CH47 Chinook, an American transport helicopter.
Development process
CH-47 "Chinook" medium transport helicopter is a dual-rotor tandem type developed by the famous American Boeing Helicopter Company for the US Army (can operate in harsh conditions Complete missions under high temperature and plateau climate conditions) All-weather medium transport helicopter. This model was developed in 1956. The CH-47A type began to be equipped with the US military in 1963, and later the B, C, and D types were developed. Currently, modernization is still being carried out. The CH-47 is the main transport helicopter of the US military and the only medium-sized transport helicopter. Currently, the most equipped are Type C and Type D. Among them, the CH-47D is the main force of the U.S. Army’s air transport helicopters at the beginning of the next century. Taiwan Province of China has also purchased several CH-47D helicopters to equip aviation brigades and marine brigades. Currently, the next purchase plan with the United States is also being implemented.
Main modifications
The CH-47B is a development of the CH-47A, equipped with two 2125 kW T55-L-7C turboshaft engines, total** *Produced 108 aircraft for the US military.
CH-47C type is an improved version of CH-47B type. It mainly strengthened the transmission system, replaced the engine with a more powerful one, replaced the original metal blades of the rotor with fiberglass, and added an anti-destruction fuel tank, so that the "Chinook" can operate at an altitude of 1,220 meters and an air temperature of 35°C. It can take off with an external payload of 6,800 kilograms and has an activity radius of 56 kilometers.
CH-47D, the latest helicopter of the US Boeing Company, has made 13 major improvements to the Chinook in order to meet the new tactical requirements of the US Army. Including the replacement of high-power engines, the transmission power is greatly improved compared to the original, the use of stronger rotor blades, the cockpit is compatible with night vision goggles, advanced hydraulic and automatic flight control systems, etc.
Performance characteristics
1. Strong adaptability. It has all-weather flight capabilities and can complete missions under harsh high temperature and plateau climate conditions. It can carry out aerial refueling and has remote support capabilities. The upper part of the fuselage of some models is watertight and can take off and land on water.
2. Strong transportation capacity. It can carry 33 to 35 armed soldiers, or an artillery platoon, and can also lift artillery and other large equipment.
3. It has a certain degree of damage resistance. Its fiberglass propellers can still return to the base safely even after being hit by 23mm armor-piercing incendiary bombs and high-explosive incendiary bombs.
Basic data
(CH-47D type)
The rotor diameter is 18.79 meters
The fuselage length is 15.54 meters
The aircraft width is 3.78 meters (rotor folded)
The aircraft height is 5.68 meters and the empty weight is 10,500 kilograms
The internal payload is 6,512 kilograms
The external payload is 7,192 kilograms
Maximum hanging load 10627 kg
Maximum level flight speed 280 km/h
Maximum climb rate 6.77 m/s (sea level)
Mission radius 65 kilometers
Transition range 2059 kilometers
Combat use
During the Vietnam War, the United States used CH-47 extensively to implement troop maneuvers and artillery hoisting. It plays an important role in the airborne operations carried out extensively by the US military. During the Gulf War, it was widely used to establish refueling and ammunition replenishment stations, support deep operations, and perform remote rescue and other tasks. On the first day of ground operations, 595,526 liters of fuel and large amounts of ammunition, food and water were delivered to ground troops, and howitzers were airlifted to ground troops. This aircraft is mainly equipped with the US 101st Air Assault Division. During the ground combat phase of the Gulf War, the division used a large number of "Chinook" transport helicopters when maneuvering from south to north on a large scale and landing behind the Iraqi army's forward positions. The CH47D transport helicopter lacks a global positioning and navigation system, making it difficult to achieve precise navigation in a desert environment with no obvious features.
In addition, the aircraft's rotor blades, engine and oil radiator have problems such as erosion by wind and sand.
During the Kosovo War, the United States used this type of aircraft to deploy peacekeeping troops and transport supplies, playing an important role in its rapid entry into the Kosovo region.
Identification features
1. There are two pairs of tandem counter-rotating 3-blade rotors, with a low front and high rear configuration. The rear rotor tower is taller and has a larger radial size. , plays the role of a vertical tail, with two engines symmetrically arranged at its root.
2. The fuselage has a square cross-section semi-monocoque structure. The cockpit, cabin, rear fuselage and rotor tower are essentially metal structures. There is a cargo ramp and hatch at the rear of the fuselage.
3. It adopts non-retractable 4-wheel landing gear, and the two front landing gears are double-wheeled. The 2 rear landing gears are single wheels.
The CH-47 is very similar in appearance to the CH-46 equipped by the US Marine Corps. The main difference lies in the shape of the engine. The former is located on both sides of the front of the rear rotor tower and is exposed, while the CH-46 is built-in and has only exhaust holes in the same location.
The U.S. Army's "Chinook" helicopter upgrade plan
The reason for upgrading the CH-47D "Chinook" helicopter
CH-47 "Chinook" "Helicopters have always been a transportation tool frequently used by U.S. special forces and conventional army forces. However, the current "Chinook" helicopters are aging, and maintenance and use expenses are increasing. Therefore, the U.S. Army launched the CH-47F improved helicopter upgrade program, which can extend the life of the aging "Chinook" helicopters by another 20 years.
