Boeing CH-47 Chinook
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The
Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine,
tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary roles are
troop movement,
artillery placement and battlefield resupply. It has a wide loading
ramp at the rear of the fuselage and three external ventral cargo hooks.
With a top speed of 170
knots (196 mph, 315 km/h) the helicopter was faster than contemporary 1960s
utility helicopters and
attack helicopters,
and is still one of the fastest helicopters in the US inventory. The
CH-47 is among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters. Its name is
from the
Native American Chinook people.
The Chinook was designed and initially produced by
Boeing Vertol in the early 1960s; it is now produced by
Boeing Rotorcraft Systems. It is one of the few aircraft of that era – along with the fixed-wing
Lockheed C-130 Hercules
cargo aircraft – that remain in production and frontline service, with
over 1,200 built to date. The helicopter has been sold to 16 nations
with the
U.S. Army and the
Royal Air Force (see
Boeing Chinook (UK variants)) being its largest users.
Design and development
Early development
In late 1956, the
United States Department of the Army announced plans to replace the
Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave, which was powered by
piston engines, with a new,
gas turbine-powered helicopter.
[3] Turbine engines were also a key design feature of the smaller
UH-1 "Huey"
utility helicopter. Following a design competition, in September 1958, a
joint Army–Air Force source selection board recommended that the Army
procure the
Vertol
medium transport helicopter. However, funding for full-scale
development was not then available, and the Army vacillated on its
design requirements. Some in
Army Aviation
thought that the new helicopter should be a light tactical transport
aimed at taking over the missions of the old piston-engined
Piasecki H-21 and
Sikorsky H-34 helicopters, and be consequently capable of carrying about fifteen troops (one
squad). Another faction in Army Aviation thought that the new helicopter should be much larger to be able to
airlift a large
artillery piece, and have enough internal space to carry the new
MGM-31 "Pershing" Missile System.
[3]
HC-1B during in-flight evaluation
Vertol began work on a new tandem-rotor helicopter designated Vertol Model 107 or V-107 in 1957.
[4][5] In June 1958, the U.S. Army awarded a contract to Vertol for the aircraft under the YHC-1A designation.
[6] The YHC-1A had a capacity for 20 troops.
[3]
Three were tested by the Army for deriving engineering and operational
data. However, the YHC-1A was considered by most of the Army users to be
too heavy for the assault role and too light for the transport role.
[3]
The decision was made to procure a heavier transport helicopter and at
the same time upgrade the UH-1 "Huey" as a tactical troop transport. The
YHC-1A would be improved and adopted by the Marines as the
CH-46 Sea Knight in 1962.
[7] The Army then ordered the larger Model 114 under the designation HC-1B.
[8] The pre-production
Boeing Vertol YCH-1B made its initial hovering flight on 21 September 1961. In 1962 the HC-1B was redesignated the
CH-47A under the
1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system. It was named "Chinook" for the
Chinook people of the
Pacific Northwest.
A CH-47 in a training exercise with US Navy Special Warfare, in July 2008
The CH-47 is powered by two
Lycoming T55 turboshaft
engines, mounted on each side of the helicopter's rear pylon and
connected to the rotors by driveshafts. Initial models were fitted with
engines rated at 2,200 horsepower each. The counter-rotating rotors
eliminate the need for an anti-torque vertical rotor, allowing all power
to be used for lift and thrust. The ability to adjust lift in either
rotor makes it less sensitive to changes in the center of gravity,
important for the cargo lifting and dropping. While hovering over a
specific location, a twin rotor helicopter has increased stability over
single rotor when weight is added or removed; for example when troops
drop from or begin climbing up ropes to the aircraft, or when other
cargo is dropped. If one engine fails, the other can drive both rotors.
[9]
The "sizing" of the Chinook was directly related to the growth of the
Huey and the Army's tacticians' insistence that initial air assaults be
built around the squad. The Army pushed for both the Huey and the
Chinook, and this focus was responsible for the acceleration of its air
mobility effort.
[3]
Improved and later versions
A CH-47F practicing the Pinnacle maneuver whereby soldiers are deposited without the helicopter landing.
Improved and more powerful versions of the CH-47 have been developed
since the helicopter entered service. The U.S. 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.
[10]
The latest mainstream generation is the CH-47F, which features several
major upgrades to reduce maintenance, digitized flight controls, and is
powered by two 4,733-horsepower Honeywell engines.
[11]
A commercial model of the Chinook, the
Boeing-Vertol Model 234,
is used worldwide for logging, construction, fighting forest fires, and
supporting petroleum extraction operations. On 15 December 2006, the
Columbia Helicopters company of the
Salem, Oregon, metropolitan area, purchased the
Type certificate of the Model 234 from Boeing.
[12] The Chinook has also been licensed to be built by companies outside the United States, such as
Elicotteri Meridionali (now
AgustaWestland) in Italy, and
Kawasaki in Japan.
Operational history
Vietnam War
The Army finally settled on the larger Chinook as its standard medium
transport helicopter and as of February 1966, 161 aircraft had been
delivered to the Army. The
1st Cavalry Division
had brought their organic Chinook battalion with them when they arrived
in 1965 and a separate aviation medium helicopter company, the 147th,
had arrived in Vietnam on 29 November 1965.
[13] This latter company was initially placed in direct support of the
1st Infantry Division.
The most spectacular mission in Vietnam for the Chinook was the
placing of artillery batteries in perilous mountain positions
inaccessible by any other means, and then keeping them resupplied with
large quantities of ammunition.
