It has been used by civil operators not only for passenger and cargo transport, but also for aerial firefighting and to support logging, construction, and oil extraction industries. ==Design and development== ===Background=== During late 1956, the United States Department of the Army announced its intention to replace the Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave, which was powered by piston engines, with a new, gas turbine-powered helicopter.
Its name, Chinook, is from the Native American Chinook people of Washington state. The Chinook was originally designed by Vertol, which had begun work in 1957 on a new tandem-rotor helicopter, designated as the Vertol Model 107 or V-107.
Another faction in Army Aviation thought that the new helicopter should be much larger, enabling it to airlift large artillery pieces and possess enough internal space to carry the new MGM-31 "Pershing" missile system. During 1957, Vertol commenced work upon a new tandem-rotor helicopter, designated as the Vertol Model 107 or V-107.
During June 1958, the U.S.
Following a design competition, in September 1958, a joint Army–Air Force source selection board recommended that the Army procure the Vertol-built medium transport helicopter.
Capable of a top speed of , upon its introduction to service in 1962, the helicopter was considerably faster than contemporary 1960s utility helicopters and attack helicopters, and is still one of the fastest helicopters in the US inventory.
It remains one of the few aircraft to be developed during the early 1960s – along with the fixed-wing Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft – that has remained in both production and frontline service for over 50 years. The military version of the helicopter has been exported to nations across the world; the U.S.
Initially designated as the YCH-1B, on 21 September 1961, the preproduction rotorcraft performed its maiden flight.
On 21 September 1961, the preproduction Boeing Vertol YCH-1B made its initial hovering flight.
In 1962, the HC-1B was redesignated CH-47A under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system. The Chinook possesses several means of loading various cargoes, including multiple doors across the fuselage, a wide loading ramp located at the rear of the fuselage and a total of three external ventral cargo hooks to carry underslung loads.
Capable of a top speed of , upon its introduction to service in 1962, the helicopter was considerably faster than contemporary 1960s utility helicopters and attack helicopters, and is still one of the fastest helicopters in the US inventory.
The YHC-1A would be improved and adopted by the Marines as the CH-46 Sea Knight in 1962.
During 1962, the HC-1B was redesignated the CH-47A under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system; it was also named "Chinook" after the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest. 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 drive shafts.
Army was in August 1962.
The 1st Cavalry Division had brought its organic Chinook battalion (three Chinook companies) when it arrived in 1965 and a separate aviation medium helicopter company, the 147th, had arrived in Vietnam on 29 November 1965.
Four CH-47A helicopters were converted to gunships by Boeing Vertol in late 1965.
The Chinook has also been licensed to be built by companies outside the United States, such as Agusta (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.
They arrived in Vietnam in 1966, and they engaged in six months of operational testing at An Khê Army Airfield.
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).
More powerful, improved transmission and strengthened fuselages arrived in 1968 with the CH-47B, followed a few months later by the CH-47C.
By 1968, only one gunship remained, and logistical concerns prevented more conversions.
The third was grounded by enemy fire and destroyed by enemy mortar rounds after the crew escaped. ===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.
After an agreement signed between Boeing and Agusta, the Imperial Iranian Air Force purchased 20 Agusta-built CH-47Cs in 1971.
The Imperial Iranian Army Aviation purchased 70 CH-47Cs from Agusta between 1972 and 1976.
Canada bought a total of eight CH-47Cs; deliveries of the type began in 1974.
The Imperial Iranian Army Aviation purchased 70 CH-47Cs from Agusta between 1972 and 1976.
As of 2015, 20 to 45 Chinooks were operational in Iran. ===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.
In late 1978, Iran placed an order for an additional 50 helicopters with Elicotteri Meridionali, but that order was canceled immediately after the revolution; 11 of them were delivered after multiple requests by Iran. In the 1978 Iranian Chinook shootdown, four Iranian CH-47Cs penetrated into Soviet airspace in the Turkmenistan Military District.
