Boeing Observes 45th Anniversary of Sea Knight Helicopter 1st Flight

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RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa., July 27, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today recognized the service of the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, which completed its first flight 45 years ago this month. One hundred sixty-eight of the 624 aircraft originally produced remain in operation with the U.S. Marine Corps and are still maintained by Boeing.

The Sea Knight, also affectionately known as the “Phrog,” has served as the Marines' medium-lift assault helicopter since 1964, logging more than three million flight hours. Although it is no longer in production, it remains in combat service wherever and whenever the Marines are called into action. The remaining active aircraft are, on average, 35 years old.

“The Sea Knight has earned respect and admiration around the world and certainly a special place in history,” said Phil Dunford, vice president and general manager, Boeing Rotorcraft Systems. “While the CH-46 fleet remains in service, it is gradually being replaced by the advanced and highly capable MV-22 Osprey aircraft, which meets the specialized needs of our warfighters in the 21st century.”