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There are few rotary wing aircraft that have proven themselves as rugged and as effective as the CH-47 Chinook. Originally conceived out of a 1958 contract competition, to replace the U.S Army's aging, and less powerful CH-37, the contract was awarded to the Boeing Vertol division.

Instead of the common helicopter configuration of a main rotor and a tail rotor, the CH-47 featured 2 rotors, one at the front of the fuselage while the other at the end. The Chinook was powered by 2 Lycoming T55 turbo shaft engines, producing 3,750 HP each. This power, along with the configuration of the rotors meant that the Chinook would have high lift capabilities. This configuration would also eliminate the need of a tail rotor, because the torque of each blade effectively cancels the others out. Thus, the entire amount of power can be spent on lift.

With a maximum speed of a 170 knots, as well as a range of some 400 nautical miles, the CH-47 provides the capability for the Army to fly to almost anywhere within that range, at a reasonable speed and lift out or haul in whatever need be, especially considering it can carry 28,000lbs of cargo.

In Vietnam, Chinooks were used to place artillery on top of mountains and hills. These were usually slung underneath of the helicopter. Chinooks were also deployed in Kuwait and Iraq in operation Desert Storm. Recently they saw use in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and they continue to serve remote outposts in Afghanistan with supplies. In territories like Afghanistan's mountain ranges, because of the low air density, the CH-47 has proven to be invaluable because it can operate at high altitudes, unlike the Blackhawk.

The CH-47 is not limited to an equipment hauler however. It has been used to evacuate the wounded, insert and extract special forces and also as flying cavalry. For its own self defense, the CH-47 packs an M134 Minigun, capable of firing 3,000 rounds per minute as well as an M204 Machine gun.

The major operator of the CH-47 is the U.S Army, with 394 in service. Other note worthy operators also include Japan, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom and Italy. Besides military use, Boeing has also marketed the C-47 as a commercial helicopter, as the Boeing 234, with some success. Primarily used in the timber industry to carry trees.

In 2008, an RAF CH-47 was reported to have sustained major damages from an RPG attack in Afghanistan. Photos showed one of the rotors punctured and the fuselage also suffered major damages, but despite all of this the CH-47 still made it back to base - a testament to the aircrafts reliability.

The Chinook is a formidable aircraft, and with upgrades and support from Boeing, they will see service well into the 21st century, as one of the premier utility helicopters.

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