The Chinook was originally designed by Vertol, which had begun work in 1957 on a new tandem-rotor helicopter, designated as the Vertol Model 107 or V-107. Around the same time, the United States Department of the Army announced its intention to replace the piston-engine–powered Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave with a new, gas turbine–powered helicopter. During June 1958, the U.S. Army ordered a small number of V-107s from Vertol under the YHC-1A designation; following testing, some Army officials considered it to be too heavy for the assault missions and too light for transport purposes. While the YHC-1A would be improved and adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps as the CH-46 Sea Knight, the Army sought a heavier transport helicopter, and ordered an enlarged derivative of the V-107 with the Vertol designation Model 114. Initially designated as the YCH-1B, on 21 September 1961, the preproduction rotorcraft performed its maiden flight. In 1962, the HC-1B was redesignated CH-47A under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system.
The Chinook possesses several means of loading various cargoes, including multiple doors across the fuselage, a wide loading ramp located at the rear of the fuselage and a total of three external ventral cargo hooks to carry underslung loads. Capable of a top speed of Template:Convert, upon its introduction to service in 1962, the helicopter was considerably faster than contemporary 1960s utility helicopters and attack helicopters, and is still one of the fastest helicopters in the US inventory. Improved and more powerful versions of the Chinook have also been developed since its introduction; one of the most substantial variants to be produced was the CH-47D, which first entered service in 1982; improvements from the CH-47C standard included upgraded engines, composite rotor blades, a redesigned cockpit to reduce workload, improved and redundant electrical systems and avionics, and the adoption of an advanced flight control system. It remains one of the few aircraft to be developed during the early 1960s – along with the fixed-wing Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft – that has remained in both production and frontline service for over 60 years.
The military version of the helicopter has been exported to nations across the world; the U.S. Army and the Royal Air Force (see Boeing Chinook (UK variants)) have been its two largest users. The civilian version of the Chinook is the Boeing Vertol 234. It has been used by civil operators not only for passenger and cargo transport, but also for aerial firefighting and to support logging, construction, and oil extraction industries.
During late 1956, the United States Department of the Army announced its intention to replace the Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave, which was powered by piston engines, with a new, gas turbine-powered helicopter.<ref name="Tolsonarmy">Template:Cite book</ref> Turbine engines were also a key design feature of the smaller UH-1 "Huey" utility helicopter. Following a design competition, in September 1958, a joint Army–Air Force source selection board recommended that the Army procure the Vertol-built medium transport helicopter. However, funding for full-scale development was not then available, and the Army vacillated on its design requirements. Some officials in Army Aviation thought that the new helicopter should be operated as a light tactical transport aimed at taking over the missions of the old piston-engined Piasecki H-21 and Sikorsky H-34 helicopters, and be consequently capable of carrying about 15 troops (one squad). Another faction in Army Aviation thought that the new helicopter should be much larger, enabling it to airlift large artillery pieces and possess enough internal space to carry the new MGM-31 "Pershing" missile system.<ref name="Tolsonarmy"/>
During 1957, Vertol commenced work upon a new tandem-rotor helicopter, designated as the Vertol Model 107 or V-107.<ref name=Apostolo>Apostolo, Giorgio. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. New York: Bonanza Books. 1984. Template:ISBN.</ref><ref name=vect_V-107>Goebel, Greg. Template:Usurped. Vectorsite.net, 1 December 2009.</ref> During June 1958, the U.S. Army awarded a contract to Vertol for the acquisition of a small number of the rotorcraft, giving it the YHC-1A designation.<ref name="whirly">Spenser, Jay P. Whirlybirds, A History of the U.S. Helicopter Pioneers. University of Washington Press, 1998. Template:ISBN.</ref> As ordered, the YHC-1A possessed the capacity to carry a maximum of 20 troops.<ref name="Tolsonarmy"/> Three underwent testing by the Army for deriving engineering and operational data. However, the YHC-1A was considered by many figures within the Army users to be too heavy for the assault role, while too light for the more general transport role.<ref name="Tolsonarmy"/> Accordingly, a decision was made to procure a heavier transport helicopter, and at the same time, upgrade the UH-1 "Huey" to serve as the needed tactical troop transport. The YHC-1A would be improved and adopted by the Marines as the CH-46 Sea Knight in 1962.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> As a result, the Army issued a new order to Vertol for an enlarged derivative of the V-107, known by internal company designation as the Model 114, which it gave the designation of HC-1B.