FORT RUCKER, Ala. (January 29, 2015) -- The world is in a constant state of change and advancements in technology are made every day, and the Army is making sure it doesn't fall behind the times when it comes to its airframes.
Army Aviation is transitioning from the CH-47 D-model Chinook to the new F-model, and Fort Rucker graduated its last D-model class, whose members hosted a family day Jan. 14 to show family members what they've learned throughout the course as they prepared to graduate Jan. 16 and get their wings as Chinook pilots.
Though hopes were high and excitement was felt throughout the class, one abundant feeling was that of relief, said one class member.
"It's nice to be done with (the course) and get back to regular life at this point and to know that I made it through the first time," said 1st Lt. Stephen Meinholz, D Company, 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment.
"It feels good to be done with training, finally," added fellow classmate 2nd Lt. Freddy Wojtkowski, 1st Bn., 151st Avn. Regt., South Carolina National Guard. "It was a long road, but it was invaluable training. The way that they do things here is really done well."
The feelings of relief and happiness were also, in part, due to the fact that the class was the last of its kind, said Wojtkowski.
"Being part of the last class was kind of a surprise at first because we had no idea. But we heard talks that we might be the last D-model class," he said. "It was cemented right when we started that we would be the last one to come through, which, in my opinion, really enforces the fact that the Army is really moving forward with the new Fox-model technology.
"We have a really good foundation now on the D-model, which is a little more technical when it comes to flying, and it was nice to have that chance to train on an aircraft that feels so personal," he continued. "It's exciting, though, to be able to say that I was the last guy to come through the class. I'm excited to take what I learned here and transition that into the F-model."
The CH-47Ds are slowly being transitioned out to make room for the more advanced CH-47F, which utilizes digital gauges and a sturdier airframe, according to CW3 Joe Harris, B Co., 1st Bn., 223rd Avn. Regt.
"The major differences consist of the new Common Avionics Architecture System," he said. "There are five 6-inch by 8-inch screens that show all different types of information from threat, maps, engine systems and things like that, and it's all digitalized. The digital platform is much more sophisticated and provides a lot more information."
Going from analog to digital gives the pilots more options as it pertains to flight assistance, said Harris. Previously, there were only two axes that the D-model could fly, but now it's able to be fully coupled with each axis -- turns, climbs, speed. This gives pilots the opportunity to concentrate less on the mundane tasks, and more on survivability and making sure they're more aware.
The CH-47F also has a larger radio package, which allows it to communicate with more radios and allows for over-the-horizon communication, as well.
Although the D-models are being transitioned out, Harris said the effect on the D-model students should be minimal since these aircraft were designed for easy transition.
"It's like driving a car," he said. "The D-model and the F-model fly the same, so now it's just about learning how to fly it by looking at different gauges. Once you figure out where everything is, it's essentially the same."
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