[3]
The 1st Cavalry Division found that its CH-47s were limited to a
7,000-pound (3,200 kg) payload when operating in the mountains, but
could carry an additional 1,000 pounds (450 kg) when operating near the
coast.
[3]
The early Chinook design was limited by its rotor system which did not
permit full use of the installed power, and users were anxious for an
improved version which would upgrade this system.
As with any new piece of equipment, the Chinook presented a major
problem of "customer education". Commanders and crew chiefs had to be
constantly alert that eager soldiers did not overload the temptingly
large cargo compartment. It would be some time before troops would be
experts at using sling loads.
[3]
The Chinook soon proved to be such an invaluable aircraft for artillery
movement and heavy logistics that it was seldom used as an assault
troop carrier. Some of the Chinook fleet were used for casualty
evacuation, due to the very heavy demand for the helicopters they were
usually overburdened with wounded.
[14] Perhaps the most cost effective use of the Chinook was the recovery of other downed aircraft.
[15]
Troops unload from a CH-47 in the Cay Giep Mountains, Vietnam, 1967
The CH-47s are generally armed with a single
7.62-millimeter M60 machine gun on a
pintle mount
on either side of the machine for self-defense, with stops fitted to
keep the gunners from firing into the rotor blades. Dust filters were
also added to improve engine reliability. At its peak employment in
Vietnam, there were 22 Chinook units in operation. Of the nearly 750
Chinook helicopters in the U.S. and South Vietnam fleets, about 200 were
lost in combat or wartime operational accidents.
[16] The U.S. Army CH-47s supported the
1st Australian Task Force as required.
Iran
During the
1970s, the United States and Iran had a strong relationship, in which
the Iranian armed forces began to use many American military aircraft,
most notably the
F-14 Tomcat, as part of a modernization program.
[17] After an agreement signed between
Boeing and
Elicotteri Meridionali, the
Imperial Iranian Air Force purchased 20 Elicotteri Meridionali-built CH-47Cs in 1971.
[18] The
Imperial Iranian Army Aviation
purchased 70 CH-47Cs from Elicotteri Meridionali between 1972 and 1976.
In late 1978, Iran placed an order for an additional 50 helicopters
with Elicotteri Meridionali, but that order was canceled immediately
after the revolution;
[19] but 11 of them were delivered after multiple requests by Iran.
[20]
Imperial Iranian Air Force CH-47C in France before delivery in 1971
In the
1978 Iranian Chinook shootdown, four Iranian CH-47Cs penetrated 15–20 km into Soviet airspace in the
Turkmenistan Military District. They were intercepted by a
MiG-23M
which shot down one, killing eight crew members, and forced a second
one to land. Chinook helicopters were used in efforts by the Imperial
Iranian loyalist forces to resist the
1979 Iranian revolution.
[21]
During the
Iran–Iraq War,
Iran made heavy use of its US-bought equipment, and lost at least 8
CH-47s during the 1980–1988 period; most notably during a clash on 15
July 1983, when an Iraqi
Mirage F1 destroyed three Iranian Chinooks transporting troops to the front line, and on 25–26 February 1984, when Iraqi
MiG-21 fighters shot down two examples.
[22] On 22 March 1982, in
Operation Undeniable Victory,
a key operation of the war, Iranian Chinooks were landed behind Iraqi
lines, deployed troops that silenced their artillery, and captured an
Iraqi headquarter; the attack took the Iraqi forces by surprise.
[23]
Despite the
arms embargo in place upon Iran,
[24][25] it has managed to keep its Chinook fleet operational.
[26][27] Some of the Chinooks have been rebuilt by
Panha. Currently 20 to 45 Chinooks are operational in Iran.
[28]
Libyan wars
In 1976, the
Libyan Air Force
purchased 24 Italian-built CH-47C helicopters, 14 of which were
transferred to the Libyan Army during the 1990s. The Libyan Air Force
recruited Western pilots and technicians to operate the CH-47 fleet.
[29]
The Libyan Chinooks flew transport and support missions into Chad to
supply Libyan ground forces operating there in the 1980s. Chinooks were
occasionally used to transport Libyan special forces in assault missions
in northern Chad.
In 2002 Libya sold 16 helicopters to the United Arab Emirates, as
due to the Western embargo and lack of funds it was difficult to
maintain them. The sale to UAE was a $939 million package that included
equipment, parts and training.
[30] It is not known how many CH-47s are still in existence or operational during the ongoing
Libyan civil wars that started in 2011.
Falklands War
The Chinook was used both by Argentina and the United Kingdom during the
Falklands War in 1982.
[31]
The
Argentine Air Force and the
Argentine Army
each deployed two CH-47C helicopters, which were widely used in general
transport duties. Of the Army's aircraft, one was destroyed on the
ground by a
Harrier while the other was captured by the British and reused after the war.
[32] Both Argentine Air Force helicopters returned to Argentina
[33] and remained in service until 2002.
Three British Chinooks were destroyed on 25 May 1982 when the
Atlantic Conveyor was struck by an
Exocet sea-skimming missile fired by an Argentine
Super Étendard.
[34][35][36] The sole surviving British Chinook,
Bravo November, did outstanding service in the Falklands, even lifting 81 troops on one occasion.
[37]
Afghanistan and Iraq wars
Soldiers wait for pickup from two CH-47s in
Afghanistan, 2008
Approximately 163 CH-47Ds of various operators were deployed to
Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait and
Iraq during
Operation Desert Shield and the subsequent Operation Desert Storm in 1990–91.
