Boeing CH-47 Chinook

The Boeing "Chinook" line of medium-lift, tandem-rotor transport helicopters has been a mainstay utility system for the United States Army (and others) for decades since its introduction in 1962. The iconic design was given a tandem-rotor approach to provide the necessary lift properties when hauling medium-class loads over the battlefield - able to transport weaponry, supplies, a full complement of combat-ready troops, and other useful components to and from operating points. Despite its 1960s origins, the CH-47 remains in service throughout the world and should continue to be one of the more versatile transport helicopters ever produced - its importance is such that the series is scheduled for retirement no sooner than 2060 while being set to become the U.S. Army's first "100 Year" aircraft.

The story of the CH-47 began in the mid-1950s with the U.S. Army looking to replace its stock of Sikorsky CH-37 "Mojave" transport helicopters. Production of this system - which was not an outright success due to operating expenses, size, and reliance on piston-driven engines - was limited to just 154 units. Service began in July of 1956 and ended relatively quickly in the late 1960s. The turbine engine soon arrived and replaced piston engines in helicopters through such successful products as the Bell UH-1 "Huey" medium-lift transport helicopter so thought was no being given to an all-new, medium-lift system based on the more powerful and capable drive units.

Various contractors were in play early on to deliver a solution to the ongoing Army requirement. To help sell the idea of a new turbine -powered platform, Vertol engineers fleshed out their "V-107" of 1957 and this was enough to prove the investment as a formal contract followed the following year to be based on the developmental "YHC-1A" designation. Three prototypes would be featured for evaluation.

However, the YHC-1A failed to sell itself to the Army after testing and was instead taken on by the USMC as the CH-46 "Sea Knight" tandem rotor transport. The decision was then made to simply develop a dimensionally larger version of that same helicopter and this formally became company Model 114 and assigned the Army designation of "HC-1B". A first flight (a hovering action) followed on September 21st, 1961.

Due to the 1962 redesignation initiative covering all aircraft then in American service, the HC-1B was redesignated to the more common "CH-47" with its initial production model now recognized as the CH-47A. It was granted the name of "Chinook" in keeping with Army tradition of naming its helicopters after Native American tribes. The CH-47A entered service in August of 1962 to begin its long and storied career.

As completed, the CH-47 was an easily identifiable aircraft with its twin main rotor design. Each rotor utilized a three-bladed assembly seated atop mast mountings, the rotors arranged as counter-rotating units which eliminated the need for a tail rotor unit (the natural occurring torque of a spinning rotor was offset by another rotor spinning in the opposite direction). The high placement of the main rotors also cleared all areas immediately around the aircraft for ground personnel - no immediate danger was to be had from a spinning tail rotor so common to other helicopter transports. The cockpit was fitted well-forward in the design with excellent vision for the two pilots. The fuselage was rectangular in its general shape as seen from the side profile and dotted with vision ports. At the rear of the fuselage was a large, powered cargo door that lowered to double as the loading ramp to provide unfettered access to the cargo hold within. The engines were fitted outboard of each rear fuselage side to provide the needed forward thrust while also driving the two main rotors. The undercarriage relied a four-legged system, fixed during flight, and wheeled. Internally, the helicopter could seat up to 55 troops, 24 medical litters with medical crew, or an equal amount of cargo. An external cargo hook allowed the helicopter to sling loads under the fuselage to double its carrying capability in-the-field. The original engines were Lycoming T55-L-7 turboshaft types of 2,650 horsepower (each) with two being fitted.

The United States Army took on a total of 354 CH-47A models and these were then followed into service by the improved CH-47B. The B-model would become a "bridge" offering of sorts between the original A-models and the much improved C-model form still to come. The CH-47B fitted 2 x Lycoming T55-L-7C engines of 2,850 horsepower each as well as new, asymmetrical rotor blades. The rear rotor mounting was redesigned and there was inherent support for the M60 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) mounted at the side doors for local defense/suppression. The cargo ramp at rear was also modified to support the M60D/M41 weapon station - the CH-47B flying with its cargo ramp down to allow this gunner to engage trailing threats. Its greater overall power made it a better medium-lift performer.

