Columbia Helicopters announce new build 234SP Chinooks

[60FltMech]

Very interesting:

https://aerialfiremag.com/2024/02/28/columbia-helicopters-unveils-a-new-era-for-the-commercial-chinook/


https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-02-28/columbia-introduces-234sp-chinook-helicopter

The second link makes it more clear that they intend to build new 234 airframes with a HUMS system and glass cockpit, with “CH-47D performance”, would assume that means T55-GA-714 engines/drivetrain?

FltMech (https://aerialfiremag.com/2024/02/28/columbia-helicopters-unveils-a-new-era-for-the-commercial-chinook/)

[LTP90]

What is the benefit to having a 234 vs a CH-47D?
What missions are they going to need an transport category aircraft for?

In the U.S. I could see the use for fire missions, but the agencies aren't going to put that many people in one helicopter ever since the 2008 accident.

I would think buying a new build would be cost prohibitive when trying to compete with a surplus CH-47D for work.

[60FltMech]

Having re-read both links and another article I’m actually confused now, one article that is behind a paywall calls it a “military to Civil conversion”. So which is it?

I agree that a new build machine would be expensive, although Ericsson Aircrane S-64F features extensive use of new build structures unless I’m mistaken, and they’ve had decent success so maybe they (Columbia) are harvesting CH-47Ds for dynamic components?

Perhaps the CH-47D is closer to a civil 234 that a conversion is more straightforward than getting say a UH-60 into the same category? Most of the former Army H-60s I’ve seen out and about are registered as experimental but I think there are a few Restricted category? I’m not sure on anything may have to do so more reading.

FltMech

[fitliker]

One of the smartest things Columbia’s did when they got the Vertols was replace the Vertol gearboxes with the military chinook gearboxes .
That was nearly thirty years ago , they have flown a lot of high value timber off some steep hills since then . Some of those trees they can lift are huge . Very high value trees are cherry picked leaving the forest still healthy .

[Salusa]

Columbia Helicopters sets out standard for civil version of CH-47D Chinook (https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/columbia-helicopters-sets-out-standard-for-civil-version-of-ch-47d-chinook/157169.article)

[Non-Driver]

For those that don't subscribe to that previous link:

Columbia Helicopters is looking to capitalise on growing demand for commercial heavy-lift rotorcraft for firefighting and other utility missions as it pushes ahead with a new military-to-civil conversion development for the Boeing CH-47 Chinook.

Aurora, Oregon-based Columbia is the type certificate holder for the civil variant of the Chinook – the Model 234 – having previously acquired it from Boeing.

However, the recent divestment of 33 D-model Chinooks by the US Army to the wider market has led to a plethora of model standards and challenges with operational restrictions.

“There are at least a dozen individual type certificates for this aircraft and none of them are the same,” says Mike Tremlett, chief executive of Columbia Helicopters.

Columbia, which acquired 11 of the D-model airframes, is now looking to address that confusion. Working with Boeing, it is developing a new programme called the 234 Special Purpose (234SP).

The programme will provide a fully Federal Aviation Administration-certificated Part 133-category rotorcraft. Approval is targeted for 2025.

In addition to the product standardisation, the 234SP will also be able to be operated easily outside the USA, a significant challenge with restricted-category aircraft.

“Our introduction of the 234SP into the market marks a new chapter in Chinook commercial operations,” says Tremlett. The single type certificate will also “standardise performance and limits”, he adds.

Columbia’s launch customer for the 234SP is Rotak Helicopter Services, which has its first of four examples on display at Heli-Expo in Anaheim; delivery is due in April.

Boeing will also incorporate the 234SP into the Chinook Integrated Sustainment Programme, providing operators with access to performance-based logistics support.

Columbia is also eyeing the creation of a similar military-to-civil certification initiative for the newer CH-47F, preparing the ground for future divestments of the type.

“We will introduce a path forward in the very near future for Fs to enter the market,” says Tremlett.