Chinook is critical to preserving our economy and workforce | Opinion

I started my career working in rotorcraft test labs in 1965 at the Boeing Ridley facility in southeast Pennsylvania. Since then, I’ve been a flight test engineer, worked on instrumentation, design and program management and operation. Over the years, I’ve seen the maturation of the CH-47 Chinook and the modernization efforts made to ensure it remains the Army’s premiere helicopter. During this time I became acquainted with the inventor and father of the famous Chinook, Frank Piasecki, a remarkable, forward-looking rotorcraft developer.

The Chinook proved its capabilities during combat and my conversations with many veteran Chinook pilots proved its survivability and reliability. Over the years, significant improvements in avionics systems and performance allow the Chinook to go anywhere in the world without exception. It is the longest continuous helicopter production line in the United States, with its final assembly and manufacturing happening in the Delaware Valley.

Ultimately, as more investment has come into Ridley Park, more jobs and opportunity have been created for thousands of workers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. But that investment has hit a standstill and the Chinook production line is at risk of closure because the U.S. Army is hedging on its commitment to the program, despite its continued promises to maintain the line. This time and combat-tested heavy lifter gives the military great flexibility that is now required by the war planners of today and tomorrow. 

In 2017, the Army certified that the next-generation Chinook Block II was a critical modernization priority and would be supported. Congress approved the funding, but the Army has since reversed course and has not supported this priority as once planned. This leaves the future of the Delaware Valley facility uncertain.

Recently, U.S. Army Chief of Staff General James McConville suggested before the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee that the Army supports the modernized Block II Chinook and that it is a capability that they want. This sounds like a promising development, but the Army’s actions need to reflect its words. The continuation of the Chinook program depends on a firm, written commitment from the Army and federal support from Congress.

Ridley Park, located just across the Delaware state line, supports thousands of jobs in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. These jobs have been vital to our regional economy for more than 50 years. If the Army and Congress aren’t in agreement to produce the upgraded Block II Chinook, Ridley Park will likely be forced to close its doors and our friends and neighbors will lose their jobs. Importantly, our warfighters will lose a critical capability.

The Chinook is the only aircraft that can lift a fully-armored JLTV and move it any meaningful distance. It’s also the only aircraft that can carry the M777ER Howitzer with a full load of ammo and battle-ready soldiers. The Chinook has an increased heavy-lift capability and can fly farther and work more effectively in extreme weather. None of its competitors come close to its capabilities.

The military’s investment in the JLTV and Howitzer makes the Chinook a necessity for wartime efforts, including a fast response time with the best equipment. These things will help the Army — and our allies — maintain a tactical advantage over adversarial nations. Without the Chinook, our soldiers lose the heavy-duty weaponry needed overseas. They also lose the increased payload that helps take soldiers to and from the battlefield safely.

Delaware workers have manufactured the Chinook for more than five decades. The Chinook program has provided family-supporting jobs, economic opportunity for workers, and economic prosperity for the region and the state of Delaware. It is necessary for safe and efficient troop and cargo transportation and has proven to be a reliable and effective tool for the military challenges of today and the future. Congress and the Army need to do more than vocalize support for the Chinook program. They must take swift, concrete action to ensure the program’s continued operation.

Brian R. Woodcock spent his aviation career in flight testing with the Boeing Company and Piasecki Aircraft.