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 21 September 1961, the preproduction Boeing Vertol YCH-1B made its initial hovering flight. During 1962, the HC-1B was redesignated the CH-47A under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system; it was also named "Chinook" after the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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The CH-47 is powered by two turboshaft engines, mounted on each side of the helicopter's rear pylon and connected to the rotors by drive shafts. Initial models were fitted with Lycoming T55 engines rated at Template:Convert each. The counter-rotating rotors eliminate the need for an antitorque vertical rotor, allowing all power to be used for lift and thrust. The ability to adjust lift in either rotor makes it less sensitive to changes in the center of gravity, important for the cargo lifting and dropping. While hovering over a specific location, a twin-rotor helicopter has increased stability over a single rotor when weight is added or removed, for example, when troops drop from or begin climbing up ropes to the aircraft, or when other cargo is dropped. If one engine fails, the other can drive both rotors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The "sizing" of the Chinook was directly related to the growth of the Huey and the Army's tacticians' insistence that initial air assaults be built around the squad. The Army pushed for both the Huey and the Chinook, and this focus was responsible for the acceleration of its air mobility effort.<ref name="Tolsonarmy"/>
Improved and more powerful versions of the CH-47 have been developed since the helicopter entered service. Often the same airframe was upgraded to later standards, or sometimes the airframes were built to the newer upgrade. The U.S. Army's first major design leap was the now-common CH-47D, which entered service in 1982. Improvements from the CH-47C included upgraded engines, composite rotor blades, a redesigned cockpit to reduce pilot workload, improved and redundant electrical systems, an advanced flight control system, and improved avionics.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The latest (2009) mainstream generation is the CH-47F, which features several major upgrades to reduce maintenance, digitized flight controls, and is powered by two Template:Convert Honeywell engines.<ref name="boeing">Template:Cite web</ref>
An example of a British upgraded version is the HC.4; the first HC.4 first flew on 9 December 2010.<ref>Parsons, Gary. "First Project Julius Chinook flies"Template:Webarchive. Key Publishing via key.aero, 24 January 2011.</ref>
A commercial model of the Chinook, the Boeing-Vertol Model 234, is used worldwide for logging, construction, fighting forest fires, and supporting petroleum extraction operations. In December 2006, Columbia Helicopters Inc purchased the type certificate of the Model 234 from Boeing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Chinook has also been licensed to be built by companies outside the United States, such as Agusta (now AgustaWestland) in Italy and Kawasaki in Japan.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In February 2007, the Royal Netherlands Air Force became the first international customer of the CH-47F model, expanding their Chinook fleet to seventeen.<ref name=boeing-pr-sign>Template:Cite press release</ref> On 10 August 2009, Canada signed a contract for fifteen extensively modified and upgraded CH-47Fs for the Canadian Forces, later delivered in 2013–2014 with the Canadian designation CH-147F.<ref name=boeing /><ref name=globe-mail-late>Template:Cite web</ref> On 15 December 2009, Britain announced its Future Helicopter Strategy, including the purchase of twenty-four new CH-47Fs to be delivered from 2012.<ref>"As Cuts Loom, Britain Orders 24 Chinooks From Boeing". Defense News, 15 December 2009.Template:Dead link</ref> Australia ordered seven CH-47Fs in March 2010 to replace its six CH-47Ds between 2014 and 2017.<ref>"Australia Ordering CH-47F Chinooks"Template:Webarchive. Defense Industry Daily, 22 March 2010.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2015, India approved purchase of fifteen CH-47F Chinooks.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 7 November 2016, Singapore announced that the CH-47F would replace its older Chinooks, which had been in service since 1994, enabling the Republic of Singapore Air Force to meet its requirements for various operations, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Aeromedical Evacuation (AME), and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The German government announced in June 2022 that the CH-47F Block 2 was selected as the winner of its heavy helicopter program to replace its Sikorsky CH-53G Sea Stallion fleet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Germany is planning to buy sixty airframes to boost heavy lift capability.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Spain had seventeen CH-47s which it is planning to upgrade CH-47F standard.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> By 2023, thirteen CH-47D were upgraded to CH-47F, and additionally, four new-built CH-47F were acquired.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Army finally settled on the larger Chinook as its standard medium-transport helicopter, and by February 1966, 161 aircraft had been delivered to the Army. The 1st Cavalry Division had brought its organic Chinook battalion (three Chinook companies) when it arrived in 1965 and a separate aviation medium helicopter company, the 147th, had arrived in Vietnam on 29 November 1965.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This latter company was initially placed in direct support of the 1st Infantry Division. CH-47 crews quickly learned to mount an M60 machine gun in each of the forward doors. Sometimes they also installed an M2 machine gun to fire from the rear cargo door.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The most spectacular mission in Vietnam for the Chinook was the placing of artillery batteries in perilous mountain positions inaccessible by any other means, and then keeping them resupplied with large quantities of ammunition.<ref name="Tolsonarmy"/> The 1st Cavalry Division found that its CH-47s were limited to a Template:Convert payload when operating in the mountains, but could carry an additional Template:Convert when operating near the coast.<ref name="Tolsonarmy"/>
