A versatile heavy-lift helicopter equipped for extreme environments and multi-role operations
The Chinook is capable of operating in diverse environments, from arctic and desert to jungle. Armed with self-defence systems, it primarily supports troop transport, resupply, and casualty evacuation, carrying up to 55 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo.
Role
The Chinook is an extremely capable and highly versatile support helicopter that can be operated from land or sea bases into a range of diverse environments from the arctic and desert to the jungle. The aircraft is armed and is fitted with a suite of self-defence equipment allowing Chinook to operate across the battle space. Chinook aircraft are primarily used for trooping, resupply and battlefield Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC).
With a triple hook external load system, internal cargo winch, roller conveyor fit and large reserves of power available, the aircraft can be used to lift a wide variety of complex under-slung or internal stores including vehicles. It can carry up to 55 troops and/or up to 10 tonnes of freight. Secondary roles include Search and Rescue as well as providing support to a wide variety of specialist tasks. The crew consists of two pilots and two WSOps supplemented by other specialists dependent on the mission.
Technical Specifications
Specifications
Technical Specifications
Weapon Systems
Technical Specifications
Sensors
Technical Specifications
Defensive Aids
Capability
In addition to its traditional war fighting roles, the heavy lift capability of the Chinook is held at readiness to respond to emergencies in the UK; whether to resupply snowbound farmers in Northern Ireland or move tonnes of aggregate to help reconstruct flood defences damaged by winter storms. The current operational fleet of Mk5/Mk6/Mk6A helicopters are all fitted with a digital glass cockpit and a Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS), greatly enhancing handling and safety particularly when operating in recirculating dust or snow conditions. Chinook capability will continue to play a key role in UK Defence activity, with the Chinook Sustainment Programme aiming to build on the platform’s success.
Chinook Recognition
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Based at
History of the Chinook
In 1956, Vertol began designing a helicopter to meet the US Army's medium-lift needs. By 1958, it introduced the Model 114, which became the Boeing Model 114 after Boeing acquired Vertol in 1960. The US Army ordered five YCH-1B prototypes, with the first flight on September 21, 1961. Following a 1962 military designation reorganization, the helicopter was renamed the YCH-47A, and the production version, CH-47A, entered service on August 16, 1962. Its effectiveness was proven during the Vietnam War, leading to the advanced CH-47F variant used today.
The UK's RAF first attempted to acquire Chinooks in 1967 to replace the Bristol Belvedere fleet, but budget cuts led to cancellations. A successful order for 33 Chinook HC.Mk 1 helicopters came in 1978, and No. 18 Squadron reformed in 1981. Notably, the Chinook "Bravo November" played a heroic role in the Falklands War.
Further upgrades followed with the HC.Mk 1B, HC.Mk 2, and HC.Mk 2A, among others. The Mk 2 saw extensive action in Iraq, the Balkans, and Afghanistan. Under Project Julius, the HC2 was upgraded to HC.Mk 4 with a glass cockpit, and the troubled Mk 3 was enhanced to HC.Mk 5. In 2015, the RAF received the final 14 Chinook HC.Mk 6s, based on the CH-47F, featuring more powerful engines and advanced DAFCS technology, set to also upgrade the HC4 fleet.
