Ask Yourself the Question: Why does Canada have no Chinook Helicopters?
The answer is simple. Because the Mulroney government sold ours to the Netherlands. So, the Dutch will be there on the Pak-Afghan border, fighting alongside us, killing Taleban resurgents, using our ex – Chinooks. And our CF personnel may have to beg them for a ride. Here’s a ‘lesson learned’ for decision – makers (politicians and air staff planners): Sometimes usable, necessary assets are more valuable than the money you get from selling them. Shortly after becoming Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Rick Hillier made the acquisition of medium – lift helicopters a priority. The aircraft he had in mind was the Chinook. This is the workhorse troop transport and re-supply aircraft required for modern, highly – mobile warfare. The Chinook can carry up to 44 fully – armed troops, it can also sling cargo from up to three belly hooks. Operational features give the Chinook advantages – especially in Afghanistan. Ungainly as the Chinook might appear, its unusual features give it a distincti