As with any new piece of equipment, the Chinook presented a major problem of "customer education". Commanders and crew chiefs had to be constantly alert that eager soldiers did not overload the temptingly large cargo compartment. It would be some time before troops would be experts at using sling loads.<ref name="Tolsonarmy"/> The Chinook soon proved to be such an invaluable aircraft for artillery movement and heavy logistics that it was seldom used as an assault troop carrier. Some of the Chinook fleet was used for casualty evacuation, and due to the very heavy demand for the helicopters, they were usually overburdened with wounded.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Perhaps the most cost effective use of the Chinook was the recovery of other downed aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
At the war's peak the US Army had 21 Chinook companies in Vietnam.Template:Citation needed Pilots discovered the CH-47A's transmission system could not handle the two gas turbines running at full power, and high humidity and heat reduced the maximum lift by more than 20% in the low lands and 30% in mountain areas. More powerful, improved transmission and strengthened fuselages arrived in 1968 with the CH-47B, followed a few months later by the CH-47C. The CH-47s in Vietnam were generally armed with a single 0.308 in (7.62 mm) M60 machine gun on a pintle mount on either side of the aircraft for self-defense, with stops fitted to keep the gunners from firing into the rotor blades. Dust filters were also added to improve engine reliability. Of the nearly 750 Chinook helicopters in the U.S. and South Vietnam fleets, about 200 were lost in combat or wartime operational accidents.<ref>Anderton, David & Miller, Jay – Boeing Helicopters CH-47 Chinook. Arlington: Aerofax, Inc, 1989, p. 8. Template:ISBN.</ref> The U.S. Army CH-47s supported the 1st Australian Task Force as required.
Four CH-47s were converted into ACH-47As by adding armor and improved engines. Its armament included two fixed forward firing M24A1 20 mm cannons, one turret with 40 mm automatic grenade launcher on the nose, five .50 in machine guns and two weapon pods on the sides that could carry either XM159B/XM159C 70 mm rocket launchers or 7.62 mm miniguns. They arrived in Vietnam in 1966, and they engaged in six months of operational testing at An Khê Army Airfield. They performed well in combat, but its high maintenance costs and demand for use in troop and cargo transport was stronger. Three ACH-47s were lost. One collided with a CH-47 while taxiing. Another had a retention pin shake loose on a 20 mm cannon and was brought down when its own gun fired through the forward rotor blades. The third was grounded by enemy fire and destroyed by enemy mortar rounds after the crew escaped.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
During the 1970s, the U.S. and Iran had a strong relationship, in which the Iranian armed forces began to use many American military aircraft, most notably the F-14 Tomcat, as part of a modernization program.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link</ref> After an agreement signed between Boeing and Agusta, the Imperial Iranian Air Force purchased 20 Agusta-built CH-47Cs in 1971.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Imperial Iranian Army Aviation purchased 70 CH-47Cs from Agusta between 1972 and 1976. In late 1978, Iran placed an order for an additional 50 helicopters with Elicotteri Meridionali, but that order was canceled immediately after the revolution;<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> 11 of them were delivered after multiple requests by Iran.<ref>about:reader?url=http%3A%2F%2Firartesh.ir%2Fpost%2F502&tabId=4</ref>
During the Iran–Iraq War, Iran made heavy use of its US-bought equipment, and lost at least eight CH-47s during the 1980–1988 period, most notably during a clash on 15 July 1983, when an Iraqi Mirage F1 destroyed three Iranian Chinooks transporting troops to the front line, and on 25–26 February 1984, when Iraqi MiG-21 fighters shot down two examples.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 22 March 1982, in Operation Fath ol-Mobin, a key operation of the war, Iranian Chinooks were landed behind Iraqi lines, deployed troops that silenced their artillery, and captured an Iraqi headquarters; the attack took the Iraqi forces by surprise.<ref name="Farrokh 03">Template:Cite book</ref>
In 1976, the Libyan Air Force purchased 24 Italian-built CH-47C helicopters, 14 of which were transferred to the Libyan Army during the 1990s. The Libyan Air Force recruited Western pilots and technicians to operate the CH-47 fleet.<ref>Crossette, Barbara ROLE OF AMERICANS IN LIBYAN WARFARE CONFIRMED BY U.S. Published: 3 November 1981Template:WebarchiveThe New York Times Retrieved 18 November 2016</ref> The Libyan Chinooks flew transport and support missions into Chad to supply Libyan ground forces operating there in the 1980s. Chinooks were occasionally used to transport Libyan special forces in assault missions in northern Chad.