Chinook helicopters were used in efforts by the Imperial Iranian loyalist forces to resist the 1979 Iranian revolution. During the Iran–Iraq War, Iran made heavy use of its US-bought equipment, and lost at least eight 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.
It was first introduced into service in 1979.
Chinook helicopters were used in efforts by the Imperial Iranian loyalist forces to resist the 1979 Iranian revolution. During the Iran–Iraq War, Iran made heavy use of its US-bought equipment, and lost at least eight 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.
The Libyan Chinooks flew transport and support missions into Chad to supply Libyan ground forces operating there in the 1980s.
Improved and more powerful versions of the Chinook have also been developed since its introduction; one of the most substantial variants to be produced was the CH-47D, which first entered service in 1982; improvements from the CH-47C standard included upgraded engines, composite rotor blades, a redesigned cockpit to reduce workload, improved and redundant electrical systems and avionics, and the adoption of an advanced flight control system.
Army's first major design leap was the now-common CH-47D, which entered service in 1982.
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 headquarters; the attack took the Iraqi forces by surprise. Despite the arms embargo in place upon Iran, it has managed to keep its Chinook fleet operational.
How many CH-47s are still in existence or operational during the ongoing Libyan civil wars that started in 2011 is not known. ===Falklands War=== The Chinook was used both by Argentina and the United Kingdom during the Falklands War in 1982. The Argentine Air Force and the Argentine Army each deployed two CH-47C helicopters, which were widely used in general transport duties.
Both Argentine Air Force helicopters returned to Argentina and remained in service until 2002. Three British Chinooks were destroyed on 25 May 1982 when Atlantic Conveyor was struck by an Exocet sea-skimming missile fired by an Argentine Super Étendard.
Chinook helicopters were used in efforts by the Imperial Iranian loyalist forces to resist the 1979 Iranian revolution. During the Iran–Iraq War, Iran made heavy use of its US-bought equipment, and lost at least eight 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.
Chinook helicopters were used in efforts by the Imperial Iranian loyalist forces to resist the 1979 Iranian revolution. During the Iran–Iraq War, Iran made heavy use of its US-bought equipment, and lost at least eight 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.
Boeing began delivering five CH-47J kits in September 1985 for assembly at Kawasaki. ===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.
The CH-47J model Chinook (N7425H) made its first flight in January 1986, and it was sent to Kawasaki in April.
As of 2015, 20 to 45 Chinooks were operational in Iran. ===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 sole surviving British Chinook, Bravo November, did outstanding service in the Falklands, lifting 81 troops on one occasion and is still in service 38 years later. ===Afghanistan and Iraq wars=== About 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. The CH-47D has seen wide use in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.
Beginning with the E-model prototype manufactured in 1991, a total of 26 Special Operations Aircraft were produced.
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.
Six more new-build CH-47Ds were delivered in 1995 for a total of 13.
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. 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.
They have since been upgraded to HC5 standard with a digital automated flight control system. ===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.
Both versions are built under license in Japan by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, who produced 61 aircraft by April 2001. The Japan Defense Agency ordered 54 aircraft of which 39 were for the JGSDF and 15 were for the JASDF.
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, maintaining them was difficult.
Both Argentine Air Force helicopters returned to Argentina and remained in service until 2002. Three British Chinooks were destroyed on 25 May 1982 when Atlantic Conveyor was struck by an Exocet sea-skimming missile fired by an Argentine Super Étendard.
Army Reserve, located at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2002. The Netherlands acquired all seven of the Canadian Forces' surviving CH-147Cs and upgraded them to CH-47D standard.
In 2002 the army announced plans to expand the Special Operations Aviation Regiment via an additional 12 MH-47G helicopters.
A total of 25 MH-47E and 11 MH-47D aircraft were upgraded by the end of 2003.
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.
In December 2006, Columbia Helicopters Inc purchased the type certificate of the Model 234 from Boeing.
They have since been upgraded to HC5 standard with a digital automated flight control system. ===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.
