treat­ ing windows with water repellant. Major Ton Schattorie and Captain


Michel Dekker were the pilots who flew the first two CH­47F’s in Dutch airspace. “We were trained on the F model and that makes us the test pilots for this type now. We are the only two pilots now in the Netherlands that are qualified to fly this F version,” said Major Schattorie after arriv­ ing at Gilze­Rijen Airbase. The helicopters were shipped from Baltimore, Maryland


to Antwerp, Belgium. From there they went by truck to Woensdrecht Airbase. Four Electro Optical Infrared (EOIR)/


Forward­Looking Infrared (FLIR) balls were purchased with the F version. “FLIR is a forward­looking infrared camera mounting in a bubble under the heli­ copter's chin, which enables pilots to fly low­level at night and in marginal weather like heavy rain and snow,” Major Schattorie explained. 


Article/photo by Paul Kievit


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