In 2002, Libya sold 16 helicopters to the United Arab Emirates, as due to the Western embargo and lack of funds, maintaining them was difficult. The sale to UAE was a $939 million package that included equipment, parts, and training.<ref>UAE awards contracts for CH-47 upgrade 15 March 2005Template:Webarchiveflightglobal.com Retrieved 18 November 2016</ref> The number of CH-47s still in existence or operational during the ongoing Libyan civil wars that started in 2011 is not known.
The Chinook was used both by Argentina and the United Kingdom during the Falklands War in 1982.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Argentine Air Force and the Argentine Army each deployed two CH-47C helicopters, which were widely used in general transport duties. Of the Army's aircraft, one was destroyed on the ground by 30 mm cannon fire from an RAF GR3 Harrier, while the other was captured by the British and reused after the war.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Both Argentine Air Force helicopters returned to Argentina<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and remained in service until 2002.
Three British Chinooks were destroyed on 25 May 1982 when Atlantic Conveyor was struck by an Exocet sea-skimming missile fired by an Argentine Super Étendard.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Air War Southp147-8">Ethell and Price 1983, pp. 147–148.</ref><ref name="Air War South p151-2">Ethell and Price 1983, pp. 151–152.</ref> The sole surviving British Chinook, Bravo November, did outstanding service in the Falklands, lifting 81 troops on one occasion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Since April 2022, it has been on display at Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The CH-47D has seen wide use in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. The Chinook is being used in air assault missions, inserting troops into fire bases, and later bringing food, water, and ammunition. It is also the casualty evacuation aircraft of choice in the British Armed Forces.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In combat theaters, it is typically escorted by attack helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache for protection.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Its lift capacity has been found of particular value in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan, where high altitudes and temperatures limit the use of helicopters such as the UH-60 Black Hawk; reportedly, one Chinook can replace up to five UH-60s in the air assault transport role.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Chinook helicopters of several nations have participated in the Afghanistan War, including aircraft from Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Canada, and Australia. Despite the age of the Chinook, it is still in heavy demand, in part due its proven versatility and ability to operate in demanding environments such as Afghanistan.<ref name=boeing /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In May 2011, an Australian Army CH-47D crashed during a resupply mission in Zabul Province, resulting in one fatality and five survivors. The helicopter was unable to be recovered and was destroyed in place.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> To compensate for the loss, the ADF added two ex-U.S. Army CH-47Ds to the fleet which are expected to be in service until the introduction of the CH-47Fs in 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 6 August 2011, a Chinook crashed near Kabul, killing all of the 38 aboard. The Chinook was reportedly shot down with a rocket-propelled grenade by the Taliban while attempting to assist a group of U.S. Navy SEALs. The 38 were members of NATO and allied forces, including 22 Naval Special Warfare operators, five U.S. Army Aviation soldiers, three U.S. Air Force special operations personnel, and seven Afghan National Army commandos. A civilian translator and a U.S. military working dog were also killed in the crash. The crash was the single deadliest during the entire Operation Enduring Freedom campaign. The previous biggest single-day loss for American forces in Afghanistan involved a Chinook that was shot down near Kabul in Kunar Province in June 2005 with all aboard killed, including a 16-member U.S. Special Operations team.<ref>"Copter Downed by Taliban Fire; Elite U.S. Unit Among Dead"Template:Webarchive. The New York Times, 6 August 2011.</ref><ref>"31 U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan Helo Crash". Defense News, 6 August 2011.</ref>
Chinook helicopters participated in the 2021 Kabul airlift at the close of military operations in Afghanistan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
File:Pinnacle manuever.jpgA CH-47F practicing the pinnacle maneuver whereby soldiers are deposited without the helicopter landing completely
In August 1992, six CH-47Ds were deployed from Fort Bragg in North Carolina to provide relief in the wake of Hurricane Andrew in what was one of the first major helicopter disaster relief operations on US soil.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Then President George H. W. Bush ordered the military to assist. The Chinooks arrived at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, just outside of the disaster zone, one day after the President's order; early on, they performed a wide loop over Homestead and Florida City to publicly display their presence, helping to curtail lawlessness and looting.<ref name="Research Paper 1993">Research Paper: Disaster Relief, World Vision and the Hurricane Andrew Relief Project. Published by World Vision Relief and Development, California. 1993.</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The Chinooks initially flew twelve sorties per day out of Opa Locka, which expanded over time, often supporting distribution operations at Homestead AFB and Opa Locka, as well as delivering relief payloads via internal storage, not using sling loads, supplementing the two dozen distribution centers and trucks, proving essential as trucks could not reach the worst hit areas due to downed trees and power lines. They flew everyday for approximately three weeks, moving supplies and personnel around the disaster zone as well as carrying media and government officials, including then Congressman Bill Nelson. Ultimately, the Chinooks supplied 64 distribution sites throughout the zone and transported 1.2 million pounds of supplies before the urgent relief phase ended.<ref name="Research Paper 1993"/>
Three of Japan's CH-47s were used to cool Reactors 3 and 4 of the Fukushima Nuclear power plant following the 9.0 earthquake in 2011; they were used to collect sea water from the nearby ocean and drop it over the affected areas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In order to protect the crew from the heightened radiation levels present, a number of lead plates were attached to the floor of each Chinook;<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> even with such measures, pilots had to keep their distance from the reactors while also limiting flight times in the vicinity to a maximum of 45 minutes to avoid excessive radiation exposure.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
There have been many versions of the Chinook over the decades, there are variants that involve major upgrades such as engines and avionics, ones for certain tasks, such as Special Operation missions, and finally there are version for certain countries, such as the J model built by and for Japan.
