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Boeing CH-47 Chinook

From Alfawiki
Vertol (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security)
IndustryAerospace, defense
Founded1957
FounderVertol
Headquarters
United States
ProductsHelicopters (including CH-47 Chinook)
ParentBoeing Defense, Space & Security

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a tandem-rotor helicopter initially created by the American rotorcraft manufacturer Vertol and currently produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. As a heavy-lift helicopter, it ranks as the second heaviest Western helicopter, following the Sikorsky CH-53. Its designation honors the Chinook people native to the Pacific Northwest region.

Development of the tandem-rotor Model 107 began at Vertol in 1957. The U.S. Army sought to replace piston-powered helicopters such as the Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave with turbine-engine models, leading to an order for several V-107s in 1958 under the designation YHC-1A. After evaluation, this model was found to be too heavy for assault missions but insufficiently large for transport purposes. While this design evolved into the CH-46 Sea Knight for Marine Corps use, the Army requested a larger variant known as Model 114. The preproduction YCH-1B completed its maiden flight on 21 September 1961 and was redesignated as CH-47A in 1962 following the Tri-Service aircraft designation system.

The Chinook is equipped with multiple fuselage doors, a broad rear loading ramp, and three external cargo hooks to carry underslung loads. With a maximum speed of , it was significantly faster than other utility and attack helicopters at its debut in 1962 and remains among the quickest helicopters in U.S. service today. Major enhancements culminated in the widely deployed CH-47D variant entering service in 1982, which featured upgraded engines, composite rotor blades, a redesigned cockpit to reduce pilot workload, advanced avionics, redundant electrical systems, and an improved flight control system. Alongside aircraft such as the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, it is one of few early 1960s designs still actively produced and operational more than sixty years later.

The military Chinook has been exported worldwide; its largest users are the U.S. Army and the Royal Air Force (refer to Boeing Chinook (UK variants)). The civilian Boeing Vertol 234 model supports passenger and cargo transportation and is utilized in aerial firefighting, logging, construction, and oil extraction sectors.

Initial development

In late 1956, the U.S. Department of the Army initiated efforts to replace piston-engine helicopters like the Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave with new turbine-powered aircraft.[1] Turbine engines were also integral to smaller utility helicopters such as the UH-1 "Huey". Following a design competition, a joint Army–Air Force panel recommended Vertol’s medium transport helicopter in September 1958. However, progress was hindered by funding delays and evolving requirements. Some Army aviation leaders desired a light tactical transport capable of carrying approximately 15 troops to succeed older piston models like the Piasecki H-21 and Sikorsky H-34. Others advocated for a larger helicopter able to airlift heavy artillery and new missile systems such as the MGM-31 "Pershing".[1]

Vertol commenced work on a tandem-rotor helicopter designated Model 107 or V-107 in 1957.[2][3] In June 1958, the Army contracted Vertol for a limited number of these aircraft under the designation YHC-1A, designed to carry 20 troops.[4][1] Three units were tested to collect engineering and operational data. The YHC-1A was ultimately judged too heavy for assault missions yet too light for general transport duties.[1] As a result, the Army opted to acquire a heavier transport helicopter while upgrading the UH-1 "Huey" for tactical troop movement. The YHC-1A was refined and adopted by the Marines as the CH-46 Sea Knight in 1962.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Subsequently, the Army ordered a larger derivative of the V-107, internally called Model 114 and designated HC-1B.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The preproduction Boeing Vertol YCH-1B completed its first hover on 21 September 1961. In 1962, HC-1B was redesignated CH-47A under the Tri-Service aircraft designation system and named "Chinook" after the indigenous Pacific Northwest Chinook people.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

The CH-47 is powered by two turboshaft engines mounted on either side of its rear pylon, transmitting power to rotors via drive shafts. Early versions employed Lycoming T55 engines rated at each. Its counter-rotating rotors eliminate the need for an antitorque tail rotor, thereby maximizing available power for lift and forward thrust. Adjustable lift distribution between rotors enhances stability during cargo loading/unloading or troop deployment operations. In case one engine fails, the remaining engine can drive both rotors.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The size of the Chinook was influenced by expansions in Huey capabilities alongside Army tactics emphasizing squad-centric air assaults. This dual focus accelerated development of air mobility.[1]