[38]
Chinook helicopter near
Bagram, Afghanistan
The CH-47D has seen wide use in
Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and
Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. The Chinook is being used in
air assault missions, inserting troops into
fire bases and later bringing food, water, and ammunition. It is also the casualty evacuation (casevac) aircraft of choice in the
British Armed Forces.
[39] In combat theaters, it is typically escorted by attack helicopters such as the
AH-64 Apache for protection.
[40][41]
Its lift capacity has been found of particular value in the mountainous
terrain of Afghanistan where high altitudes and temperatures limit the
use of helicopters such as
UH-60 Black Hawk; reportedly, one Chinook can replace up to five UH-60s in the air assault transport role.
[42]
The Chinook helicopters of several nations have participated in the
Afghanistan War, including aircraft from Britain, Italy, the
Netherlands, Spain, Canada, and Australia. Despite the age of the
Chinook, it is still in heavy demand, in part due its proven versatility
and ability to operate in demanding environments such as Afghanistan.
[11][43]
On 6 August 2011, a Chinook crashed near Kabul killing all of the 38
aboard. It was reportedly shot down with a rocket-propelled grenade by
the Taliban while attempting to assist a group of U.S. Army Rangers. The
38 were members of NATO and allied forces, including 22 Naval Special
Warfare operators, five U.S. Army Aviation soldiers, three U.S. Air
Force special operations personnel, and seven Afghan National Army
commandos. A civilian translator and a U.S. military working dog were
also killed in the crash. The crash was the single deadliest during the
entire Operation Enduring Freedom campaign. The previous biggest
single-day loss for American forces in Afghanistan involved a Chinook
that was shot down near Kabul in Kunar Province in June 2005 with all
aboard killed, including a 16-member U.S. Special Operations team.
[44][45]
In May 2011 an Australian Army CH-47D crashed during a resupply
mission in Zabul Province, resulting in one fatality and five survivors.
The helicopter was unable to be recovered and was destroyed in place.
[46][47]
To compensate for the loss, the ADF added two ex-U.S. Army CH-47Ds to
the fleet which are expected to be in service until the introduction of
the CH-47Fs in 2016.
[48]
Disaster relief and other roles
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Delivering relief supplies in Pakistan, 2010
Since the type's inception, the Chinook has carried out secondary
missions including medical evacuation, disaster relief, search and
rescue, aircraft recovery, fire fighting, and heavy construction
assistance.
[49]
According to Suresh Abraham, the Chinook's ability to carry large
underslung loads has been of significant value in relief operations in
the aftermath of
natural disasters.
[50]
Chinooks operators have often deployed their fleets overseas to support
humanitarian efforts in stricken nations; Chinooks of the
Republic of Singapore Air Force assisted in relief operations in neighboring
Indonesia following the
2004 Asian tsunami, and after the
2005 Kashmir earthquake the
Royal Air Force dispatched Chinooks to Northern Pakistan to assist in recovery efforts.
[50]
Three Japanese CH-47s were used to cool Reactors 3 and 4 of the
Fukushima Nuclear power-plant with sea water after the
9.0 earthquake in 2011;
[51][52] to protect the crew from heightened radiation levels, lead plates were attached to the floor.
[53][54]
Variants
U.S. Army soldiers ride inside a Chinook in November 2008.
HC-1B
The pre-1962 designation for Model 114 development aircraft that would be re-designated CH-47 Chinook.
CH-47A
The all-weather, medium-lift CH-47A Chinook was powered initially by
Lycoming T55-L-5 engines rated at 2,200
horsepower
(1,640 kW) but then replaced by the T55-L-7 rated at 2,650 hp
(1,980 kW) engines or T55-L-7C engines rated at 2,850 hp (2,130 kW). The
CH-47A had a maximum gross weight of 33,000 lb (15,000 kg). allowing
for a maximum payload of approximately 10,000 lb (4,500 kg)
[55] Initial delivery of the CH-47A Chinook to the U.S. Army was in August 1962. A total of 349 were built.
ACH-47A
The ACH-47A was originally known as the Armed/Armored CH-47A (or A/ACH-47A). It was officially designated ACH-47A
[56] as a U.S. Army
Attack Cargo Helicopter, and unofficially referred to as
Guns A Go-Go.
Four CH-47A helicopters were converted to gunships by Boeing Vertol in
late 1965. Three were assigned to the 53rd Aviation Detachment in South
Vietnam
for testing, with the remaining one retained in the U.S. for weapons
testing. By 1966, the 53rd was redesignated the 1st Aviation Detachment
(Provisional) and attached to the 228th Assault Support Helicopter
Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). By 1968, only one
gunship remained, and logistical concerns prevented more conversions. It
was returned to the United States, and the program stopped.
The ACH-47A carried five
M60D 7.62 × 51 mm machine guns or
M2HB .50 caliber machine guns, provided by the
XM32 and
XM33 armament subsystems, two
M24A1 20 mm cannons, two
XM159B/XM159C 19-Tube 2.75-inch (70 mm) rocket launchers or sometimes two
M18/M18A1 7.62 × 51 mm
gun pods, and a single
M75 40 mm grenade launcher in the
XM5/M5
armament subsystem (more commonly seen on the UH-1 series of
helicopters). The surviving aircraft, Easy Money, has been restored and
is on display at
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
[57][verification needed]
CH-47B
The
CH-47B was an interim solution while Boeing worked on a more
substantially improved CH-47C. The CH-47B was powered by two Lycoming
T55-L-7C 2,850 shp (2,130 kW) engines. It featured a blunted rear rotor
pylon, redesigned asymmetrical rotor blades, and strakes along the rear
ramp and fuselage to improve flying characteristics. It could be
equipped with two door-mounted M60D
7.62 mm NATO machine guns
on the M24 armament subsystem and a ramp-mounted M60D using the M41
armament subsystem. Some CH-47 "bombers" were equipped to drop
tear gas or
napalm from the rear cargo ramp onto
NLF
(aka Việt Cộng) bunkers. The CH-47 could be equipped with a hoist and
cargo hook. The Chinook proved especially valuable in "Pipe Smoke"
aircraft recovery missions. The "Hook" recovered about 12,000 aircraft
valued at over $3.6 billion during the war. 108 were built.
CH-47C
The CH-47C principally featured more powerful engines and transmissions.
[58]
Three sub-versions were built; the first had Lycoming T55-L-7C engines
delivering 2,850 shp (2,130 kW). The "Super C" included Lycoming
T55-L-11 engines delivering 3,750 shp (2,800 kW), an upgraded maximum
gross weight of 46,000 lb (21,000 kg) and a pitch stability augmentation
system (PSAS). The T55-L-11 engines suffered difficulties, as they had
been hurriedly introduced to increase payload; thus they were
temporarily replaced by the more reliable Lycoming T55-L-7C. The type
was distinguishable from the standard "C" by the uprated maximum gross
weight.
The type was unable to receive FAA certification to engage in civil
activities due to the non-redundant hydraulic flight boost system drive.
A redesign of the hydraulic boost system drive was incorporated in the
succeeding CH-47D, allowing that model to achieve certification as the
Boeing Model 234. A total of 233 CH-47Cs were built. Canada bought a
total of eight CH-47Cs, deliveries of the type began in 1974. Receiving
the Canadian designation "CH-147", these were fitted with a power hoist
above the crew door, other changes included a flight engineer station in
the rear cabin, Boeing referred to the configuration as the "Super C".
[citation needed] The CH-47C saw wide use during the Vietnam war, eventually replacing the older
H-21 Shawnee in the combat assault support role.
CH-47D
The CH-47D shares the same airframe as earlier models, the main
difference being the adoption of more powerful engines. Early CH-47Ds
were originally powered by two T55-L-712 engines, the most common engine
is the later T55-GA-714A. With its triple-hook cargo system, the CH-47D
can carry heavy payloads internally and up to 26,000 pounds (12 t)
(such as 40-foot or 12-metre containers) externally. It was first
introduced into service in 1979. In air assault operations, it often
serves as the principal mover of the 155 mm
M198 howitzer, accompanying 30 rounds of ammunition, and an 11-man crew. The CH-47D also has advanced avionics, such as the
Global Positioning System.
Nearly all US Army CH-47D were conversions from previous A, B, and C
models, a total of 472 being converted. The last U.S. Army CH-47D built
was delivered to the
U.S. Army Reserve, located at
Fort Hood, Texas, in 2002.
[59]
The Netherlands acquired all seven of the
Canadian Forces'
surviving CH-147s and upgraded them to CH-47D standard. Six more
new-build CH-47Ds were delivered in 1995 for a total of 13. The Dutch
CH-47D feature a number of improvements over U.S. Army CH-47Ds,
including a long nose for Bendix weather radar, a "
glass cockpit",
and improved T55-L-714 engines. As of 2011, the Netherlands shall
upgrade 11 of these which will be updated to the CH-47F standard at a
later date.
[60] As of 2011, Singapore has 18 CH-47D/SDs, which includes twelve "Super D" Chinooks, in service.
[61] In 2008, Canada purchased 6 CH-47Ds from the U.S. for the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan for $252 million.
[62][63] With 1 CH-47D loss, the remaining 5 CH-47D were returned by Canada in 2011 after their mission in Afghanistan was over.
[citation needed][clarification needed]
MH-47D
An American MH-47D stands ready to receive medical supplies in
Feyzabad, Afghanistan.
The MH-47D variant was developed for
special forces
operations and has inflight refueling capability, a fast
rope-rappelling system and other upgrades. The MH-47D was used by U.S.
Army
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. 12 MH-47D helicopters were produced. Six were conversions from CH-47A models and six were conversions from CH-47C models.
[64]
MH-47E
The
MH-47E has been used by U.S. Army Special Operations. Beginning with the
E-model prototype manufactured in 1991, there were a total of 26
Special Operations Aircraft produced. All aircraft were assigned to
2–160th SOAR(A) "Nightstalkers", home based at Fort Campbell Kentucky. E
models were conversions from existing CH-47C model airframes. The
MH-47E has similar capabilities as the MH-47D, but includes an increased
fuel capacity similar to the CH-47SD and terrain following/terrain
avoidance radar.
[65]
In 1995, the
Royal Air Force ordered eight
Chinook HC3s,
effectively a low-cost version of the MH-47E for the special operations
role. They were delivered in 2001 but never entered operational service
due to technical issues with their
avionics fit, unique to the HC3. In 2008, work started to downgrade the HC3s to HC2 standard, to enable them to enter service.
[66]
CH-47F
In 2001, the first CH-47F, an upgraded CH-47D, made its maiden
flight; the first production model rolled out on 15 June 2006 at
Boeing's facility in
Ridley Park,
Pennsylvania, and first flew on 23 October 2006.
[67] Upgrades include 4,868-
shaft-horsepower (3,630 kW) Honeywell engines and the airframe featuring greater single-piece construction to lower maintenance requirements.
[68]
The milled construction reduces vibration, as well as inspection and
repair needs, and eliminates flexing points to increase service life.
[69] The CH-47F can fly at speeds of over 175 mph (282 km/h) with a payload of more than 21,000 lb (9.5 t).