Between 1982 and 1994, Boeing successively upgraded the CH-47A, CH-47B, CH-47C, and up to the CH47-D "Chinook" helicopter. As the helicopter reached its 20-year service life, problems frequently occurred with its airframe, avionics, and other subsystems. Aged wires and connectors also often lead to failures.
While in Afghanistan, the CH-47D "Chinook" helicopter often performed transportation tasks that the "Black Hawk" helicopter could not perform, but it could no longer meet the Army's transportation needs. The CH-47D can transport 15,000 pounds of cargo within a range of 30 nautical miles. The total weight of the M198 howitzer, its gun crew and equipment currently used by the Army is about 16,000 pounds, which has greatly exceeded the CH-47D Chinook. “Helicopter delivery capabilities. Upgrade goals and expected progress
After Operation Desert Storm, the Army planned to upgrade the CH-47 to have a four-blade propeller, a new engine, and fully integrated electronic equipment. However, after It was argued that the program would be costly and would be unaffordable for the Army's budget. The CH-47F upgrade plan this time is much more realistic. The main work will be to install new wiring and connectors, and replace the transmission, propeller blades and engine.
Although the goal of the upgrade plan is to save the use and maintenance costs of the "Chinook" helicopter, due to the high cost of the plan, the Pentagon is still conducting a rigorous detailed review of the plan. However, upgrades are continuing as planned, as replacements are destined to be more expensive.
According to estimates by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, each CH-47F "Chinook" improved helicopter costs about US$22 million and is expected to be in service with the Army until at least 2033, which is 20 years after the first "Support" helicopter. The Nougat helicopter has been in service for 77 years.
The upgrade plan calls for upgrading 300 of the Army's 433 CH-47D Chinook helicopters to the CH-47F version. The first low-speed initial production CH-47F Chinook helicopter is expected to be delivered in 2004.
In May this year, Boeing delivered the first modified CH-47F "Chinook" helicopter with serial number 8002 to the U.S. Army, which is one of the two prototypes required in the upgrade plan. Both helicopters underwent flight and system verification testing last year.
According to Boeing estimates, the company's factory in Philadelphia can upgrade at least four helicopters every month. The current upgrade plan calls for increasing the upgrade rate from 7 aircraft per year in 2003 to 27 aircraft in 2009. Finally, it was 29 in 2016.
The Army estimates that this upgrade can reduce the operating cost of the CH-47D Chinook helicopter from $2,526 per hour to $1,895 per hour for the CH-47F model. In addition, the CH-47F helicopter can transport more cargo at high altitudes and share information with other platforms.
Specific upgrade content
A prominent problem of the CH-47D "Chinook" helicopter is vibration. This upgrade will adjust the fuselage to make its structure more rigid, which will reduce vibration and reduce the weight of the vibration suppression system. Since most of the rigid parts of the fuselage are located in the upper part of the front end, the CH-47F uses a completely new cockpit. Lower vibration reduces usage and maintenance costs while improving the reliability of avionics and control systems.
By inspecting the fuselage for cracks and corrosion, staff will make necessary repairs. In addition, the production line used by the CH-47F is still the original assembly line. The CH-47F's tail propeller is easier to disassemble and assemble for rapid deployment.
The original upgrade plan called for the CH-47F to use existing transmissions without changes. However, the Army later agreed to inspect the gearbox. Although the CH-47D "Chinook" helicopter has a transmission capacity of 7,500 shaft horsepower and can meet the Army's current air transportation needs, the military also hopes that the helicopter can have higher transmission power. , to meet future needs. Currently, staff are upgrading the 3750 shaft horsepower T55-L-712 turbine shaft produced by Hanewell Company to the 4867 shaft horsepower T55-GA-714A standard turbine shaft. This allows the CH-47F to transport a 16,000-pound howitzer and its gun crew, and the transport distance can be increased to 100 nautical miles, which is more than three times the Army's requirements. Although the CH-47F "Chinook" helicopter has increased power, its total weight is still the same as the CH-47D model at 50,000 pounds. Chinooks used for special operations and current export models weigh about 54,000 pounds.
On the front end, the glass cockpit introduced in the CH-47F is not as cutting-edge as the cockpits of the export-model Chinook or new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Boeing integrated the Chinook helicopter's crew console with Rockwell Collins hardware and software on a MIL-STD 1553B compliant data bus.
On the center console, there is a control display device in front of each pilot, through which crew members can manage the entire system and implement communication and navigation. The CH-47F has two GPS/INS navigators capable of displaying digital maps and providing vertical speed information.
The CH-47F is also equipped with an improved data modem capable of receiving commands and situation reports from air or ground platforms. Its communication equipment includes: an ARC-164 UHF AM transceiver equipped with a "Have Quick II" frequency hopping device, two ARC-201D VHF FM transceivers, and an ARC-186 VHF AM/ FM transceiver and an ARC-220 high frequency transceiver for transhorizontal communications.
