New Chinook maintenance training center opens in Canada

PETAWAWA, Ontario, April 16 (UPI) -- A new advanced training center for CH-47F Chinook maintenance personnel has been opened in Canada by Boeing and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The facility is located at Garrison Petawawa in the province of Ontario and has already graduated its first class of 18 technicians.

The center's training courses are run by the RCAF.

"Boeing's training suite equips the RCAF with essential aircraft maintenance knowledge, preparing their technicians for a wide range of operational missions," said Tony Barnett, Boeing project manager, Canadian Medium-to-Heavy-Lift-Helicopter training systems.

The CH-47F Chinook is designated by Canada as the CH-147F. A total of 15 of the helicopters were acquired by Canada last year and in 2013.

The original cargo-carrying Chinook helicopter was introduced into service in 1962. Its latest iteration, the F variant, took to the air in 2006. It features more powerful engines and new avionics. Its speed is more than 175 miles per hour and it can carry a payload of more than 21,000 pounds.

Additional details of the new training center in Canada were not disclosed.