[70] New avionics include a
Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit, and
BAE Systems' Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).
[68] AgustaWestland assembles the CH-47F under license, known as the Chinook ICH-47F, for several customers.
[71]
Boeing delivered 48 CH-47Fs to the U.S. Army through August 2008; at
that time Boeing announced a $4.8 billion contract with the Army for 191
Chinooks.
[70]
In February 2007, the
Royal Netherlands Air Force became the first international customer, ordering six CH-47Fs, expanding their fleet to 17.
[72] On 10 August 2009, Canada signed a contract for 15 extensively modified and upgraded CH-47Fs for the
Royal Canadian Air Force, later delivered in 2013–14 with the Canadian designation CH-147F.
[11][73]
On 15 December 2009, Britain announced its Future Helicopter Strategy,
including the purchase of 24 new CH-47Fs to be delivered from 2012.
[74] Australia ordered seven CH-47Fs in March 2010 to replace its six CH-47Ds between 2014 and 2017.
[75][76] In late 2015, Australia has sought permission to order three more CH-47Fs.
[77] In September 2015
India approved purchase of 15 CH-47F Chinooks.
[78]
On 7 November 2016, Singapore announced that the CH-47F would replace
its older Chinooks, which had been in service since 1994. This would
enable the
Republic of Singapore Air Force
to meet its requirements for various operations, including Search and
Rescue (SAR), Aeromedical Evacuation (AME), and Humanitarian Assistance
and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
[79]
A CH-47F Block 2 is planned to be introduced after 2020. The Block 2
aims for a payload of 22,000 lb (10,000 kg) with 4,000 ft (1,200 m) and
95 °F (35 °C) high and hot hover performance, eventually increased up to
6,000 ft (1,800 m), to carry the
Joint Light Tactical Vehicle;
maximum takeoff weight would be raised to 24,500 kg (54,000 lb). It
features the composite-based advanced Chinook rotor blade (ACRB)
(derived from the cancelled
RAH-66 Comanche) 20 percent more powerful
Honeywell T55-715
engines, and the active parallel actuator system (APAS); the APAS
enhances the digital advanced flight-control system, providing an exact
torque split between the rotors for greater efficiency. A new fuel
system combines the three fuel cells in each sponson into one larger
fuel cell and eliminating intra-cell fuel transfer hardware, reducing
weight by 90 kg (200 lb) and increasing fuel capacity. Electrical
capacity is increased by three 60 kVA generators.
[80][81]
The U.S. Army plans for a Block 3 upgrade after 2025, which could
include a new 6,000 shp-class engine with boosted power capacity of the
transmission and drive train developed under the future affordable
turbine engine (FATE) program and a lengthened fuselage. The
Future Vertical Lift
program plans to begin replacing the Army's rotorcraft fleet in the
mid-2030s, initially focusing on medium-lift helicopters, thus the CH-47
is planned to be in service beyond 2060, over 100 years after first
entering service.
[81]
MH-47G
The MH-47G Special Operations Aviation (SOA) version is currently
being delivered to the U.S. Army. It is similar to the MH-47E, but
features more sophisticated avionics including a digital Common Avionics
Architecture System (CAAS). The CAAS is a common glass cockpit used by
different helicopters such as MH-60K/Ls, CH-53E/Ks, and ARH-70As.
[82] The MH-47G also incorporates all of the new sections of the CH-47F.
[83]
The new modernization program improves MH-47D and MH-47E Special
Operations Chinooks to the MH-47G design specs. A total of 25 MH-47E and
11 MH-47D aircraft were upgraded by the end of 2003. In 2002 the army
announced plans to expand the Special Operations Aviation Regiment via
an additional 12 MH-47G helicopters.
[84]
The final MH-47G Chinook was delivered to the U.S. Army Special
Operations Command on 10 February 2011. Modernization of MH-47D/E
Chinooks to MH-47G standard is due for completion in 2015.
[85]
CH-47J
The CH-47J is a medium-transport helicopter for the
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and the
Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
[86]
The differences between the CH-47J and the CH-47D are the engine, rotor
brake and avionics, for use for general transportation, SAR and
disaster activity like U.S. forces.
[87]
The CH-47JA, introduced in 1993, is a long-range version of the CH-47J,
fitted with an enlarged fuel tank, an AAQ-16 FLIR in a turret under the
nose, and a partial glass cockpit.
[87][88] Both versions are built under license in Japan by
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, who produced 61 aircraft by April 2001.
[89]
The
Japan Defense Agency
ordered 54 aircraft of which 39 were for the JGSDF and 15 were for the
JASDF. Boeing supplied flyable aircraft, to which Kawasaki added full
avionics, interior, and final paint.
[90] The CH-47J model Chinook (N7425H) made its first flight in January 1986, and it was sent to Kawasaki in April.
[91] Boeing began delivering five CH-47J kits in September 1985 for assembly at Kawasaki.
[90]
HH-47
On 9 November 2006, the HH-47, a new variant of the Chinook based on the MH-47G, was selected by the
U.S. Air Force
as the winner of the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR-X) competition.
Four development HH-47s were to be built, with the first of 141
production aircraft planned to enter service in 2012.
[92][93] However, in February 2007 the contract award was protested and the
GAO ordered the CSAR-X project to be re-bid.
[94]
The CSAR-X program was again terminated in 2009. In February 2010, the
USAF announced plans to replace aging HH-60G helicopters, and deferred
secondary combat search and rescue requirements calling for a larger
helicopter.