The CH-47F's electronic countermeasures equipment is the same as that of the CH-47D. However, it will be equipped with a second set of M130 flash chaff spreaders. Its data bus also allows the installation of the Integrated Radio Frequency Electronic Countermeasures Suite (SIRFC). ) and the Integrated Infrared Countermeasures Suite (SIIRCM).
With reduced vibration, the digital electronic components in the CH-47F can achieve higher reliability and reduce use and maintenance costs. However, in order to control costs and reduce the difficulty of integration work, the CH-47F still uses existing electromechanical instruments to display engine parameters.
Although the CH-47F uses a new data bus, it has not yet installed a forward-looking infrared night vision sensor.
According to the plan, seven of the first batch of CH-47F "Chinook" helicopters will be upgraded to MH-47G helicopters. Their fuel tanks will be larger and equipped with aerial refueling pipes. Multi-mode radar and new utility avionics including color multi-function displays. Rockwell Collins' avionics architecture system will be used to standardize MH-47, MH-60 and A/MH-6 aviation software. Boeing is responsible for integrating the software into the cockpit of the MH-47G helicopter.
The simulated flight control computer of the CH-47F is still the same as the CH-47D, but in the second batch of CH-47F, a more advanced digital computer with higher support capabilities will be used.
Model introduction
CH-47A
Initial production model. The first one was delivered to the U.S. Army on August 16, 1962. The early production CH-47A was equipped with two T55-L-5 turboshaft engines, which were later switched to T55-L-7 turboshaft engines. Overall, 354 CH-47As were delivered to the U.S. Army and 4 to the Royal Thai Air Force. The CH-47A model has been discontinued. Under a 1978 U.S. Army contract, its drivetrain power was increased to CH-47C standards.
CH-47B
Development of CH-47A. Equipped with two 2125 kW T55-L-7C turboshaft engines. Delivery began on May 10, 1967. Total production of 108 aircraft was completed in February 1968. Under a 1978 Army contract, its drivetrain power was increased to CH-47C standards.
CH-47C
An improved version of CH-47B. Due to the strengthened transmission system, the use of two 2796 kW T55-L-11A engines and an increase in the total fuel volume, the performance of this model has been greatly improved, thus meeting the new requirements set by the US Army: at an atmospheric temperature of 35°C , at an altitude of 1,220 meters, it can take off with an external load of 6,800 kilograms and an activity radius of 56 kilometers. The CH-47C made its first test flight on October 14, 1967. Deliveries began in March 1968 and were completed in the summer of 1980. A total of 270 CH-47Cs were delivered to the U.S. Army. In 1973, the company successfully developed the Blade Girder Crack Inspection System (ISIS) and a crash-resistant fuel tank with a capacity of 3944 liters. CH-47Cs delivered after March 1973 are equipped with these two devices, and previously produced CH-47Cs have also been gradually modified. In May 1978, the trial installation of fiberglass propellers on CH-47C began. In 1979, 182 US Army CH-47Cs began to be modified with fiberglass propellers. By 1986, all modification work was completed.
CH-147
The Canadian Forces number of the CH-47C. In 1973, it received a contract from the Canadian Armed Forces to order 9 CH-47Cs, and delivery began in September 1974. This model is basically the same as the CH-47C.
BV-234
Civilian type. In the late summer of 1978, the American Boeing Helicopter Company announced the development of the Boeing 234 to perform passenger transportation, cargo transportation and other specialized tasks, such as offshore oil field and natural gas drilling platform support, long-distance resource development, lifting, logging and construction, maritime and land search and Rescue, aerial firefighting, port evacuation, disaster relief, transmission line laying, pipeline construction and repair, etc.
CH-47D
Modification of the CH-47 series. In 1976, according to a contract signed with the U.S. Army, three early CH-47s (one each of the A, B, and C types) were converted into D-type standard prototypes. The first standard prototype was launched in May 1979. The first test flight took place on November 11th. In October 1980, the U.S. Army signed the first CH-47D production improvement contract with Boeing Helicopters. As of 1984, 88 aircraft had been modified. On February 28, 1984, it was first equipped with the US 101st Airborne Division and reached initial combat capability.
On January 13, 1989, Boeing Helicopters received another multi-year contract to convert 144 CH-47s into CH-47Ds (including 11 MH-47Es), and 472 more (including MH-47Es) were converted. This will extend the service life of the U.S. Army's Chinook fleet into the next century. GCH-47D ground maintenance training aircraft. There are only a few in Virginia.
MH-47E
Special forces version of the CH-47D. On December 2, 1987, Boeing Helicopters received an $81.8 million contract to develop an MH-47E "Chinook" prototype based on the improved CH-47D for the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces. The plan called for 51 MH-47Es, which were later reduced to 25. The prototype made its first flight on June 1, 1990. The first batch of 11 MH-47Es was delivered to the 2nd Group of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Wing in November 1992, and the last of the second batch of 14 aircraft was delivered in April 1995.
CH-47SD
"SuperD" (SuperD) is the latest export model. Adopts some MH-47E technology. