CH-47F Chinook

The CH‑47F Chinook, produced by Boeing Rotorcraft Systems, is the latest version of the iconic twin‑engine, tandem‑rotor heavy‑lift helicopter that first flew in 1962 as the Sikorsky S‑61 prototype. Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1962, the Chinook quickly proved its versatility in Vietnam, earning a reputation for rugged reliability and massive payload capability. The CH‑47F, introduced in 2002, incorporates a full glass cockpit, digital flight‑control system, and upgraded powerplants that deliver 4,830 shaft horsepower, allowing a maximum external load of 26,000 pounds and a cruise speed of 170 knots. Advanced health‑management and fly‑by‑wire technologies reduce crew workload and maintenance costs, while the flat‑fatigue‑life fuselage supports multiple mission kits, from troop transport to battlefield resupply, aeromedical evacuation, and disaster relief. Over 400 CH‑47Fs have entered service worldwide, reinforcing the Chinook’s status as a backbone of modern rotary‑wing logistics. Its ability to operate from austere terrain, lift outsized cargo, and sustain long‑range missions makes the CH‑47F a cornerstone of contemporary aviation, influencing design trends in heavy‑lift rotorcraft for decades to come. Its continued upgrades, including the Enhanced Aviation Restraint System and autonomous flight experiments, ensure the platform remains relevant for future combat and humanitarian operations.