The ACH-47A was known as the Armed/Armored CH-47A (or A/ACH-47A) before being designated ACH-47A<ref>Wayne Mutza, Helicopter Gunships: Deadly Combat Weapon Systems (Specialty Press, 2010) p52</ref> as a U.S. Army Attack Cargo Helicopter, and unofficially referred to as Guns A Go-Go. Four CH-47A helicopters were converted to gunships by Boeing Vertol in late 1965. Three were assigned to the 53rd Aviation Detachment in South Vietnam for testing, with the remaining one retained in the U.S. for weapons testing. By 1966, the 53rd was redesignated the 1st Aviation Detachment (Provisional) and attached to the 228th Assault Support Helicopter Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). By 1968, only one gunship remained, and transport demands prevented more conversions. It was returned to the United States, and the program stopped.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The CH-47B was an interim upgrade while Boeing worked on a more substantially improved CH-47C. The CH-47B was powered by two Lycoming T55-L-7C Template:Convert engines. It had a blunted rear rotor pylon, redesigned asymmetrical rotor blades, and strakes along the rear ramp and fuselage to improve flying characteristics. It could be equipped with two door-mounted M60D 7.62 mm NATOmachine guns on the M24 armament subsystem and a ramp-mounted M60D using the M41 armament subsystem. Some CH-47 "bombers" were equipped to drop tear gas or napalm from the rear cargo ramp onto Viet Cong bunkers. The CH-47B could be equipped with a hoist and cargo hook. The Chinook proved especially valuable in "Pipe Smoke" aircraft recovery missions. The "Hook" recovered about 12,000 aircraft valued at over $3.6 billion during the war; 108 were built.Template:Citation needed
The CH-47C featured more powerful engines and transmissions.<ref name="vector_Army_CH-47">Template:Usurped. Vectorsite.net, 1 July 2004.</ref> Three sub-versions were built, the first with Lycoming T55-L-7C engines delivering Template:Convert. The "Super C" had Lycoming T55-L-11 engines delivering Template:Convert, an upgraded maximum gross weight of Template:Convert, and pitch stability augmentation. The T55-L-11 engines were less reliable, as they had been hurriedly introduced to increase payload; thus, they were temporarily replaced by the more reliable Lycoming T55-L-7C. The Super C was distinguishable from the standard "C" by the uprated maximum gross weight.
The type was not approved by the FAA for civil aviation due to the nonredundant hydraulic flight boost system drive. The hydraulic system was redesigned for the succeeding CH-47D, allowing it to achieve certification as the Boeing Model 234. A total of 233 CH-47Cs were built. Canada bought eight CH-47Cs; deliveries of the type began in 1974. Receiving the Canadian designation "CH-147", these were fitted with a power hoist above the crew door; other changes included a flight engineer station in the rear cabin: operators referred to the configuration as the "Super C".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The CH-47C was used widely during the Vietnam War, eventually replacing the older Piasecki H-21 Shawnee in the combat assault support role.Template:Citation needed
The CH-47D shares the same airframe as earlier models, with more powerful engines. Early CH-47Ds were powered by two T55-L-712 engines. The most common engine is the later T55-GA-714A. With its triple-hook cargo system, the CH-47D can carry heavy payloads internally and up to Template:Convert (such as Template:Convert containers) externally. It was introduced into service in 1979. In air assault operations, it often serves as the principal mover of the 155 mm M198 howitzer, plus 30 rounds of ammunition, and an 11-man crew. The CH-47D has advanced avionics, including Global Positioning System. Nearly all US Army CH-47Ds were converted from previous A, B, and C models, a total of 472 being converted. The last U.S. Army CH-47D built was delivered to the U.S. Army Reserve, located at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2002.<ref>Boeing CH-47D model Chinook helicoptersTemplate:Webarchive. chinook-helicopter.com</ref>
In 1993, the Netherlands signed an agreement with Canada to acquire seven CH-147Cs that were no longer in use with the RCAF. These airframes where upgraded by Boeing to CH-47D standard and delivery took place between August 1995 and February 1996. Six more new CH-47Ds were delivered by Boeing in 1998 for a total of 13,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> of which two where lost in 2005 while on duty in Afghanistan. The Dutch CH-47Ds are improved over U.S. Army CH-47Ds, including a long nose for a Bendix weather radar, a "glass cockpit", and improved T55-L-714 engines. Between 2015 and 2023, the Netherlands replaced all 11 remaining CH-47Ds with 14 newly built CH-47Fs. The six CH-47Fs that where already in service have been upgraded to the same "MYII CAAS" standard as the newly built helicopters.<ref name="defensie2">Template:Cite web</ref>