The CH-47C saw its gearbox and engines upgraded while fuel stores were expanded for increased operational ranges. Its first flight was during October 14th, 1967 and 233 production units followed. Many existing A- and B-models were eventually upgraded to the C-standard in time.©MilitaryFactory.com

The primary Army models of the Vietnam War became the CH-47A, CH-47B, and CH-47C - some Chinooks outfitted for delivering napalm loads rolled out of the rear of the aircraft while others were modified for the combat assault role. The Canadian Army took delivery of eight CH-47C aircraft beginning in 1974 (as the "CH-147") and the British Army knew the type under the "HC.1" designation. Other British variants became the HC.2, HC.3, HC.4, HC.5, and HC.6. British Chinooks saw action during the Falklands War (1982).

In February of 1982 the CH-47D first took to the air and this model incorporated uprated engines with slightly reduced hauling capabilities. There were also upgraded avionics, support for night vision equipment, and a triple cargo hook external arrangement for moving heavy loads including artillery pieces. The U.S. Army went ahead with procuring some 480 D-models for service, these simply modified from the existing stock of available A-, B-, and C-models.

A small number of Chinooks were reformed from existing C-model stocks to the D-standard for use by special forces as the "MH-47D". The MH-47E marked another special forces version - this based on an E-model prototype emerging in the early 1990s and featuring increased fuel stores. Production of this model reached 26 units. A later special operations model standard became the MH-47G following the form and function of the E-model but with all-modern systems including a full "glass" cockpit.

The Dutch government purchased ex-Canadian CH-147s and used these in the upgraded D-standard guise. This left the Canadians free to pursue purchase of D-models in 2008. The Japanese joined the foreign operators list through local-licensed production of the Chinook as the "CH-47J". The J-model was completed with different avionics and engines when compared to the American-born models. A subsequent model became the CH-47JA. Both were manufactured under the Kawasaki Heavy Industries brand label.

Many export versions have been based on the CH-47D model makeup.

The CH-47F is the newest Chinook offering, first flying in 2001. This offering incorporates newer uprated engines of 4,868 horsepower output (each) for increased field performance and the fuselage relies on milled construction for more robustness. The cockpit supports a modern digital avionics suite complete. Deliveries of this variant began in 2006.

The U.S. Army has contracted for 191 of the F-model with the Dutch following as the initial export user with six examples ordered. Other operators have become Australia and the United Kingdom. Despite its newness, the CH-47F is already slated for upgrading through the "Block 2" initiative and "Block 3" proposal which are intended to keep this mighty system a viable battlefield component into the mid-2000s. The Block 2 upgrade will see the F-model hauling capabilities return to A-model levels while Block 3 is a re-engining program in line with the Army's "Future Affordable Turbine Engine" (FATE) project tied to other helicopter products in inventory (including the Boeing AH-64 "Apache" attack helicopter). The U.S. Army has undertaken a program to replace its D-model lineup with the newer F-model, a conversion process that should be completed in 2019.

The Chinook has been seen in a few civilian market products following certification to operate in civilian airspaces - this is through the Model 234 and Model 414 variants.

Sixteen nations have been participants in the CH-47 story and over 1,200 have been built since 1962. Some of the most recent combat exposure for the Chinook has centered around the coalition involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq which have resulted in some airframe losses an fatalities. Due to the Chinooks ability to haul large numbers of personnel, the aircraft suffers from a high number of fatalities when they are shot down or crash through accidents/human error. A 2005 incident near Kabul, Afghanistan saw a special forces group flying in a Chinook shot down by enemy elements - killing all members aboard.©MilitaryFactory.com

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September 2015 - It was announced that The Netherlands had placed an order for fourteen of the Boeing CH-47F models to replace a stock of eleven CH-47D series systems. The new aircraft will come complete with the "Common Avionics Architecture System" used in current U.S. Army Chinook forms. At least six existing Dutch D-models will also be brought up to this cockpit standard.

September 2015 - The United States and India agreed to the sale of 15 CH-47 Chinooks as well as 22 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.

July 2017 - Thailand is expected to ink a deal to purchase more Chinook helicopters from the United States.

January 2018 - The Boeing CH-47F model is expected to compete for the standing German Army heavy-lift helicopter requirement, "STH". The Army service looks to replace its aged fleet of CH-53G heavy helicopters.

June 2018 - The United States State department has approved an order for 15 Chinook helicopters for delivery to the Indian Air Force. This deal was originally announced in September of 2015.

July 2018 - Boeing continues to finalize the stock of AH-64E Apache and CH-47F Chinook helicopters for delivery to the Indian Air Force.

September 2018 - The Spanish military will be modernizing its fleet of CH-47D model Chinooks, bringing them to the CH-47F model standard before the end.