[95][96]
Other export models
A
RSAF CH-47SD off loads commandos, during a demonstration in 2008
The
Royal Air Force version of the CH-47C is designated
Chinook HC1; its versions of the CH-47D are designated Chinook HC2 and HC2A.
The export version of the CH-47C Chinook for the Italian Army was designated "CH-47C Plus".
The HH-47D is a search and rescue version for the
Republic of Korea Air Force.
The CH-47DG is an upgraded version of the CH-47C for Greece. While the
CH-47SD (also known as the "Super D") is a modified variant of the
CH-47D, with extended range fuel tanks and higher payload carrying
capacity; the CH-47SD is currently in use by the
Republic of Singapore Air Force,
Hellenic Army and the
Republic of China Army.
Eight CH-47Cs were delivered to the
Canadian Forces in 1974. These helicopters were in Canadian service until 1991, with the designation
CH-147. These aircraft were subsequently sold to the Netherlands and are now operated by the
Royal Netherlands Air Force as CH-47Ds. Older aircraft will be phased out by 2020 and replaced by CH-47F-NL models.
[97]
Civilian models
- Model 234LR (long range): Commercial transport helicopter.
The Model 234LR can be fitted out as an all-passenger, all-cargo, or
cargo/passenger transport helicopter.
- Model 234ER (extended range): Commercial transport version.
- Model MLR (multi-purpose long range): Commercial transport version.
- Model 234UT (utility transport): Utility transport helicopter.
- Model 414: The Model 414 is the international export version of the CH-47D. It is also known as the CH-47D International Chinook.
Derivatives
In
1969, work on the experimental Model 347 was begun. It was a CH-47A
with a lengthened fuselage, four-blade rotors, detachable wings mounted
on top of the fuselage and other changes. It first flew on 27 May 1970
and was evaluated for a few years.
[98]
In 1973, the Army contracted Boeing to design a "Heavy Lift Helicopter" (HLH), designated
XCH-62A. It appeared to be a scaled-up CH-47 without a conventional body, in a configuration similar to the
S-64 Skycrane (
CH-54 Tarhe),
but the project was canceled in 1975. The program was restarted for
test flights in the 1980s and was again not funded by Congress.
[98] The scaled-up model of the HLH was scrapped in late 2005 at
Fort Rucker, Alabama.
[99]
Operators
NASA CH-47B used as an in-flight simulator at
Moffett Field. It was formerly used by the U.S. Army, under number 66-19138.
Notable accidents
- On 14 July 1977, a U.S. Army CH-47 helicopter was shot down by North Korean forces after straying into the DMZ.[103]
- On 11 September 1982, at an airshow in Mannheim, Germany, a United States Army Chinook (serial number 74-22292) carrying parachutists crashed, killing 46 people. The crash was later found to have been caused by an accumulation of ground walnut shell grit used for cleaning machinery, which blocked lubrication from reaching transmission bearings.[104][105] The accident resulted in the eventual discontinuation of the use of walnut grit as a cleaning agent.
- On 4 February 1985, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) CH-47C
(A15-001) crashed into Perseverance Dam, Toowoomba, Queensland,
Australia. The RAF exchange pilot, Flight Lieutenant Charles 'Chas'
Chubb was rescued from the submerged cockpit but died later in hospital.[106]
- On 6 November 1986, a British International Helicopters Chinook crashed
on approach to Sumburgh Airport, Shetland Islands resulting in the loss
of 45 lives and the withdrawal of the Chinook from crew-servicing
flights in the North Sea.[107]
- On 1 March 1991, Major Marie Therese Rossi Cayton was killed when her Chinook helicopter crashed after colliding with a microwave tower during a dust storm. She was the first American woman to fly in combat during Desert Storm in 1991.[108]
- On 2 June 1994, a RAF Chinook crashed killing 25 passengers and 4 crew in Scotland.
- On 29 May 2001, a ROK Army CH-47D installing a sculpture onto Olympic Bridge in Seoul,
South Korea failed to unlatch the sculpture. The helicopter's rotors
struck the monument; then the fuselage hit and broke into two. One
section crashed onto the bridge in flames and the other fell into the
river. All three crew members on board died.[109][110]
- On 21 February 2002, a U.S. Army Special Forces MH-47E crashed at
sea in the Philippines, killing all ten U.S. soldiers on board. No enemy
fire was involved.[111]
- On 11 September 2004, a Greek Army CH-47SD crashed into the sea off Mount Athos. All 17 people on board were killed, including four senior figures in the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria.[112]
- On 7 January 2013, a BV-234 N241CH owned by Columbia Helicopters, Inc., crashed shortly after taking off from the airport in Pucallpa, Coronel Portillo Province, Peru. All seven crew members were killed.[113]
Specifications (CH-47F)
Data from Boeing CH-47D/F,
[114] Army Chinook file,
[115] International Directory
[116]
General characteristics
- Crew: three (pilot, copilot, flight engineer or loadmaster)
- Capacity:
- 33–55 troops or
- 24 litters and 3 attendants or
- 24,000 lb (10,886 kg) cargo
- Length: 52 ft. fuselage, 98 ft 10 in with rotors[117] (30.1 m)
- Fuselage width: 12 ft 5 in (3.78 m)[117])
- Rotor diameter: 60 ft 0 in (18.3 m)
- Height: 18 ft 11 in (5.7 m)
- Disc area: 5,600 ft2 (520 m2)
- Empty weight: 24,578 lb (11,148 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 50,000 lb (22,680 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming T55-GA-714A turboshaft, 4,733 hp (3,529 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 170 knots (196 mph, 315 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 160 kt (184 mph, 296 km/h)
- Range: 400 nmi (450 mi, 741 km)
- Combat radius: 200 nmi (230 mi, 370 km)
- Ferry range: 1,216 nmi (1,400 mi, 2,252 km[118])
- Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6100 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,522 ft/min (7.73 m/s)
- Disc loading: 9.5 lb/ft2 (47 kg/m2)
- Power/mass: 0.28 hp/lb (460 W/kg)
Armament
- Up to 3 pintle-mounted medium machine guns (1 on loading ramp and 2 at shoulder windows), generally 7.62 mm (0.308 in) M240/FN MAG machine guns
Avionics
- Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) (MH-47G/CH-47F)
-
Turboshaft engine on the rear of a CH-47
-
M240 machine gun emplacement on the loading ramp, as well as another partly visible on the right shoulder window
