The Boeing CH-47 Chinook has been a mainstay utility helicopter for the U.S. Army, U.S. National Guard, and United States allies around the world since its introduction in 1962.

The helicopter is relatively fast, with a maximum speed of close to 200 mph. It can handle up to 55 troops and 28,000 lbs. of cargo either internally or carried under its fuselage on cargo hooks.

Both engines of the Chinook are located in the aft fuselage. In the event of an engine failure, a single engine can drive both rotors.

The latest CH-47 models can carry Stinger missiles, have defensive incoming missile warning systems, can use chaff and flares and infra red jamming to confuse enemy missile homing systems, and have an extended probe for in flight refueling. A machine gun may be fixed to a mount on the starboard door during combat missions.

Chinook military helicopter have all weather avionics include a ground following radar system and infrared sensors.

Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters have served in Vietnam, the first Gulf War, Afghanistan, and most recently in Iraq. They saw action for Argentina during the Falkland Islands conflict.

Civilian versions of the Chinook are used around the world for oil exploration, forestry, as water dropping air tankers, for heavy lifting, as executive helicopters, for oil rig transportation, and in construction.

A total of about 1,180 Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters of all types have been produced.

CH-47D Specifications
Primary Function:        Crew:        Seats:        Payload:        Length:        Height:        Rotor Diameter:        Weight Empty:        Max.Weight:        Engines:        Power:        Cruise Speed:        Max. Speed:        Initial Climb:        Ceiling:        Range:        Year Deployed:	utility three 55 troops 28,000 lbs. 98' 10" 18' 11" 60' 0" 23,400 lbs. 50,000 lbs. Lycoming T55 2 x 3,750 hp. ea. 140 mph 198 mph 1,700 fpm 19,000 feet 450 miles 1962