CH-47 Chinook
The CH-47 Chinook is a twin-engine, transport helicopter fitted with two tandem rotors. It was developed by Boeing Vertol between 1957 and 1960. Its prototype, the HC-1B, made its initial flight on September 21, 1961. The CH-47 Chinook was used extensively as a transport helicopter during the Vietnam War, carrying troops and military materiel such as artillery pieces.
Although the CH-47 was originally manufactured by the American firm Boeing Vertol at the beginning of the 1960s, the Chinook is presently being built by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. Like the UH-1 and C-130 aircraft, it is one of the few aircraft of the Vietnam War era which is still being produced. The Chinook helicopter has been sold to more than 16 nations.
Since CH-47 Chinook entered service in 1962, more powerful versions have been developed. The US Army’s first major design leap was the now-common CH-47D, which entered service in 1982. Improvements from the CH-47C included upgraded engines, composite rotor blades, a redesigned cockpit to reduce pilot workload, improved and redundant electrical systems, an advanced flight control system and improved avionics.
CH-47D Specifications
Powerplant: 2× Lycoming T55-GA-712 turboshaft, 3,750 hp (2,796 kW) each
Maximum speed: 170 knots (196 mph, 315 km/h)
Cruise speed: 130 kt (137 mph, 220 km/h)
Range: 400 nautical miles (450 miles, or 741 km)
Service ceiling: 18,500 ft (5,640 m)
Crew: 3 (pilot, copilot, and flight engineer)
Capacity: 55 heavily equipped troops
Armament: Three 7,62mm M240/FN MAG machine guns (1 on loading ramp and 2 at shoulder windows); or five .50 caliber machine guns
Avionics: Rockwell CAAS (MH-47G/CH-47F)
The CH47 Chinook in Vietnam
