A United Technologies Corp. business has introduced a new lightweight ballistic protection system built for use with the CH-47 Chinook helicopter’s cargo on/off loading system.
UTC Aerospace Systems‘ new protection system is geared to help Chinook operators save up to 20 percent in weight for boosted fuel efficiency, the business unit said Monday.
The LBPS can also be swapped with the ballistic protection system default to the helicopter’s COOLS.
Operators use the Chinook’s COOLS to convert between troop and cargo transport modes in response to changing mission requirements, without the need for returning to a base.
The COOLS consists of transport rollers and a pallet locking system designed to allow for mixes between small and large pallets.
Cheryl Gorman, vice president of interiors for UTC Aerospace Systems, said the company has already deployed over 500 COOLS to U.S. and foreign military customers.