Enhanced and Subsequent Models

Since its initial deployment, the CH-47 has undergone numerous enhancements resulting in more capable variants. Numerous airframes have been either upgraded or newly manufactured to meet updated specifications. A major leap for the U.S. Army came with the introduction of the CH-47D in 1982, which incorporated more powerful engines, rotor blades made from composite materials, a redesigned cockpit aimed at easing pilot workload, dual redundant electrical systems, sophisticated flight control mechanisms, and enhanced avionics. The most current widely used model, the CH-47F introduced in 2009, features significant improvements to reduce maintenance demands, digital flight control systems, and is equipped with two Honeywell engines.

The British HC.4 variant had its maiden flight on 9 December 2010.

A commercial version known as the Boeing-Vertol Model 234 is utilized globally across sectors such as logging, construction, wildfire suppression, and oil extraction. Columbia Helicopters obtained the type certificate from Boeing in December 2006. Additionally, international production licenses have been granted to manufacturers including Agusta (now Leonardo) in Italy and Kawasaki in Japan.

Orders for CH-47F

In February 2007, the Royal Netherlands Air Force became the first foreign operator of the CH-47F, expanding its Chinook fleet to 17 helicopters. Canada secured a contract on 10 August 2009 for 15 extensively modified CH-47Fs, delivered between 2013 and 2014 as the CH-147F. On 15 December 2009, the United Kingdom unveiled its Future Helicopter Strategy which included acquiring 24 CH-47Fs starting in 2012. Australia placed an order for seven CH-47Fs in March 2010 to replace six older CH-47Ds during the period from 2014 to 2017. In September 2015, India authorized procurement of 15 CH-47F Chinooks. Singapore announced on 7 November 2016 that it would replace its aging Chinook fleet with CH-47Fs to support missions such as search-and-rescue, medical evacuation, and humanitarian aid.

Germany chose the CH-47F Block 2 in June 2022 to succeed its Sikorsky CH-53G Sea Stallion helicopters, planning to acquire sixty units between 2023 and 2029 to enhance heavy-lift capacity. Spain is modernizing its fleet of seventeen CH-47s to CH-47F standards; by 2023, thirteen CH-47Ds had been upgraded while four new CH-47Fs were procured.

Vietnam War

The Army designated the larger Chinook as its primary medium-lift helicopter and had delivered 161 units by February 1966. The 1st Cavalry Division deployed with its own Chinook battalion in 1965, supported by the arrival of the 147th Aviation Medium Helicopter Company on 29 November that year. Initially assigned to assist the 1st Infantry Division, crews quickly adapted by installing M60 machine guns on forward doors and occasionally mounting an M2 on the rear cargo door for defensive purposes.

One of the Chinook’s primary roles during Vietnam was transporting artillery units into otherwise inaccessible mountainous terrain and delivering ammunition supplies. Its payload capacity was approximately in mountainous areas and increased by about near coastal regions.

Although training personnel in sling load operations required time, the Chinook became indispensable for moving artillery and handling heavy logistics rather than transporting assault troops. It also played a vital role in casualty evacuation missions, often operating beyond capacity with wounded personnel aboard. Recovering downed aircraft proved another cost-effective application.

At peak deployment levels, the U.S. Army operated twenty-one Chinook companies in Vietnam. Pilots noted that the original CH-47A transmission could not withstand full power output from both gas turbines simultaneously; environmental factors such as heat and humidity reduced lift performance by over twenty percent in lowland areas and thirty percent in mountainous zones. The introduction of the CH-47B in 1968 brought improved transmissions and strengthened fuselages, followed by further enhancements in the CH-47C model. Typically armed with a single M60 machine gun mounted on each side for defense — with safety stops to prevent firing into rotor blades — Vietnam-era Chinooks also featured dust filters that enhanced engine reliability. Out of nearly seven hundred fifty Chinooks operated by U.S. and South Vietnamese forces, around two hundred were lost due to combat or operational incidents. U.S. Army Chinooks also provided support for the 1st Australian Task Force when required.