As of 2011, Singapore has 18 CH-47D/SDs, which includes twelve "Super D" Chinooks, in service.<ref name="AFM284">Template:Cite journal</ref>
The MH-47E has been used by U.S. Army Special Operations. Beginning with the E-model prototype manufactured in 1991, a total of 26 Special Operations Aircraft were produced. All aircraft were assigned to 2–160th SOAR(A) "Nightstalkers", home based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. E models were converted from CH-47C airframes. The MH-47E has similar capabilities as the MH-47D, but with increased fuel capacity similar to the CH-47SD and terrain following/terrain avoidance radar.<ref>Boeing MH-47E model Chinook helicoptersTemplate:Webarchive. chinook-helicopter.com</ref>
In 1995, the Royal Air Force ordered eight Chinook HC3s, effectively a lower cost MH-47E for special operations. They were delivered in 2001, but never became operational due to technical issues with their avionics fit, unique to the HC3. In 2008, work started to revert the HC3s to HC2 standard, to enable them to enter service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:As of they were upgraded to HC5 standard with a digital automated flight control system.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2001, the CH-47F, an upgraded CH-47D, made its maiden flight. The first production model rolled out at Boeing's facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and first flew on 23 October 2006.<ref>"New Boeing CH-47F takes flight", Aerotech News and Review, 3 November 2006, p. 3.</ref> Upgrades included Template:Convert Honeywell engines and airframe with better integrated construction for lower maintenance requirements.<ref name="Boe_new_CH-47F">Template:Cite press release</ref> The milled construction reduces vibration, as well as inspection and repair needs, and eliminates flexing points to increase service life.<ref>Holcomb, Henry. "New Look Chinook". The Philadelphia Inquirer, 17 August 2007. archive link</ref> The CH-47F can fly at speeds of over Template:Convert with a payload of more than Template:Convert.<ref name="Boe_CH-47F_191">Template:Cite press release</ref> New avionics include a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit, and BAE Systems' Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).<ref name="Boe_new_CH-47F"/> AgustaWestland assembles the CH-47F under license, known as the Chinook ICH-47F, for several customers.<ref>"Chinook ICH-47F."AgustaWestland, Retrieved 4 July 2013. Template:Webarchive</ref> Boeing delivered 48 CH-47Fs to the U.S. Army through August 2008; at that time Boeing announced a $4.8 billion (~$Template:Format price in Template:Inflation/year) contract with the Army for 191 Chinooks.<ref name="Boe_CH-47F_191"/>
A CH-47F Block 2 is being implemented Template:As of. The Block 2 aims for a payload of Template:Convert with Template:Convert and Template:Convert high and hot hover performance, eventually increased up to Template:Convert, to carry the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle; maximum takeoff weight would be raised to Template:Convert. It has 20% more powerful Honeywell T55-715 engines along with an active parallel actuator system (APAS) to enhance the digital advanced flight-control system, providing an exact torque split between the rotors for greater efficiency. A new fuel system combines the three fuel cells in each sponson into one larger fuel cell and eliminates intracell fuel transfer hardware, reducing weight by Template:Convert and increasing fuel capacity. Electrical capacity is increased by three 60 kVA generators.<ref>Template:Cite web (Original storyTemplate:Webarchive Aviation Week )</ref><ref name="flightglobal31march15">Template:Cite web</ref> The Advanced Chinook Rotor Blades (ACRB), derived from the cancelled RAH-66 Comanche, were intended to improve lift performance in hot/high altitude conditions by 900 kg (2,000 lb); however, the US Army ultimately decided against implementing the ACRB due to persistent vibration during testing, Boeing denied the assertion that the vibration was a safety risk and believed it could be solved with dampeners. In addition, the aft rotor blade was stalling when in a swept back position.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The U.S. Army plans for a Block 3 upgrade after 2025, which could include a new Template:Convert class engine with boosted power capacity of the transmission and drive train developed under the future affordable turbine engine (FATE) program and a lengthened fuselage. The Future Vertical Lift program is planned to begin replacing the Army's rotorcraft fleet in the mid-2030s, initially focusing on medium-lift helicopters, thus the CH-47 is planned to be in service beyond 2060, over 100 years after the first entered service.<ref name="flightglobal31march15"/>
