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The CH-47 Chinook helicopter developed by Boeing Industries Helicopter Division is the premier heavy lift helicopter in US military service today.

It is technically a "tailless" configuration with a second, tandem rotor in place of the usual tail rotor. This means power usually wasted trying to keep the body from rotating opposite the main rotor.

The two rotors rotate in opposite directions and are geared to intermesh so the rotor blades do not strike. The counter-rotating propellers each create torque that cancels out their motion.

Instead, the energy of the rear rotor is converted into additional lift; a useful characteristic for a cargo helicopter. The extra lift and reduced drag results in higher speeds as well. It is also able to operate at a higher altitude than most helicopters because of this efficient lift.

The only problem is the immense lift creates massive dust storms (brownouts) when close to the ground, especially in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Chinook is still one of the fastest helos in the world (more on that later).

CHARACTERISTICS and PERFORMANCE

The CH-47 is powered by two AVRO-Lycoming turbo shaft engines each mated to a single rotor.
- Max speed 170 mph (120 knots cruising speed loaded).
- Unrefueled range 400 miles. (Note: the latest model, the MH-47E has modified tanks for long range endurance of 1,000-2000 miles.)
- Ceiling: 18,500 ft above sea level.
- Crew (3): pilot, copilot and flight deck engineer.

Capacity is 28,000 pounds (14tons). This could be:
- 33 fully loaded combat troops or 55 "Hollywood" troops (unkitted);
- One light vehicle such as a Humvee;
- Or a light field artillery piece with ammunition and crew.
- MAX takeoff weight is 50,000 pounds (Chinook + cargo + fuel).

CAREER

The CHINOOK is the longest serving helicopter in US military inventory. Introduced in early 1962 the Chinook has yet to outlive its usefulness.

CH-47s were worked very hard during the Vietnam War. It resupplied remote firebases and even helped tend to the needs of Vietnamese villages. They have had a role in virtually every Army engagement since.

During the 1991 Desert Storm Campaign they carried huge fuel bladders to points ahead of the rapidly advancing armored brigades.

They also led formations of Apaches to night engagements since the early model AH-64 Apaches lacked AWDN (All weather, day/night) navigation equipment. The CH-47 had the speed to keep up with the Apaches across the dunes.

CHINOOKS are present in Iraq again in support of allied forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They are also operating extensively in the high, thin mountain air of Afghanistan pursuing Al Qaeda in the Global War on Terror.

New versions like the MH-47D and E models have been updated for the modern digital battle field. The USAF operated a Special Operations Forces (SOF) variant in support of Marine Recon, Navy SEALs, and Army Special Forces.

The MH-47 also has a sealed hull and can land directly on the water surface, so it can pick up small Spec Ops motorboats directly without actually landing.

The Chinook has already outlived two other competing heavy lift designs. There is no research or contracts let to replace it anytime soon. In fact the Army and Air Force order of battle calls for Chinooks through the year 2025.

Learn more about this author, Morgan Johnson.
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