Four CH-47s were modified into heavily armed ACH-47A gunships outfitted with armor plating and upgraded engines. Their weaponry included two fixed M24A1 20 mm cannons, a nose turret equipped with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, five .50 caliber machine guns, as well as side pods fitted with rocket launchers or miniguns. These aircraft arrived in Vietnam in 1966 for six months of testing at An Khê Army Airfield. While their performance was commendable, high maintenance requirements and operational demands limited their deployment duration. Three ACH-47s were lost due to collisions or enemy fire during service.

Iran

During the 1970s, the United States and Iran sustained a close military partnership, with Iranian forces acquiring American aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat to modernize their capabilities. In 1971, following a contract between Boeing and Agusta, the Imperial Iranian Air Force procured 20 CH-47C helicopters manufactured by Agusta. Subsequently, between 1972 and 1976, the Imperial Iranian Army Aviation added 70 more to its fleet. A late 1978 order for an additional 50 helicopters from Elicotteri Meridionali was canceled due to the Iranian Revolution, although 11 units were delivered after persistent appeals.

In the 1978 Iranian Chinook shootdown incident, four Iranian CH-47Cs entered Soviet airspace over the Turkmenistan Military District. This led to one helicopter being downed by a MiG-23M, resulting in eight fatalities among the crew, while another was compelled to make an emergency landing. Chinooks also played a role in operations against Kurdish insurgents in 1979.

Throughout the Iran–Iraq War, Iran extensively deployed its U.S.-sourced equipment but suffered losses of at least eight CH-47s from 1980 to 1988. Among these were three helicopters destroyed by an Iraqi Mirage F1 on 15 July 1983 and two shot down by Iraqi MiG-21 fighters in February 1984. A significant operation occurred during Operation Fath ol-Mobin on 22 March 1982, when Iranian Chinooks inserted troops behind Iraqi lines, capturing strategic locations and catching enemy forces off guard.

Despite facing a weapons embargo, Iran has sustained the operational readiness of its Chinook fleet. Some helicopters have undergone refurbishment by Panha, with estimates indicating between 20 and 45 CH-47s remained active as of 2015.

Libyan wars

In 1976, the Libyan Air Force took delivery of 24 CH-47C helicopters built in Italy, with 14 later transferred to the Libyan Army during the 1990s. The fleet was operated with assistance from Western pilots and technicians, providing support for Libyan ground operations in Chad throughout the 1980s, including missions involving special forces transportation.

Owing to Western sanctions and financial constraints, Libya sold 16 of its helicopters to the United Arab Emirates in 2002 as part of a $939 million deal that included equipment, spare parts, and training services. The current operational condition of these CH-47s amid the ongoing civil conflicts remains uncertain.

Falklands War

Both Argentina and the United Kingdom deployed Chinook helicopters during the Falklands War in 1982.

The Argentine Air Force and Argentine Army each operated two CH-47C models mainly for transport duties. One Argentine Army helicopter was destroyed on the ground by RAF Harrier strikes, while another was captured and subsequently utilized by British forces. The Argentine Air Force's Chinooks returned to Argentina and remained operational until their retirement in 2002.

On 25 May 1982, three British Chinooks were lost when the Atlantic Conveyor was struck by an Argentine Exocet missile. The lone surviving British Chinook, known as Bravo November, conducted vital troop transport missions during the conflict and has been exhibited at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford since April 2022.

Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts

Approximately 163 CH-47D helicopters were stationed in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq during the 1990–91 Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm campaigns.

During Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, the CH-47D was instrumental in air assault missions, facilitating troop insertions into fire bases and transporting essential supplies. It was also the British Armed Forces' preferred platform for casualty evacuation. In active combat zones, Chinooks are commonly accompanied by attack helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache. Their substantial lift capability was particularly advantageous in Afghanistan’s rugged mountainous regions, where a single Chinook could substitute for up to five UH-60 Black Hawks in transport tasks.

Chinooks from nations including Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Canada, and Australia were heavily involved in operations in Afghanistan. Despite their age, these helicopters remained in high demand due to their adaptability and performance in difficult environments. In May 2011, an Australian CH-47D crashed during a resupply flight, resulting in one fatality; to sustain operational capacity until the arrival of CH-47Fs in 2016, Australia incorporated two former U.S. Army CH-47Ds into its fleet.

On 6 August 2011, a Taliban attack downed a Chinook near Kabul, killing all 38 occupants—comprising NATO and allied personnel—marking the deadliest single event of Operation Enduring Freedom. Chinooks also contributed significantly during the 2021 Kabul airlift, which took place during the concluding stages of U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Humanitarian assistance

The Chinook’s ability to transport large external loads has made it indispensable in disaster relief missions. Many operators deploy Chinook fleets to deliver humanitarian aid in regions affected by natural disasters. For example, after the 2004 Asian tsunami, the Republic of Singapore Air Force employed Chinooks for relief efforts in Indonesia; similarly, following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, the Royal Air Force dispatched Chinooks to northern Pakistan.

In August 1992, six CH-47Ds were mobilized from Fort Bragg to aid recovery efforts after Hurricane Andrew struck—one of the earliest major helicopter-led disaster responses on U.S. territory. Directed by President George H. W. Bush, Chinooks reached Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport within 24 hours and initially conducted 12 daily sorties delivering supplies and personnel to areas blocked by debris. Over three weeks, they supported 64 distribution points and transported approximately 1.2 million pounds of cargo, playing a vital role in logistics and maintaining security.

Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis, three Japanese CH-47s were utilized to drop seawater onto damaged reactors as a cooling measure. To shield crews from radiation exposure, lead shielding was installed on cabin floors and flight durations near the reactors were restricted to a maximum of 45 minutes.

In August 2025, the Indian Air Force deployed five Mi-17 helicopters alongside one Chinook and C-130J aircraft for flood relief operations after severe flooding in Uttarakhand and Kishtwar districts. The C-130J transported National Disaster Response Force teams and supplies to Jammu. This fleet evacuated over 110 individuals and delivered more than 750 kilograms of relief materials by air into affected zones, with additional aircraft held on standby for further assistance.

Additional missions and functions

In April 2023, several Chinook helicopters, accompanied by Special Forces, played a crucial role in evacuating the US Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, amid the ongoing internal conflict. Chinooks have also been assigned to support MINUSMA peacekeeping efforts in Mali.

From its early days, the Chinook has been utilized for a variety of secondary tasks including medical evacuation, disaster response, search and rescue operations, aircraft recovery, firefighting, and assistance with heavy construction projects. In February 2020, the Indian Air Force deployed Chinooks to high-altitude regions such as Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier to bolster troop deployments along the borders with China and Pakistan. Furthermore, the Indian Space Research Organisation employed Indian Air Force Chinooks for its Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstration Program, conducting air-drop tests of vehicles during the RLV-LEX-01 and RLV-LEX-02 missions in April 2023 and March 2024 respectively.

Variants

A wide range of Chinook variants have been produced, incorporating significant improvements in engines and avionics, tailored configurations for specialized roles like Special Operations, and versions customized for specific nations such as Japan's J model.

HC-1B

The designation used before 1962 for Model 114 prototype aircraft that were subsequently redesignated as CH-47 Chinook.

CH-47A

The CH-47A was an all-weather, medium-lift helicopter initially equipped with Lycoming T55-L-5 engines rated at , later upgraded to T55-L-7 () or T55-L-7C () engines. It had a maximum gross weight of and could carry approximately in payload. Delivery to the U.S. Army commenced in August 1962, with a total production of 354 units.

ACH-47A

Originally known as Armed/Armored CH-47A, the ACH-47A was a U.S. Army attack cargo helicopter nicknamed "Guns A Go-Go." In 1965, Boeing Vertol converted four CH-47As into gunships; three were deployed to Vietnam with the 53rd Aviation Detachment, later reorganized as the 1st Aviation Detachment (Provisional). By 1968, only one remained operational due to attrition and transport demands before the program was terminated.

