Boeing Vertol 107

The Boeing Vertol Model 107, commonly known as the CH‑47 Chinook, entered service in the early 1960s as a tandem‑rotor, heavy‑lift helicopter built by Boeing’s Vertol division. Developed from the earlier Model 107‑1 prototype, the aircraft made its first flight on 21 June 1961 and was quickly adopted by the U.S. Army, which designated it CH‑47A. Its distinctive twin‑rotor configuration eliminated the need for a tail rotor, providing exceptional payload capacity, stability, and the ability to operate in confined zones. The 107’s powerplant originally comprised two Pratt & Whitney T55 turboshaft engines, delivering over 4,000 shaft horsepower and enabling a maximum external lift of roughly 10 tons. Over the decades the platform has been continuously upgraded with modern avionics, more efficient engines, and advanced composite structures, resulting in variants such as the CH‑47D and CH‑47F. The Vertol 107’s versatility – from troop transport and artillery emplacement to disaster relief and offshore oil‑rig support – has cemented its reputation as a workhorse of military and civil aviation. More than 1,200 units have been produced, and the design’s longevity demonstrates its pivotal role in shaping heavy‑lift rotorcraft capabilities worldwide.