CH-46A Sea Knight

The CH‑46A Sea Knight, developed by Boeing Rotorcraft Systems in the late 1950s, entered service with the United States Marine Corps in 1960 as a twin‑engine, tandem‑rotor transport helicopter. Built on the earlier Vertol Model 107 design, the Sea Knight was the first production aircraft to feature a raised cockpit and a rear loading ramp, allowing rapid embarkation of troops, equipment, and supplies. Powered by two General Electric T58 turboshaft engines delivering 1,250 shaft horsepower each, the aircraft could lift up to 10,000 pounds and carry 25 fully equipped Marines over a 300‑mile range. Its distinctive side‑by‑side rotor configuration provided excellent stability and short‑field performance, making it ideal for shipboard operations and amphibious assaults. The CH‑46A saw extensive combat use during the Vietnam War, where its ability to operate from aircraft carriers and forward operating bases proved vital for resupply and medical evacuation missions. Over 1,200 Sea Knights were produced, and the type remained in active service for more than three decades, influencing subsequent twin‑rotor designs such as the CH‑47 Chinook. The aircraft’s durability, versatility, and pioneering features cement its legacy as a cornerstone of modern military rotary‑wing aviation.

Boeing Rotorcraft Systems

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Design & Classification