Its armament comprised five 7.62×51 mm M60D or .50-caliber M2HB machine guns mounted via XM32 and XM33 subsystems, two 20 mm M24A1 cannons, two 19-tube 2.75-inch Folding Fin Aerial Rocket launchers (XM159B/XM159), occasionally supplemented by two M18/M18A1 gun pods, and a single 40 mm M75 grenade launcher fitted within the XM5/M5 subsystem. The helicopter supported combat engagements such as the ambush involving the 8th Cavalry Regiment at Bông Son. The restored surviving example named Easy Money is exhibited at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

CH-47B

The CH-47B acted as a transitional upgrade while Boeing worked on developing the more sophisticated CH-47C variant. Powered by two Lycoming T55-L-7C engines , it featured modifications including a truncated rear rotor pylon, redesigned asymmetrical rotor blades, and aerodynamic strakes on the rear ramp and fuselage to improve flight characteristics. Armament configurations included two door-mounted M60D 7.62 mm NATO machine guns on the M24 subsystem and one ramp-mounted M60D on the M41 subsystem. Some CH-47 "bombers" were adapted to deploy tear gas or napalm from the rear cargo ramp against Viet Cong targets. Additionally, the CH-47B could be fitted with hoisting equipment and cargo hooks. The Chinook played a key role in "Pipe Smoke" aircraft recovery missions during the war, retrieving approximately 12,000 aircraft valued at over $3.6 billion; a total of 108 units were manufactured.

CH-47C

The CH-47C introduced enhanced engines and transmissions, available in three distinct sub-models. The original version was powered by Lycoming T55-L-7C engines producing . The "Super C" model was equipped with Lycoming T55-L-11 engines rated at , featured an increased maximum gross weight of , and incorporated pitch stability augmentation. However, due to reliability concerns with the T55-L-11 engines, they were temporarily replaced by the more reliable T55-L-7C units. The "Super C" was notably identified by its elevated maximum gross weight capacity.

This variant did not receive FAA civil certification because of its single hydraulic flight boost system, which lacked redundancy; this issue was addressed in the redesigned CH-47D, certified as the Boeing Model 234. A total production count of 233 CH-47Cs was reached. Beginning in 1974, Canada procured eight units designated as "CH-147," which included a power hoist installed above the crew door and a flight engineer station located in the rear cabin—this setup was commonly referred to as the "Super C" by operators. The CH-47C played a significant role during the Vietnam War, replacing the older Piasecki H-21 Shawnee for combat assault support missions.

CH-47D

Maintaining the original airframe design, the CH-47D introduced more powerful engines—initially the T55-L-712, later standardized to the T55-GA-714A. Its triple-hook cargo system enables it to carry substantial internal payloads as well as external loads up to , such as containers. First deployed in 1979, this model regularly transports the 155 mm M198 howitzer, along with ammunition and personnel during air assault operations. Equipped with sophisticated avionics including Global Positioning System, nearly all U.S. Army CH-47Ds were upgraded from earlier variants, totaling 472 aircraft. The final delivery of a CH-47D to the U.S. Army Reserve took place at Fort Hood, Texas in 2002.

In 1993, the Netherlands acquired seven retired Canadian CH-147Cs, which Boeing upgraded to CH-47D standards and delivered between 1995 and 1996. An additional six new CH-47Ds arrived in 1998, bringing their fleet total to thirteen; two were lost during operations in Afghanistan in 2005. Dutch CH-47Ds include improvements over U.S. models such as an extended nose housing Bendix weather radar, a "glass cockpit", and enhanced T55-L-714 engines. From 2015 through 2023, the Netherlands phased out all eleven remaining CH-47Ds in favor of fourteen newly manufactured CH-47Fs; six existing CH-47Fs received upgrades to the "MYII CAAS" configuration.

As of 2011, Singapore's inventory includes eighteen CH-47D/SD helicopters, among them twelve "Super D" Chinooks.

