The Politics and DV Engineering working group analyses current political developments in the defence sector. It provides independent facts and interpretation from the technological knowledge and experience of engineers.
The working group has the observations below on the Replacement and Modernisation of Chinook helicopters as indicated in a Parliamentary letter dated 26 October 2017. These have been prepared based on publicly available documents and defence technology knowledge and experience. The comments and questions based on them concern technological or related aspects only.
Winch installation (page 2)
From a technical and operational point of view, it is surprising that the 14 new aircraft will not be equipped with a winch installation and, as a result, there are again different Dutch versions. Experience shows that such an installation is often deployed. After all, especially a large helicopter like the Chinook cannot always land.
If a lifting installation does prove to be in high demand, this will lead to regular conversion and cannibalisation. This is precisely what should be prevented.
It is possible that the decision at the time not to equip the new Chinooks with winches was driven to some extent by budget constraints.
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The Hague, 10 November 2017
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Disclaimer: The facts and opinions given are based on open sources and on the knowledge and experience of working group members.
This is not an official position of KIVI. The association accepts no liability for anything put forward by the working group or its members.
Photo: Ministry of Defence