January 2019 - Boeing will be upgraded the Spanish CH-47D Chinook fleet of seventeen helicopters to the F-model standard. Upgrades will include a standardized avionics, improved cargo handling, and a new digital automatic control system.

January 2019 - The Japan Ministry of Defense has earmarked funds to cover the procurement of some three CH-47J Chinook helicopters over the next five years. These will be built locally by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI).

January 2019 - On January 31st, 2019, Boeing delivered is first of fifteen newly-minted CH-47F Chinook models to operator India.

February 2019 - The German government has issued a formal request for up to sixty medium-/heavy-lift helicopters under its STH program. The program seeks to replace an aging fleet of Sikorsky CH-53G helicopters currently in service. Front-runners include the Boeing CH-47F Chinook tandem-rotor transport and Sikorsky's own CH-53K "King Stallion".

March 2019 - On March 29th, Boeing flew, for the first time, the CH-47F Block II version of its Chinook heavy transport helicopter.

May 2019 - A single Chinook test bed will be used to evaluate a General Electric T408 7,500 shaft horsepower engine pairing.

July 2019 - France has emerged as a candidate for the CH-47 product for its special forces elements. French special forces received experience and support in Mali by way of British-operated CH-47s.

November 2019 - The UAE has been approved by U.S. authorities for the purchase of ten CH-47F Chinook helicopters.

January 2020 - Boeing has officially bid on the German military heavy-lift competition by submitting its CH-47F design.

February 2020 - The Chinook is being considered by the French Air Force as a possible replacement for its aging fleet of Caracal helicopters.

April 2020 - The Royal Netherlands Air Force has taken delivery of its first CH-47F production model.

June 2020 - The United States Army will be evaluating a CH-47F production model equipped with Honeywell T55-GA-714C turboshaft engines of 6,000 horsepower each. The engine offers slightly improved fuel efficiency as well as up to a quarter more power than the in-service T55s.

July 2020 - Boeing has completed all deliveries of CH-47F heavy transport helicopters to the nation of India.

August 2020 - Boeing has been awarded a $265 million USD deal to provide the United States Army with nine additional MH-47G helicopters in the Block II standard. These will serve U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command.

September 2020 - The first MH-47G in Block II configuration has been delivered to US SOCOM forces.

September 2020 - The United States Army has flown, for the first time, the NCH-47 Chinook helicopter variant fitted with the General Electric T408 turboshaft engine.

May 2021 - The United Kingdom has become the first foreign recipient of the Chinook Block II platform. Fourteen of the extended-range type have been procured for the Royal Air Force.

May 2021 - Singapore has taken delivery of its first CH-47F model tandem-rotor helicopter.

June 2021 - The United Kingdom has ordered its first example of the special-mission / special ops MH-47 Chinook helicopter. A total of fourteen airframes will be acquired.

July 2021 - The Australian Army has received its first two CH-47F Chinook helicopters. An additional two more airframes are expected to be added.

October 2021 - Boeing has announced that the composite blades expected to be seen in the CH-47F Block II offering has been delayed as development continues.

February 2022 - The Spanish Army has activated its first of seventeen expected, refurbished CH-47F model helicopters.

May 2022 - The U.S. has approved the sale of CH-47F helicopters to the nation of Egypt.

June 2022 - Germany has selected the Boeing CH-47 as its next heavy-lift platform to succeed an aging stock of Sikorsky CH-53G lifters. The Air Force seeks sixty airframes.

Specifications

Service Year

1962

Origin

United States

Status

ACTIVE
In Active Service.

Crew

Production

1,200
UNITS

Boeing / Boeing-Vertol - USA / Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) - Japan

(View other Aviaton-Related Manufacturers)

National flag of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National flag of the United Arab Emirates

Argentina; Australia; Brazil; Canada; Egypt; Greece; India; Iran; Italy; Japan; Libya; Morocco; Netherlands; Oman; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; South Korea; South Vietnam; Spain; Taiwan; Thailand; Turkey; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom; United States; Vietnam

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Transport
General transport functionality to move supplies/cargo or personnel (including wounded and VIP) over range.

✓ Special Forces
Serving Special Forces / Special Operations elements and missions.

VERTICAL TAKE-OFF / LANDING (VTOL)

Series has a tactical capability to take-off and / or land vertically, a quality commonly associated with helicopters.

COUNTERMEASURES

Survivability enhanced by way of onboard electronic or physical countermeasures enacted by the aircraft or pilot/crew.

MULTI-ENGINE

Incorporates two or more engines, enhancing survivability and / or performance.