Boeing began delivering five CH-47J kits in September 1985 for assembly at Kawasaki. ===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.
However, in February 2007 the contract award was protested and the
In 2008, Canada purchased 6 CH-47Ds from the U.S.
In 2008, work started to revert the HC3s to HC2 standard, to enable them to enter service.
Army through August 2008; at that time Boeing announced a $4.8 billion contract with the Army for 191 Chinooks. A CH-47F Block 2 is planned to be introduced after 2020.
On 10 August 2009, Canada signed a contract for 15 extensively modified and upgraded CH-47Fs for the Canadian Forces, later delivered in 2013–2014 with the Canadian designation CH-147F.
On 15 December 2009, Britain announced its Future Helicopter Strategy, including the purchase of 24 new CH-47Fs to be delivered from 2012.
Australia ordered seven CH-47Fs in March 2010 to replace its six CH-47Ds between 2014 and 2017.
How many CH-47s are still in existence or operational during the ongoing Libyan civil wars that started in 2011 is not known. ===Falklands War=== The Chinook was used both by Argentina and the United Kingdom during the Falklands War in 1982. The Argentine Air Force and the Argentine Army each deployed two CH-47C helicopters, which were widely used in general transport duties.
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. In May 2011, an Australian Army CH-47D crashed during a resupply mission in Zabul Province, resulting in one fatality and five survivors.
Army CH-47Ds to the fleet which are expected to be in service until the introduction of the CH-47Fs in 2016. On 6 August 2011, a Chinook crashed near Kabul, killing all of the 38 aboard.
Ultimately, the Chinooks supplied 64 distribution sites throughout the zone and transported 1.2 million pounds of supplies before the urgent relief phase ended. Three of Japan's CH-47s were used to cool Reactors 3 and 4 of the Fukushima Nuclear power plant following the 9.0 earthquake in 2011; they were used to collect sea water from the nearby ocean and drop it over the affected areas.
As of 2011, the Netherlands shall upgrade 11 of these which will be updated to the CH-47F standard at a later date.
As of 2011, Singapore has 18 CH-47D/SDs, which includes twelve "Super D" Chinooks, in service.
With 1 CH-47D lost to an accident, the remaining five were sold in 2011 after the end of Canada's mission in Afghanistan and replaced with seven CH-147Fs. ===MH-47D=== The MH-47D variant was developed for special forces operations and has inflight refueling capability, a fast rope-rappelling system, and other upgrades.
Army Special Operations Command on 10 February 2011.
On 15 December 2009, Britain announced its Future Helicopter Strategy, including the purchase of 24 new CH-47Fs to be delivered from 2012.
Four development HH-47s were to be built, with the first of 141 production aircraft planned to enter service in 2012.
On 10 August 2009, Canada signed a contract for 15 extensively modified and upgraded CH-47Fs for the Canadian Forces, later delivered in 2013–2014 with the Canadian designation CH-147F.
Australia ordered seven CH-47Fs in March 2010 to replace its six CH-47Ds between 2014 and 2017.
As of 2015, 20 to 45 Chinooks were operational in Iran. ===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.
In September 2015, India approved purchase of 15 CH-47F Chinooks.
Modernization of MH-47D/E Chinooks to MH-47G standard is due for completion in 2015. The British MOD confirmed that while the US does not currently export the model, the two countries are currently in discussion regarding the MH-47G.
Army CH-47Ds to the fleet which are expected to be in service until the introduction of the CH-47Fs in 2016. On 6 August 2011, a Chinook crashed near Kabul, killing all of the 38 aboard.
Australia ordered seven CH-47Fs in March 2010 to replace its six CH-47Ds between 2014 and 2017.
On 19 October 2018, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible sale of 16 H-47 Chinooks (Extended Range) to the UK. ===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).
Army through August 2008; at that time Boeing announced a $4.8 billion contract with the Army for 191 Chinooks. A CH-47F Block 2 is planned to be introduced after 2020.
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