Moroccan Chinook refurbishment nears completion
Columbia Helicopters is nearing completion of the refurbishment of three Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters for the Royal Moroccan Air Force, it announced on 11 May. The helicopters were acquired from the US Army.
The company was awarded the $6 million contract by the US army to refurbish the helicopters prior to the commencement of operations in Morocco.
Columbia Helicopters is conducting the refurbishment work at its Maintenance Repair Overhaul facility. The helicopters arrived in November 2014 and are set to leave in June 2015.
Scott Ellis, director of business development, Columbia Helicopters, said: 'The US Army awarded Columbia Helicopters this contract based on our qualifications and on our past performance. So far, everyone involved has been pleased with our work. We are confident this will lead to more of these types of contract in the future.
'The work involves inspecting every part of the helicopters, then repairing, overhauling or replacing any parts or components as needed.'
The refurbishment work also includes repainting the aircraft in Morocco’s desert camouflage pattern as well as adding the military crests, flags and registration information.
Ellis said: 'We'll put them on a ship or plane for Morocco. Our crews will meet the aircraft there to finish putting them into flight-ready status, and then we’ll present the aircraft to their military leaders.
'By the time we’re finished with the helicopters and present them to Morocco, they’ll look just like brand new helicopters.'
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