CH-47B Chinook

The CH‑47B Chinook, produced by Boeing Rotorcraft Systems, is the early production model of the iconic tandem‑rotor heavy‑lift helicopter that entered service in the early 1960s. Developed from the original CH‑47A, the B variant incorporated a more powerful General Electric T64‑A-1 turboshaft engine, strengthened airframe components, and an improved transmission, allowing a maximum take‑off weight of roughly 21,000 pounds. First delivered to the United States Army in 1962, the CH‑47B proved its versatility in Vietnam, performing troop transport, artillery emplacement, and medical evacuation under hostile conditions. Its distinctive double‑rotor layout provides exceptional lift capacity and stability, enabling the carriage of up to 24 combat‑ready troops or 10,000 pounds of cargo in a single sortie. Over the decades the Chinook's design has been continuously refined, cementing its role in both military and humanitarian missions worldwide. The CH‑47B laid the groundwork for later variants such as the CH‑47D and CH‑47F, establishing the Chinook as a benchmark for heavy‑lift rotorcraft and a critical asset in modern aviation logistics and disaster relief operations. Its reliability and proven performance have earned it a reputation as one of the most dependable workhorses in global airlift fleets.

Boeing Rotorcraft Systems

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification