The CH-47 Chinook transports ground forces, supplies, ammunition, and other battle-critical cargo in support of worldwide combat and contingency operations.
As the Army’s only Future Force heavy-lift helicopter capable of intra-theater cargo movement of payloads up to 16,000 pounds in a high, hot environment, the CH-47 Chinook/Improved Cargo Helicopter (CH-47F) is an essential component of the Army vision. The CH-47F program includes the remanufacture of all CH-47Ds in the current fleet and a production line of new build aircraft to meet the total Chinook fielding requirement. The major systems upgrades include the installation of a new, fully digitized cockpit, all-new airframe components and vibration reduction structural changes in the cockpit section. The remanufactured CH-47F will also include full recapitalization of all major dynamic components to bring them to near-zero hours. Additionally, the program will remanufacture the Army’s MH-47D/E fleet to the MH-47G configuration.
The CH-47F Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) digital cockpit will provide future growth potential and include a digital data bus that permits installation of enhanced communications and navigation equipment for improved situational awareness, mission performance, and survivability. New airframe structural components and modifications will reduce harmful vibrations, improving operation, support efficiency, and crew endurance. Other airframe modifications reduce by approximately 60 percent the time required for aircraft tear down and build-up after C-5/C-17 deployment. These modifications significantly enhance the Chinook’s strategic deployment capability.
The CH-47F program will incorporate the more powerful and reliable T55-GA-714A engine and extended range fuel system currently being fielded to the CH-47D fleet. The T55-GA-714A engine improves fuel efficiency and enhances lift performance by approximately 3,900 pounds. An improved, crashworthy, extended range fuel system will enable Chinook self-deployment and extend its operational radius. A program is also underway to reduce operation and support costs through the development of a low-maintenance rotor hub.
| Country of Origin | USA. |
|---|---|
| Similar Aircraft | CH-46 Sea Knight. |
| Crew | Two on flight deck. |
| Role | Transport, cargo (44 equipped troops), recovery. |
| Armament | Usually none. |
| Dimensions | Length: 51 ft (15.56 m). Rotor diameter: 60 ft (18.3 m). |
CH-47 Chinook Specifications
| Max gross weight | 50,000 pounds |
|---|---|
| Max cruise speed | 170 knots/184 miles per hour |
| Troop capacity | 36 (33 troops plus 3 crew members) |
| Litter capacity | 24 |
| Sling-load capacity | 26,000 pounds center hook; 17,000 pounds forward/aft hook; 25,000 pounds tandem |
| Minimum crew | 3 (pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer) |
CH-47 Chinook WEFT Description
| Wings | Two three-blade main rotors, one above the nose and one above the tail section. |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | Two turboshafts in pods, one on each side of thick tail fin. |
| Fuselage | Thick, box-like body with bulges along the sides of the midsection. Tapered front and rear. Glassed-in, stepped cockpit above a short, rounded nose. Fixed landing gear. |
| Tail | High, thick tail fin. |
Countries which Fly the CH-47 Chinook
Argentina, Australia, Canada, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Italy, Japan, Libya, Morocco, United Kingdom, United States of America.