The MH-47G Special Operations Aviation (SOA) version is similar to the MH-47E, but features more sophisticated avionics including a digital Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS). The CAAS is a common glass cockpit used by helicopters such as MH-60K/Ls and CH-53E/Ks.<ref>Warwick, Graham (1 April 2008). "Chinook: CAAS unites rotorcraft cockpits". Template:Webarchive. Flight International.</ref> The MH-47G also incorporates all of the new sections of the CH-47F.<ref>"MH-47E/G Special Operations Chinook product page". Template:Webarchive. Boeing.</ref>
The modernization program improves MH-47D and MH-47E Special Operations Chinooks to the MH-47G design specs. A total of 25 MH-47E and 11 MH-47D aircraft were upgraded by the end of 2003.Template:Citation needed The final MH-47G was delivered to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) on 10 February 2011. Modernization of MH-47D/Es to the MH-47G standard is due by 2015.<ref>"Superfast Helicopters". Template:Webarchive. Defensemedianetwork.com, 25 October 2011.</ref> On 1 September 2020, Boeing announced the delivery of the first MH-47G Block II to USASOC of an initial order of 24, with a stated ultimate requirement for 69. The MH-47G Block II includes all of the improvements from the CH-47F Block II, as well as inflight refueling capability, a comprehensive defensive aids suite and low-level/adverse weather piloting aids, such as forward-looking infrared and multi-mode/terrain-following radar. It is armed with two 7.62 mm M134 Miniguns and two M240 7.62 mm machine guns.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The British MOD confirmed that while the U.S. does not export the model, the two countries were in discussion regarding the MH-47G Template:As of.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 19 October 2018, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible sale of 16 H-47 Chinooks (Extended Range) to the UK.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>
The CH-47J is a medium-transport helicopter for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).<ref>Kawasaki Heavy Industries CH-47JTemplate:Webarchivehelis.com Retrieved 18 November 2016</ref> The differences between the CH-47J and the CH-47D are the engine, rotor brake and avionics, for use for general transportation, SAR and disaster activity like U.S. forces.<ref name="crawford_p48">Template:Cite book</ref> The CH-47JA, introduced in 1993, is a long-range version of the CH-47J, fitted with an enlarged fuel tank, an AAQ-16 FLIR in a turret under the nose, and a partial glass cockpit.<ref name="crawford_p48" /><ref name="vector_foreign">Template:Cite web</ref> Both versions are built under license in Japan by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, who produced 61 aircraft by April 2001.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Japan Defense Agency ordered 54 aircraft of which 39 were for the JGSDF and 15 were for the JASDF. Boeing supplied flyable aircraft, to which Kawasaki added full avionics, interior, and final paint.<ref name="flightglobal_ch47j">Template:Cite web</ref> The CH-47J model Chinook (N7425H) made its first flight in January 1986, and it was sent to Kawasaki in April.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> Boeing began delivering five CH-47J kits in September 1985 for assembly at Kawasaki.<ref name="flightglobal_ch47j" />
Over 110 had been produced by the early 21st century, including the CH-47JA model with improved fuel tanks and other upgrades.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
For years the U.S. Navy has been operating different versions of the single-rotor CH-53 helicopter as its heavy-lift helicopter. CH-47s regularly conduct ship-based operations for U.S. Special Forces and other international operators.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Due to budget issues, technical problems and delays with CH-53K, the director of the Pentagon's cost assessment office directed US Navy to consider maritime versions of CH-47. Naval versions must be protected against the corrosive seaborne environment and be able to operate from aircraft carriers and amphibious ships.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Royal Air Force version of the CH-47C is designated Chinook HC1; its versions of the CH-47D are designated Chinook HC2 and HC2A. Additional types in RAF service include HC3,4,5,6, and 6A. (for further reading see Boeing Chinook (UK variants))
The export version of the CH-47C Chinook for the Italian Army was designated "CH-47C Plus".
The CH-47DG is an upgraded version of the CH-47C for Greece.
While the CH-47SD (also known as the "Super D") is a modified variant for Singapore of the CH-47D, with extended range fuel tanks and higher payload carrying capacity; the CH-47SD is in use by the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Hellenic Army and the Republic of China Army.
Model 234ER (extended range): Commercial transport version.
Model MLR (multi-purpose long range): Commercial transport version.
