CH-47 Chinook
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is the Western world's standard heavy-lift helicopter, first flown on September 21, 1961, and in production in Philadelphia ever since, one of only two 1960s designs, with the C-130, still built and operationally current. Its tandem-rotor layout devotes all power to lift, the design logic that lets it carry loads and fly speeds single-rotor helicopters of its era could not.
More than 1,200 have been built for about 20 operators, led by the US Army's 465 CH-47Fs. Germany's 2023 order for 60 CH-47Fs and the US Army's Block II upgrade, which restores payload margin lost to decades of weight growth, turned a sustainment program into a production plan aligned with the Army's stated intent to fly the type until 2060.
CH-47 Chinook at a glance
The Chinook line today covers the standard CH-47F, the improved Block II and the special operations MH-47G.
Variant comparison
| Specification | CH-47F | CH-47F Block II | MH-47G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Current heavy-lift standard | Upgraded rotor, fuel and drive systems | Special operations variant |
| Primary operator | US Army and allies | US Army | US Army 160th SOAR |
| Distinguishing feature | Digital cockpit and airframe improvements | Restored payload margin for future growth | Refueling probe and terrain-following radar |
Like the C-130 it so often flies alongside, the Chinook has been in production for over 60 years, and Block II upgrades plus orders from Germany's 60-aircraft buy keep the Philadelphia line committed well into the 2030s.
Full specifications
Latest CH-47 Chinook coverage from AeroTime
Operators
Frequently asked questions
The tandem-rotor layout devotes all engine power to lift rather than a tail rotor, giving the Chinook exceptional payload and speed for its size, and easy handling of slung loads.
The US Army plans to operate Chinooks until around 2060, roughly a century after the type's 1962 service entry.
About 20 nations; the US Army fields 465 CH-47Fs, with the UK, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, India and others flying the type.