CH-47D Chinook (Cargo Helicopter)
The
CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopter is the Army’s medium lift battlefield
work horse, with over 35 years in the field.
The CH-47 project office was preparing to remanufacture the D model
for future mission requirements. The Helicopter Division of the Boeing
Company in Philadelphia, PA, built the Chinook . The Chinook has two
distinct main rotor systems, forward and aft, each of which has three
fiberglass rotor blades.
These rotor systems rotate in opposite directions counteracting the
torque normally experienced in single rotor aircraft.
The Chinook’s two main engines, T55-L-712s each providing 3,750
Shaft Horse Power, are located above the aft fuselage on each side of the
aft pylon.
They are made by the Allied Signal Corporation, Phoenix, Arizona
(formerly Lycoming, Stratford, CT). The
CH-47D can fly at airspeeds up to 170 knots at a gross weight up to 50,000
pounds.
Its ability to carry loads up to 26,000 pounds makes the CH-47D a
force multiplier, moving troops, cargo and munitions to support
battlefield operations around the world. The CH-47D Chinook is manned by a
pilot, copilot, crew chief and flight engineer.
It can be configured to carry up to 33 combat troops.
For medical evacuation the Chinook can be configured to carry 24
litters.
More than 440 Chinook aircraft serve around the world in today’s
Army fleet.
In
1982 CH-47 A, B, and C model Chinooks reached their 20 year service life
and were directed back to the factory for remanufacturing and dynamic
component upgrade.
The result was the CH-47D model Chinook, which has played a key
role in every major Army endeavor over the past 15 years. Now, as the D model approached its 20 year life limit, plans were under way to bring back 300 aircraft to the Boeing facilities in Philadelphia, for remanufacturing and new technology insertion. The Improved Cargo Helicopter (ICH) was scheduled to make its debut in 2003 and would feature a digital cockpit capability, enabling pilots to communicate digitally on the future battlefield. Additionally, airframe stiffening for reduced vibration would be incorporated in key locations, to decrease wear on dynamic components and reduce operating and support cost. Physical Description Size: Fuselage Length 50 feet 9 inches Width: (rotor turning) 60 feet Height: (overall) 18 feet 8 inches Weight: Empty 23,190 pounds Propulsion: Two T55-L-712s Crew: Three Manufacturer: Boeing Capabilities and Employment Speed: 158 knots Vertical Rate of Climb. 200 FPM Max Range (internal fuel): 300 nm
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