Model 234UT (utility transport): Utility transport helicopter.<ref name="m234"/>
Model 414: The Model 414 is the international export version of the CH-47D. It is also known as the CH-47D International Chinook.
CU-47: Built by Unical from parts from ex-Canadian Forces CH-47D/CH-147D for Coulson Aviation to be used for aerial firefighting.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1969, work on the experimental BV-347 was begun. It was a CH-47A with a lengthened fuselage, four-blade rotors, detachable wings mounted on top of the fuselage and other changes. It first flew on 27 May 1970 and was evaluated for a few years.<ref name=Vector_CH-47_deriv>Goebel, Greg. Template:Usurped. Vectorsite.net, 1 December 2009.</ref>
In 1973, the Army contracted with Boeing to design a "Heavy Lift Helicopter" (HLH), designated XCH-62A. It appeared to be a scaled-up CH-47 without a conventional body, in a configuration similar to the S-64 Skycrane (CH-54 Tarhe), but the project was canceled in 1975. The program was restarted for test flights in the 1980s and was again not funded by Congress.<ref name=Vector_CH-47_deriv/> The scaled-up model of the HLH was scrapped in late 2005 at Fort Rucker, Alabama.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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On 26 December 1967, a CH-47A carrying 33 military passengers and crew crashed in a landing descent at Phu Cat AFB, Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam killing 8 of those on board.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 18 August 1971, CH-47A airframe Template:Not a typo<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was operated by the 4th Aviation Company, 15th Aviation Group. The helicopter was transporting 33 soldiers of the Heavy Mortar Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 56th Field Artillery Brigade from battalion headquarters in Ludwigsburg to Grafenwöhr Training Area for live fire training exercises. Fatigue failure of the rear rotor blade led to its separation causing structural damage resulting in the crash and explosion that killed all 37 on board, including four crew members. A memorial plaque that was placed near the crash site in the forest outside Pegnitz was stolen in 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On 28 November 1971, a CH-47C carrying five crew and 28 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division on a flight from Da Nang to Phu Bai Combat Base, South Vietnam crashed into high ground killing all on board.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 18 October 1974, a CH-47C, US serial 74-22058 assigned 147001 but was never marked with Canadian Forces. The aircraft was lost on its delivery flight to Canada following gear failure in main combining gear box, caused by undetected metal infraction in gear blank before machining. This failure led to drive shaft failure and loss of synchronization and resulted in five fatalities. After a lengthy litigation, it was replaced by 147009.Template:Citation needed
On 11 September 1982 at an airshow in Mannheim, Germany, a U.S. Army Chinook (serial number 74-22292) carrying parachutists crashed, killing 46 people. The crash was later found to have been caused by an accumulation of ground walnut shell grit used for cleaning machinery, which blocked lubrication from reaching transmission bearings.<ref>Air show safety in the spotlightTemplate:Webarchive, BBC, 27 July 2002.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The accident resulted in the eventual discontinuation of the use of walnut grit as a cleaning agent.
On 2 June 1994, an RAF CH-47 carrying 25 British MI5, police, and military intelligence experts and 4 crew, flown from Northern Ireland to Scotland for a conference, crashed on the Mull of Kintyre
On 30 October 1997, a civilian BV234UT operated by Columbia Helicopters (registration C-FHFH) engaged in logging operations crashed on Vancouver Island, Canada, killing both of the pilots. The investigation determined that the helicopter lost yaw control due to failure of flight control computer.
On 29 May 2001, a Republic of Korea Army (ROK Army) CH-47D installing a sculpture onto Olympic Bridge in Seoul, South Korea failed to unlatch the sculpture. The helicopter's rotors struck the monument; then the fuselage hit and broke into two. One section crashed onto the bridge in flames and the other fell into the river. All three crew members on board died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>"Crew killed as Korean helicopter hits sculpture"Template:Webarchive. The Daily Telegraph, 30 May 2001.</ref>
On 22 February 2002, a U.S. Army special forces MH-47E crashed at sea in the Philippines, killing all ten U.S. soldiers on board.<ref>A Crash in PhilippinesTemplate:Webarchive. chinook-helicopter.com,</ref>
On 6 April 2005, the U.S. Army CH-47D known as "Big Windy 25" crashed during a sandstorm near Ghazni, Afghanistan, killing all eighteen aboard (fifteen soldiers and three contractors).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The pilots had been disoriented by the dust storm.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On 20 June 2023, a Royal Canadian Air Force CH-147F crashed in the Ottawa River near CFB Petawawa. The helicopter belonged to the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. Two crew members died while the other two were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Accident Investigators revealed that the cause of the crash was the crew suffering from ‘spacial disorientation’ causing the aircraft to hit the water.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
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