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Inbound Choppers in Afghanistan 2008

CH-47 Chinooks in Afghanistan, 2008

The Boeing CH-47 "Chinook" is an American tandem-rotor heavy-lift helicopter introduced in 1962. Its top speed of 170 knots made it faster than other utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s. It is one of the few aircraft of the 1960s to still be used in front line service today, still being produced by Boeing in its Ridley Park, PA plant.

The primary roles of the Chinook include troop transport, supply missions and positioning artillery.

A commercial version of the helicopter exists, whose roles include logging, construction, forestry, and petroleum extraction.

Design[]

The tandem rotor design and heavy lifting capacity make the Chinook extremely versatile as a transport or utility helicopter. The rear of the CH-47 fuselage has a wide ramp for loading troops and supplies. There are also 1-3 hooks available for carrying heavy payloads depending on the variant.

Details[]

Crew: 3

Capacity: 33-55 troops (or 24 litters with 3 attendants)

Cargo capacity: 12,700kg

Length: 30.1m

Height: 5.7m

Rotor diameter: 18.3m

Powerplant: 2 x Lycoming T55-GA-714A turboshaft engines

Top speed: 315km/h

Range: 741km

Armament: Typically 7.62mm machine guns (up to 3 -- one on loading ramp and 2 at shoulder windows)

Gallery[]

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