RUGGED AIRFRAME

Inherent ability of airframe to take considerable damage.

INTERNAL BAY

Fuselage volume includes space for internally-held weapons or special-mission equipment.

EXTENDED RANGE PERFORMANCE

Capability to travel considerable distances through onboard fuel stores.

MARITIME OPERATION

Ability to operate over ocean in addition to surviving the special rigors of the maritime environment.

CREW-MANAGED

Beyond a pilot, the aircraft takes advantage of additional crew specialized in specific functions aboard the aircraft.

GUN POSITIONS

Defensive gun positions for engagement / suppression.

ENCLOSED CREWSPACE(S)

Features partially- or wholly-enclosed crew workspaces.

ENHANCED ACCESS

Design incorporates feature(s) that facilitates loading / unloading of cargo / personnel from the aircraft.

Length

51.0 ft
(15.55 m)

Width/Span

60.0 ft
(18.30 m)

Height

18.9 ft
(5.77 m)

Empty Wgt

23,402 lb
(10,615 kg)

MTOW

50,001 lb
(22,680 kg)

Wgt Diff

+26,599 lb
(+12,065 kg)

(Showcased structural values pertain to the Boeing CH-47D Chinook production variant)

Installed: 2 x Lycoming (Honeywell) T55-L-712 turboshaft engines developing 3,750 horsepower each while driving 2 x three-bladed main rotors.

Max Speed

180 mph
(290 kph | 157 kts)

Ceiling

8,448 ft
(2,575 m | 2 mi)

Range

264 mi
(425 km | 229 nm)

Rate-of-Climb

1,522 ft/min
(464 m/min)

♦ MACH Regime (Sonic)

Sub

Trans

Super

Hyper

HiHyper

ReEntry

♦

(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the Boeing CH-47D Chinook production variant. Performance specifications showcased above are subject to environmental factors as well as aircraft configuration. Estimates are made when Real Data not available. Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database or View aircraft by powerplant type)

OPTIONAL:
2 x 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) or Miniguns on side pintle mounts.
1 x 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) or Minigun on rear cargo ramp.

Some models used in the delivery of napalm or other drop ordnance.

Supported Types

Graphical image of an aircraft medium machine gun

Graphical image of an aircraft Gatling-style rotating gun

Graphical image of an aircraft conventional drop bomb munition

(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)

Hardpoint Mountings: 0

Vertol Model 114 - Model Selected by US Army for futher battlefield development.

YCH-47A - Prototype Designation

CH-47A - Initial Production Model Designation; 354 produced for US Army.

CH-47B - Uprated engines with increased rotor diameter; 108 such models produced.

CH-47C - Uprated engines and increased fuel capacity; became US Army "standardized" Chinook for previous "B" models; also produced under license in Italy with Elicotteri Meridionali brand.

CH-47D - Fitted with T55-L-712 engines featuring more overall power; new external cargo hook design implemented; NVG cockpit capability; over 480 such models produced.

CH-47D "International Chinook" - Export Model Designation.

CH-47F (ICH) "Improved Cargo Helicopter" - US Army Transport Model.

CH-47J - Japanese license-production of CH-47D models.

CH-47JA - Japanese license-production of CH-47D models with weather radar equipped.

MH-47D - Special Operations modified CH-47C models.

MH-47E - Special Operations Model

CH-47SD "Super D" - Export Model

NCH-47 - U.S. Army variant equipped with GE T408 turboshaft engines; under testing in 2020.

HC.1 - British CH-47C Model Designation

HC.2 - British CH-47D Model Designation

General Assessment

Firepower

Performance

Survivability

Versatility

Impact

Values are derrived from a variety of categories related to the design, overall function, and historical influence of this aircraft in aviation history.

Overall Rating

The overall rating takes into account over 60 individual factors related to this aircraft entry.

Rating is out of a possible 100 points.

Relative Maximum Speed

Hi: 200mph

Lo: 100mph

This entry's maximum listed speed (180mph).

Graph average of 150 miles-per-hour.

City-to-City Ranges

NYC

LON

PAR

BER

MOS

TOK

SYD

LAX

NYC

Boeing CH-47D Chinook operational range when compared to distances between major cities (in KM).

Max Altitude Visualization

Design Balance

The three qualities reflected above are altitude, speed, and range.

Aviation Era Span

Showcasing era cross-over of this aircraft design.

Unit Production (1,200)

1200

36183

44000

Compared against Ilyushin IL-2 (military) and Cessna 172 (civilian).

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