81-23383

 

 

             81-23383, Boeing D model kit number M3006, was a CH-47D helicopter. The U.S. Army acceptance date was 24 November 1982. As of 22 June 1998, 81-23383 had accumulated 4,950.2 D model hours and 7,659.0 total aircraft hours.

   81-23383 was a conversion from the original A model Chinook 66-19017.

   On 30 September 1980, 81-23383 was inducted into the D model program, converted, and initially assigned to Fort Rucker, Alabama.

   While at Fort Rucker, 81-23383 was assigned to the Aviation Technical Test Center, and was designated as Bearcat 1.

   After it's tour of duty with the Test Activity, 81-23383 was transferred to Fort Eustis, Virginia, and was utilized as a training device in the 67U maintenance course.

   As of 1 January 2002, this aircraft was 35.1 years old.

   As of 1 January 2002, the last known location of 81-23383 was at Fort Eustis.

   Aircraft status: Training device.

 

 

             The next four photographs show 81-23383, in the early 1980s, while performing duties as Bearcat 1. In these photographs, what distinguishes 81-23383 apart from later Chinook helicopters designated as Bearcat 1, such as 81-23381, is the writing on the side of the fuselage - Aviation Development Test Activity. In the early 1980s, the facility was known as the Aviation Development Test Activity (ADTA), commonly known as the Test Activity. In the early 1990s, the facility was re-designated as the U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center (USAATTC). After it's tour of duty with the Test Activity, 81-23383 was transferred to Fort Eustis, Virginia, and was utilized as a ground training device in the 67U aircraft maintenance course. At some point, 81-23383 was replaced by 90-00180, which was then designated as Bearcat 2.

 

 

         
Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopter 81-23383, as Bearcat 1, parked on "Chinook Hill" at Cairns Army Airfield while undergoing field testing and airworthiness certification at Fort Rucker, Alabama, circa early 1980's.

             Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopter 81-23383, as Bearcat 1, parked on "Chinook Hill" at Cairns Army Airfield while undergoing field testing and airworthiness certification at Fort Rucker, Alabama, circa early 1980's. Chinook Hill is a small grade where the Chinooks are parked for run up away from other aircraft to prevent incidental damage in case of a problem.

 

 

         
Notice the sling hanging down in this picture (appears to be coming from the left forward landing gear). The crew was retrieving a 16,000 pound concrete block dropped during flight when someone accidentally hit the release button during the transfer of the flight controls between the two pilots in the cockpit.

             Notice the sling hanging down in this picture (appears to be coming from the left forward landing gear). The crew was retrieving a 16,000 pound concrete block dropped during flight when someone accidentally hit the release button during the transfer of the flight controls between the two pilots in the cockpit.

 

 

         
81-23383, as Bearcat 1, performing sling load tests of new airmobile containers an unknown company was trying to sell to the U.S. Army.

             81-23383, as Bearcat 1, performing sling load tests of new airmobile containers an unknown company was trying to sell to the U.S. Army.

 

 

         
81-23383 conducting desert operational testing at Yuma Proving Ground, California, in support of Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm during 1991.

             81-23383 conducting desert operational testing at Yuma Proving Ground, California, in support of Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm during 1991.

 

 

          This aircraft was piloted by:

 

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          This aircraft was crewed by:

 

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          The CH-47 - 40 years old and still circling the world.

         

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