Used primarily as a transporter, which US Army helicopter is shown in the picture?

The US Army helicopter shown in the picture is called a Chinook. The Boeing CH-47 Chinook and variants of this style, are among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters. Its name Chinook, is from the Native American Chinook people who currently live in modern-day Washington state.

The most spectacular mission in previous conflicts when this helicopter was used, occurred in the Vietnam conflict (1955-1975). The Chinook was critical for placing of artillery batteries in perilous mountain positions inaccessible by any other means. At its peak employment in Vietnam, 22 Chinook units were in operation. Of the nearly 750 Chinook helicopters in the US and South Vietnam fleets, about 200 were lost in combat or wartime operational accidents.

Since its inception, the Chinook has also carried out secondary missions including medical evacuation, disaster relief, search and rescue, aircraft recovery, fire fighting, and heavy construction assistance. Its role is considered as a transport helicopter.

Some of the characteristics of a Chinook include a three person crew- pilot, copilot and a flight engineer or loadmaster. Payload is 24,000 lb (10,886 kg). Maximum speed is 170 knots (196 mph, 315 km/h) with a cruising speed of 184 mph(296 km/h).

The Chinook has a range of approximately 450 mi (742 km) and can operate up to 20,000 ft (6100 m) called its service ceiling.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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19 Comments

Merri Sillery

My brother died when his went down in Laos. I sure do miss him, RIP Jim.

Ken Walkley

Chinooks were the original heavy lifters, but don't forget the Sikorsky Ch-64 Tarhe, more familiarly known as the Sky Crane. It could carry tanks under its rotor, as well as munitions, artillery, even small buildings like mobile emergency operating rooms or command headquarters. A most amazing helicopter, after Vietnam it was used in logging operations, not to mention skyscraper construction and forest fire fighting. Check it out.

Susan Madanat

Used to hear them fly over our house on their way between the Surrey and London bases. The house would shake when they were overhead.

Muddy Anthony Waters

Australian Air Force have them

Wayne Todd

I have flown thousands of miles in one. Only had one go down without the motor running but we all made it out safely.

Bob Blumrick

U.S. helicopter gunships are named for various Native American tribes, due to the warriors' fierceness and valor in battle. So are sports teams.

Larry Jones

We usually refer to the "load master" as the crew chief, as he watches over pretty much every aspect of the bird's operation. --Army veteran

Player

We even have them in the UK. They have a very distinct sound

tbear

Merri Sillery, so sorry for your loss! 😢👍

bvspurrell

Colin Smyth, It helps some if you open your eyes brother. This A/C in the picture is assuredly a Ch-47 Chinook and is flown by the National Guard if memory serves. Yes as an infantryman and then a civilian commercial helicopter pilot I have flown in them a number of times sadly not as air crew.