CH-47 Chinook Helicopter

Full Specifications

CH-47 Chinook Heavy-Lift Military Helicopter

The CH-47 Chinook stands as one of the world’s most recognizable and capable heavy-lift military helicopters, serving as a critical logistics backbone for the U.S. Army and dozens of allied nations. Developed by Boeing Vertol and first fielded in the 1960s, the Chinook has evolved into the modern CH-47F/MH-47G variants, featuring advanced avionics, digital flight systems, and enhanced survivability upgrades. Its distinctive tandem-rotor design is optimized for lifting heavy loads, delivering troops, and supporting combat operations in some of the harshest environments on Earth.

A Battlefield Logistics Powerhouse

The CH-47’s primary mission is transporting troops, artillery, vehicles, and cargo, both internally and via external sling load. With a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 22,000 kg and the ability to carry over 10,000 kg externally, it remains unmatched in the heavy-lift helicopter category. The aircraft is powered by dual turboshaft engines, enabling a maximum speed of approximately 315 km/h, making it one of the fastest helicopters in its class.

Modern Upgrades and Capabilities

The latest CH-47F variants include fully digital cockpit displays, improved vibration reduction, GPS/INS navigation, and advanced flight control systems. Special Operations variants (MH-47G) add terrain-following radar, aerial refueling probes, and enhanced defensive aids, allowing long-range infiltration missions. Its all-weather, day-night operational capability ensures mission readiness across global theaters—from Afghanistan’s high-altitude valleys to disaster relief zones.

Operational Legacy

Combat-proven for decades, the Chinook has served in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous humanitarian operations. Its reliability, payload capacity, and speed continue to make it indispensable for modern military logistics and rapid deployment.