South Korea Seeks CH-47D Helicopters

The Republic of Korea is seeking to purchase more than a dozen CH-47D helicopters from the United States through a Foreign Military Sales deal. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its notification to Congress, said the $151 million package deal would include spare parts and logistical support.

"The CH-47Ds being considered for this sale are currently operated by U.S. Forces Korea in the ROK," the agency said. "This proposed sale of CH-47D aircraft equipped with T55-GA-714A engines will be provided from U.S. Army inventory located at Camp Humphrey, South Korea.

"The T55-GA-714A engines to be provided as spares will also be provided from U.S. government inventory."

If the sale is approved by Congress, the aircraft will be transferred to the ROK incrementally once U.S. Forces Korea begin taking delivery of new-production CH-47F model aircraft, which is scheduled to begin in January.

"The proposed sale will improve the ROK's capability to meet current and future requirements for troop movement, medical evacuation, aircraft recovery, parachute drop, search and rescue, disaster relief, fire-fighting and heavy construction support," the agency said. "The ROK will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense, deter regional threats, and improve humanitarian and disaster mobilization and response."

The deal includes 14 CH-47D helicopters, 28 T55-GA-714A engines and five spare T55-GA-714A turbines. Various radio systems are included, as well as tactical air navigation system, radar altimeters and gyro-magnetic compasses.  [via]