Cargo Helicopter Upgraded Ahead Of Schedule

The Prototype Integration Facility has celebrated the completion of its latest modification to the CH-47F helicopter with a recognition ceremony for the team.

Installation of the Infrared Suppression System was supposed to take six weeks but the PIF completed it in just three.

Lt. Col. Brad Killen, product manager for the CH-47F, came out to honor the team for installing the modifications so quickly.

"We took time to come out today to recognize the guys from the PIF because they were able to install modifications on the CH-47F helicopter under-schedule, nearly three weeks under-schedule, which was a great asset to us in the PM office. It speaks highly of what the PIF is doing," Killen said.

The IRSS modification is one of 12 that the PIF currently performs for the Cargo Helicopter Project Office.

"Of the 11 or 12 modifications that we're doing right now, this recent modification for the IRSS is one of the most important," said Wes Patterson, who leads all efforts the PIF performs for PM Cargo and the CH-47 aircraft. "It actually aids the aircraft in reducing the threat for heat-seeking missiles."

Shelia Champion, project manager for Yulista, the PIF's prime contractor, had plenty to say about the quick installment of the new modification.

"We're very proud of the fact that we've accomplished this major install in such a short time," she said. "We've just installed the IRSS along with 11 other minor modifications three weeks shorter than what we had scheduled for."

These three spoke with the workers during a lunch of pizza and cake piled on tables in congratulations of their swift and thorough work. Being so ahead of schedule meant they could get the equipment into the hands of the war fighters quicker, which could save lives.

"This achievement is a great example of the PIF's overall commitment to providing the highest quality rapid response solutions for the war fighter and dedication to meeting objectives and exceeding customer expectations," PIF program manager Danny Featherston said. (Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center release)