Blade Slap - The Chinook

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a transport helicopter developed by American rotorcraft company Vertol and manufactured by Boeing Vertol, currently known as the Boeing Rotorcraft system. The first version of Chinook (CH- 47A) was delivered in 1957. Today, the U.K holds 60 Chinooks that are providing services to the U.K military forces.

Most interestingly, the name ‘Chinook’ has come from the Native American Chinook people of modern-day Washington State. These people followed U.S. military tradition for a long time. Well, you can find many similarities in the characteristics of the people and the Chinook.

I never thought that this beauty can land in the water and rise later. The aircraft was made water-resistant to land in the water for a short time during covert operations and special military missions.

The Chinooks have been serving the military in many countries for more than 50 years. And it costs around 32 million dollars (insanely, crazy amount).

Let me tell you about the crew members, it comprises two pilots and two crewmen, supplemented by specialist’s dependent upon mission requirements. Some mission requirements include military operations as well as relief and evacuation operations and so much more.

Speed, capacity, and length

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook has an American twin motor and a tandem rotor with three 1.8-diameter fiberglass blades. This helicopter serves the armed forces of 19 countries. A tail rotor is not required due to the banana-shaped design.

This agile helicopter has a top speed of 315km/hr (195 mph) meaning that this is the world’s fast military helicopter. The Chinook can fly up to heights of 20,000 ft. The length of the aircraft is 98ft (30.14m). There is room inside for two Land Rovers which means multi-mission heavy-lift transport helicopters and can carry troops, ammunition, battlefield equipment.

The aircraft is equipped with the most common M240 7.62 mm belt-fed machine guns which are fitted on either side of the fuselages. Other than this, the cockpit of CH-47 is shielded with bulletproof glass which makes a high degree of chances for the pilots to survive a crash.

The Chinook can land within a very short space of land. This makes it a go to aircraft for military evacuations. Not only this, but when it lands, it can go backwards to be able to get into the exact place the aircrew or ground crew need it.

Insane fact - The Chinook can hold up to 11000kgs in its load. This is equal to its weight or even more.

Engine and the rotor system

Most amazingly, the Boeing CH-47 Chinook is unlikely to experience any type of engine failure. This is due to its dual engine system. In case one engine fails, the other can still make a difference. But if both failed, it could land using autorotation.

With improved technology like self-fuel tanks and engines, the Chinook can warn the aircrew that it needs to refuel its tank up to 1.5 hours before. Meaning that the aircrew can start to look for a landing airfield to be able to refuel the tank.

Random Fact

Lastly, ever wondered why the old CH-47 looked stained and dirty? Well, it was due to the old rotor system which required mil seven 808 oil. The oil demanded constant servicing leaving stains on the helicopter.