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The CH-47 Chinook is a tandem rotor helicopter with a twin engine. It is used to transport weapons, military troops and cargo in all types of conditions. The aircraft is about one hundred feet long from the front most tip of the front rotor to the rear most tip of the back rotor. The rotor on each system spans about sixty feet in length. The length of the fuselage is around fifty feet.

The speed of the aircraft varies depending on several factors such as weather conditions, load and time of day. The CH-47 Chinook usually cruises at a speed of about one hundred thirty knots, but has a maximum speed of one hundred seventy knots. The mission crew is usually made up of four people. There should be at least a crew chief, a flight engineer and two pilots on board during general operations. During some missions, however, the addition of a second crew chief may be necessary.

Developments began in the mid-50s on the Boeing Vertol CH-47 Chinook. Since which time the aircraft has received consistent upgrades including the CH-47A, B, C and D. The model of the aircraft, flying distance, weather and amount of fuel on board are all key factors that determine the size of cargo load that can be transported.

The main objective on the Chinook is the transportation of military personnel, supplies, weapons and ammunition to the field of battle when necessary. In addition to special missions, the craft may also be used for rescue and recovery, medical aid and a few other operations. The CH-47A model Chinook was first used in Vietnam in the early 1960s. In October of 1963, the CH-47A Chinook was named as the main transport helicopter for the United States Army. The limitations of the aircraft brought on by the conditions in Vietnam prompted the need for improvements to be made to the Chinook.

After more than three hundred of the CH-47A models were produced, by 1967 it was time for the release of the CH-47B. The B model had rotor blades that were not symmetrical, a new type of engine, a better airframe and more stability. After just over a hundred of the model B aircrafts were made, Boeing began production on the CH-47C version of the Chinook helicopter.

The CH-47C could hold up to twenty thousand pounds of cargo with only a single cargo hook. The CH-47C with its improved structure, engine and fuel capacity was produced from 1967 until 1980.

The first CH-47D models of the Chinook rolled off the production line in 1979. The three previous models were stripped down to the frame and rebuilt with improvements to create the CH-47D. Improvements were made inside and out to produce this exceptional craft. The CH-47D is capable of carrying twice as much as the original model. It can also fly any time of day in any type of weather.

The Chinook helicopter has played several key roles throughout history, including Desert Storm and the peacekeeping missions in Bosnia. Remanufactured versions of the CH-47 are expected to last as far into the future as 2030.

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