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Related lists
References
Vertol began work on a new tandem-rotor helicopter designated Vertol Model 107 or V-107 in 1957.[4][5] In June 1958, the U.S. Army awarded a contract to Vertol for the aircraft under the YHC-1A designation.[6] The YHC-1A had a capacity for 20 troops.[3] Three were tested by the Army for deriving engineering and operational data. However, the YHC-1A was considered by most of the Army users to be too heavy for the assault role and too light for the transport role.[3] The decision was made to procure a heavier transport helicopter and at the same time upgrade the UH-1 "Huey" as a tactical troop transport. The YHC-1A would be improved and adopted by the Marines as the CH-46 Sea Knight in 1962.[7] The Army then ordered the larger Model 114 under the designation HC-1B.[8] The pre-production Boeing Vertol YCH-1B made its initial hovering flight on 21 September 1961. In 1962 the HC-1B was redesignated the CH-47A under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system. It was named "Chinook" for the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest.HC-1B during in-flight evaluation
The CH-47 is powered by two Lycoming T55 turboshaft engines, mounted on each side of the helicopter's rear pylon and connected to the rotors by driveshafts. Initial models were fitted with engines rated at 2,200 horsepower each. The counter-rotating rotors eliminate the need for an anti-torque vertical rotor, allowing all power to be used for lift and thrust. The ability to adjust lift in either rotor makes it less sensitive to changes in the center of gravity, important for the cargo lifting and dropping. While hovering over a specific location, a twin rotor helicopter has increased stability over single rotor when weight is added or removed; for example when troops drop from or begin climbing up ropes to the aircraft, or when other cargo is dropped. If one engine fails, the other can drive both rotors.[9] The "sizing" of the Chinook was directly related to the growth of the Huey and the Army's tacticians' insistence that initial air assaults be built around the squad. The Army pushed for both the Huey and the Chinook, and this focus was responsible for the acceleration of its air mobility effort.[3]A CH-47 in a training exercise with US Navy Special Warfare, in July 2008
Improved and more powerful versions of the CH-47 have been developed since the helicopter entered service. The U.S. 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.[10] The latest mainstream generation is the CH-47F, which features several major upgrades to reduce maintenance, digitized flight controls, and is powered by two 4,733-horsepower Honeywell engines.[11]A CH-47F practicing the Pinnacle maneuver whereby soldiers are deposited without the helicopter landing.
The Army finally settled on the larger Chinook as its standard medium transport helicopter and as of February 1966, 161 aircraft had been delivered to the Army. The 1st Cavalry Division had brought their organic Chinook battalion with them when they arrived in 1965 and a separate aviation medium helicopter company, the 147th, had arrived in Vietnam on 29 November 1965.[13] This latter company was initially placed in direct support of the 1st Infantry Division.U.S. troops board CH-47 Chinook and UH-1 Huey helicopters during Operation Crazy Horse, Vietnam, 1966
The CH-47s are generally armed with a single 7.62-millimeter M60 machine gun on a pintle mount on either side of the machine for self-defense, with stops fitted to keep the gunners from firing into the rotor blades. Dust filters were also added to improve engine reliability. At its peak employment in Vietnam, there were 22 Chinook units in operation. Of the nearly 750 Chinook helicopters in the U.S. and South Vietnam fleets, about 200 were lost in combat or wartime operational accidents.[16] The U.S. Army CH-47s supported the 1st Australian Task Force as required.Troops unload from a CH-47 in the Cay Giep Mountains, Vietnam, 1967
In the 1978 Iranian Chinook shootdown, four Iranian CH-47Cs penetrated 15–20 km into Soviet airspace in the Turkmenistan Military District. They were intercepted by a MiG-23M which shot down one, killing eight crew members, and forced a second one to land. Chinook helicopters were used in efforts by the Imperial Iranian loyalist forces to resist the 1979 Iranian revolution.[21]Imperial Iranian Air Force CH-47C in France before delivery in 1971
Approximately 163 CH-47Ds of various operators were deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Desert Shield and the subsequent Operation Desert Storm in 1990–91.[38]Soldiers wait for pickup from two CH-47s in Afghanistan, 2008
The CH-47D has seen wide use in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. The Chinook is being used in air assault missions, inserting troops into fire bases and later bringing food, water, and ammunition. It is also the casualty evacuation (casevac) aircraft of choice in the British Armed Forces.[39] In combat theaters, it is typically escorted by attack helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache for protection.[40][41] Its lift capacity has been found of particular value in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan where high altitudes and temperatures limit the use of helicopters such as UH-60 Black Hawk; reportedly, one Chinook can replace up to five UH-60s in the air assault transport role.[42]Chinook helicopter near Bagram, Afghanistan
Since the type's inception, the Chinook has carried out secondary missions including medical evacuation, disaster relief, search and rescue, aircraft recovery, fire fighting, and heavy construction assistance.[49] According to Suresh Abraham, the Chinook's ability to carry large underslung loads has been of significant value in relief operations in the aftermath of natural disasters.[50] Chinooks operators have often deployed their fleets overseas to support humanitarian efforts in stricken nations; Chinooks of the Republic of Singapore Air Force assisted in relief operations in neighboring Indonesia following the 2004 Asian tsunami, and after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake the Royal Air Force dispatched Chinooks to Northern Pakistan to assist in recovery efforts.[50]Delivering relief supplies in Pakistan, 2010
U.S. Army soldiers ride inside a Chinook in November 2008.