In 2008, Canada acquired six CH-47Ds from the United States for $252 million to support its mission in Afghanistan. Following the loss of one aircraft due to an accident, five were sold off in 2011 after mission completion and replaced by seven new CH-147Fs.

The U.S. Army is currently divesting many CH-47Ds for restricted category use under FAA regulations.

MH-47D

Designed for special operations forces, the MH-47D incorporates features such as inflight refueling capability and a fast rope rappelling system among other modifications. Operated by the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, twelve MH-47Ds were produced—six converted from CH-47A models and six from CH-47C airframes.

MH-47E

Introduced in 1991, the MH-47E serves U.S. Army Special Operations with a fleet of twenty-six aircraft assigned to 2–160th SOAR(A) "Nightstalkers" based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. These were conversions from CH-47C airframes and feature increased fuel capacity similar to that of the CH-47SD, along with terrain following and terrain avoidance radar systems.

In 1995, the Royal Air Force placed an order for eight Chinook HC3s—lower-cost variants of the MH-47E intended for special operations—which were delivered in 2001 but faced operational delays due to avionics issues specific to the HC3 model. Starting in 2008, these helicopters underwent reconfiguration back to HC2 standard; by 2017 they had been upgraded further to HC5 status with a digital automated flight control system.

CH-47F

The CH-47F represents a modernized iteration of the CH-47D, with its maiden flight occurring in 2001 and production commencing in 2006 at Boeing's Ridley Park facility. Significant improvements include the integration of Honeywell engines alongside an enhanced airframe designed to reduce maintenance demands and extend operational lifespan. This model achieves speeds exceeding , while capable of transporting payloads greater than . Its avionics suite incorporates Rockwell Collins' Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and BAE Systems' Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS). Under license, AgustaWestland produces the CH-47F as the Chinook ICH-47F for various clients. By August 2008, Boeing had delivered 48 units and secured a $4.8 billion contract for 191 helicopters.

The CH-47F Block 2 upgrade, as of 2020, focuses on enhancing payload capacity to , improving hover capabilities at altitudes up to and speeds of , ultimately supporting transport of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle; this includes an increase in maximum takeoff weight to . Upgrades comprise more robust Honeywell T55-715 engines equipped with an active parallel actuator system (APAS) that optimizes torque distribution between rotors, a streamlined fuel system that boosts capacity while reducing weight by , and the addition of three extra 60 kVA generators.

The Advanced Chinook Rotor Blades (ACRB), originally developed from technology intended for the canceled RAH-66 Comanche program, were designed to increase lift by approximately 900 kg under hot/high conditions. However, testing revealed vibration problems that led to shelving the project, although Boeing asserted these issues could be resolved.

Looking beyond 2025, a Block 3 upgrade is planned featuring a new engine developed under the Future Affordable Turbine Engine (FATE) initiative, along with improved transmission and drivetrain capabilities and an extended fuselage length. The Future Vertical Lift program aims to replace medium-lift rotorcraft beginning in the mid-2030s; consequently, the CH-47 is projected to remain operational past 2060, marking over a century since its initial deployment.

MH-47G

The MH-47G Special Operations Aviation (SOA) variant builds upon the MH-47E platform by incorporating advanced avionics such as a digital Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) and a glass cockpit shared with MH-60K/L and CH-53E/K helicopters. It also integrates all newly designed components from the CH-47F.

By 2003, modernization efforts had upgraded 25 MH-47E and 11 MH-47D helicopters to MH-47G standards. The final MH-47G was delivered to U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) on February 10, 2011, with plans to complete modernization of remaining MH-47D/Es by 2015. On September 1, 2020, Boeing announced delivery of the first MH-47G Block II model to USASOC from an initial batch of 24 ordered aircraft out of a total requirement of 69. The Block II configuration includes enhancements from the CH-47F Block II, inflight refueling capabilities, advanced defensive systems, low-level and adverse weather piloting aids such as forward-looking infrared and terrain-following radar, and armament consisting of two M134 Miniguns plus two M240 machine guns.

Although the MH-47G is not exported by the United States, discussions were underway as of 2017 between the British Ministry of Defence regarding potential acquisition. On October 19, 2018, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress about a possible sale of 16 H-47 Chinooks (Extended Range) to the United Kingdom.

CH-47J

The CH-47J serves as a medium-lift transport helicopter operated by both the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It distinguishes itself from the CH-47D through differences in its engine, rotor brake system, and avionics suite, fulfilling missions such as general transport, search and rescue (SAR), and disaster relief in a manner comparable to U.S. counterparts. Introduced in 1993, the CH-47JA is a long-range model featuring an expanded fuel capacity, an AAQ-16 FLIR turret mounted beneath the nose, and a semi-glass cockpit layout. Both variants are produced under license by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which had completed 61 units by April 2001.

The Japan Defense Agency placed an order for 54 helicopters—39 assigned to the JGSDF and 15 to the JASDF. Boeing delivered flyable airframes, while Kawasaki was responsible for installing avionics, outfitting interiors, and applying final paint finishes. The first CH-47J (tail number N7425H) took flight in January 1986 and was handed over to Kawasaki by April of the same year. Boeing commenced supplying five CH-47J kits for Kawasaki’s assembly starting September 1985.

By the early 2000s, production had surpassed 110 units, including upgraded CH-47JA models equipped with larger fuel tanks and additional enhancements.

HH-47

On November 9, 2006, the HH-47, a Chinook variant derived from the MH-47G platform, was chosen by the U.S. Air Force as the victor of the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR-X) competition. Plans called for four development HH-47 aircraft, with an anticipated entry into service of 141 production units beginning in 2012. However, after a protest in February 2007, the GAO mandated a re-bid of the CSAR-X program. Ultimately, this project was canceled in 2009. In February 2010, the USAF announced intentions to replace its aging fleet of HH-60G helicopters but postponed secondary combat search and rescue capabilities requiring larger platforms. Following an extensive evaluation process, the Air Force opted not to proceed with a larger Chinook-based helicopter; instead, it introduced the HH-60W into service by 2020 to succeed older models.

Sea Chinook

The U.S. Navy has traditionally operated several single-rotor heavy-lift helicopters from the CH-53 family. Nevertheless, due to budget limitations, technical challenges, and delays associated with the CH-53K, the Department of Defense’s cost assessment office directed the Navy to explore maritime-adapted versions of the CH-47. These naval-configured Chinooks are engineered to endure harsh saltwater environments and operate effectively from aircraft carriers as well as amphibious assault vessels.

Other export models

  • The Royal Air Force employs multiple British Chinook variants including Chinook HC1 (an upgraded model based on the CH-47C), HC2, HC2A (enhanced CH-47C and new CH-47D), HC3 (a converted MH-47E tailored for special operations), HC4, HC5 (modernized HC2 and HC3), and HC6/HC6A (derived from the CH-47F).
  • The Italian Army utilizes an export version designated "CH-47C Plus."
  • The Republic of Korea Air Force operates the HH-47D configured for search and rescue missions.
  • Greece fields the improved CH-47DG variant.
  • The CH-47SD ("Super D") is a Singaporean modification of the CH-47D featuring extended range and increased payload capacity; it is employed by the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Hellenic Army, and Republic of China Army.

Civilian Variants

  • Model 234LR (long range): A commercial transport adaptable for passengers, freight, or combined purposes.
  • Model 234ER (extended range): A commercial transport model with increased range capabilities.
  • Model MLR (multi-purpose long range): A versatile commercial transport version designed for extended missions.
  • Model 234UT (utility transport): Designed as a utility transport helicopter.
  • Model 414: Export model of the CH-47D intended for international customers, also known as the CH-47D International Chinook.
  • CU-47: Constructed by Unical utilizing surplus Canadian Forces components to support aerial firefighting for Coulson Aviation.

Variants and Developments

Boeing initiated development of the experimental BV-347 in 1969, modifying the CH-47A with an extended fuselage, four-blade rotors, and removable wings mounted above the fuselage. Its maiden flight occurred on 27 May 1970, followed by several years of testing.