The CH-47C principally featured more powerful engines and transmissions.[58] Three sub-versions were built; the first had Lycoming T55-L-7C engines delivering 2,850 shp (2,130 kW). The "Super C" included Lycoming T55-L-11 engines delivering 3,750 shp (2,800 kW), an upgraded maximum gross weight of 46,000 lb (21,000 kg) and a pitch stability augmentation system (PSAS). The T55-L-11 engines suffered difficulties, as they had been hurriedly introduced to increase payload; thus they were temporarily replaced by the more reliable Lycoming T55-L-7C. The type was distinguishable from the standard "C" by the uprated maximum gross weight.CH-47C of the Italian Army
The CH-47D shares the same airframe as earlier models, the main difference being the adoption of more powerful engines. Early CH-47Ds were originally powered by two T55-L-712 engines, the most common engine is the later T55-GA-714A. With its triple-hook cargo system, the CH-47D can carry heavy payloads internally and up to 26,000 pounds (12 t) (such as 40-foot or 12-metre containers) externally. It was first introduced into service in 1979. In air assault operations, it often serves as the principal mover of the 155 mm M198 howitzer, accompanying 30 rounds of ammunition, and an 11-man crew. The CH-47D also has advanced avionics, such as the Global Positioning System. Nearly all US Army CH-47D were conversions from previous A, B, and C models, a total of 472 being converted. The last U.S. Army CH-47D built was delivered to the U.S. Army Reserve, located at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2002.[59]CH-47D of the Spanish Army in 2009
The MH-47D variant was developed for special forces operations and has inflight refueling capability, a fast rope-rappelling system and other upgrades. The MH-47D was used by U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. 12 MH-47D helicopters were produced. Six were conversions from CH-47A models and six were conversions from CH-47C models.[64]An American MH-47D stands ready to receive medical supplies in Feyzabad, Afghanistan.
In 2001, the first CH-47F, an upgraded CH-47D, made its maiden flight; the first production model rolled out on 15 June 2006 at Boeing's facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and first flew on 23 October 2006.[67] Upgrades include 4,868-shaft-horsepower (3,630 kW) Honeywell engines and the airframe featuring greater single-piece construction to lower maintenance requirements.[68] The milled construction reduces vibration, as well as inspection and repair needs, and eliminates flexing points to increase service life.[69] The CH-47F can fly at speeds of over 175 mph (282 km/h) with a payload of more than 21,000 lb (9.5 t).[70] New avionics include a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit, and BAE Systems' Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).[68] AgustaWestland assembles the CH-47F under license, known as the Chinook ICH-47F, for several customers.[71] Boeing delivered 48 CH-47Fs to the U.S. Army through August 2008; at that time Boeing announced a $4.8 billion contract with the Army for 191 Chinooks.[70]Soldiers prepare to board a CH-47F at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California in November 2007
The MH-47G Special Operations Aviation (SOA) version is currently being delivered to the U.S. Army. It is similar to the MH-47E, but features more sophisticated avionics including a digital Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS). The CAAS is a common glass cockpit used by different helicopters such as MH-60K/Ls, CH-53E/Ks, and ARH-70As.[82] The MH-47G also incorporates all of the new sections of the CH-47F.[83]A US Army MH-47 Chinook, lands aboard the USS Kearsarge
The CH-47J is a medium-transport helicopter for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).[86] The differences between the CH-47J and the CH-47D are the engine, rotor brake and avionics, for use for general transportation, SAR and disaster activity like U.S. forces.[87] The CH-47JA, introduced in 1993, is a long-range version of the CH-47J, fitted with an enlarged fuel tank, an AAQ-16 FLIR in a turret under the nose, and a partial glass cockpit.[87][88] Both versions are built under license in Japan by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, who produced 61 aircraft by April 2001.[89]A JASDF CH-47J flies from Iruma Air Base, Japan.
The Royal Air Force version of the CH-47C is designated Chinook HC1; its versions of the CH-47D are designated Chinook HC2 and HC2A.A RSAF CH-47SD off loads commandos, during a demonstration in 2008
British Airways Helicopters 234LR at Aberdeen Airport in 1985
BV-347 at the US Army Aviation Museum in Fort Rucker, Alabama
A CH-47 lifts an F-15 to a training installation at Creech Air Force Base
NASA CH-47B used as an in-flight simulator at Moffett Field. It was formerly used by the U.S. Army, under number 66-19138.
Argentina (former)
Australia
Canada
Egypt
Greece
India (15 on order)[100][101]
Iran
Italy
Japan
Libya
Morocco
Netherlands
Oman
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Republic of Korea
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Vietnam (former)
Spain
Thailand
Turkey (6-2016)[102]
United Kingdom - see Boeing Chinook (UK variants)
United Arab Emirates
United States
Vietnam (former)
Turboshaft engine on the rear of a CH-47
M240 machine gun emplacement on the loading ramp, as well as another partly visible on the right shoulder window
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