In 1973, the Army commissioned Boeing to develop a "Heavy Lift Helicopter" (HLH), designated XCH-62A. This design resembled an enlarged CH-47 lacking a conventional fuselage and featured a configuration similar to the S-64 Skycrane (CH-54 Tarhe). Although the program was canceled in 1975, it was briefly revived for flight tests during the 1980s but never received Congressional funding. The full-scale HLH prototype was ultimately dismantled in late 2005 at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Current Operators

Previous Operators

Argentina
Australia
Indonesia
South Vietnam
Thailand
United Kingdom
United States
Vietnam

Accidents

  • On 4 May 1966, a CH-47A crashed close to Di Linh, Lâm Đồng Province, resulting in the deaths of all 20 individuals aboard.
  • A CH-47A transporting 33 military personnel crashed during landing at Phu Cat AFB, South Vietnam, on 26 December 1967, causing eight fatalities.
  • On 6 May 1969, a CH-47 carrying 83 people went down near Phước Vĩnh Base Camp, South Vietnam, with 40 casualties.
  • The CH-47A airframe numbered 66-19023 crashed in Germany on 18 August 1971 due to failure of the rear rotor blade, killing all 37 occupants; a commemorative plaque was subsequently stolen.
  • On 28 November 1971, a CH-47C carrying troops from the 101st Airborne Division crashed near Da Nang, South Vietnam, with no survivors.
  • A CH-47C (US serial number 74-22058) was lost during delivery to Canada on 18 October 1974 because of gear failure caused by hidden metal defects; five lives were lost and the aircraft was replaced following legal action.
  • At an airshow in Mannheim, Germany, on 11 September 1982, a U.S. Army Chinook crashed, killing 46 parachutists; the accident was traced to walnut shell grit obstructing transmission lubrication, leading to the discontinuation of walnut grit use for cleaning.
  • A Royal Australian Air Force CH-47C crashed into Perseverance Dam on 4 February 1985; the RAF exchange pilot later succumbed to injuries in hospital.
  • On 6 November 1986, a British International Helicopters Chinook crashed near Sumburgh Airport in the Shetland Islands, resulting in 45 fatalities and prompting withdrawal from North Sea crew transport missions.
  • Major Marie Therese Rossi Cayton died on 1 March 1991 when her U.S. Army Chinook collided with an unlit microwave tower during a dust storm; she was recognized as the first American woman to pilot combat flights.
  • An RAF CH-47 carrying British intelligence personnel crashed on the Mull of Kintyre on 2 June 1994.
  • During logging operations on Vancouver Island, Canada, a Columbia Helicopters BV234UT crashed on 30 October 1997 due to flight control computer failure; both pilots were killed.
  • On 29 May 2001, a Republic of Korea Army CH-47D collided with the Olympic Bridge sculpture during installation work; rotor blades struck the monument causing the helicopter to break up and killing all three crew members.
  • A U.S. Army MH-47E special operations helicopter crashed at sea in the Philippines on 22 February 2002, resulting in the deaths of all ten soldiers aboard.
  • On 11 September 2004, a Hellenic Army Aviation CH-47SD crashed off Mount Athos with all seventeen occupants perishing, including four senior figures from the Greek Orthodox Church.
  • The U.S. Army CH-47D "Big Windy 25" went down near Ghazni, Afghanistan on 6 April 2005 amid a sandstorm; all eighteen onboard died due to pilot disorientation.
  • Columbia Helicopters BV-234 N241CH crashed shortly after takeoff in Pucallpa, Peru on 7 January 2013; all seven crew members lost their lives.
  • A Royal Canadian Air Force CH-147F from the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron crashed into the Ottawa River near CFB Petawawa on 20 June 2023. Two crew members died while two others were hospitalized; spatial disorientation was identified as the cause.

Argentina

Australia

Canada

Italy

United Kingdom

United States

Vietnam

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Tolsonarmy
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Apostolo
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named vect_V-107
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named whirly
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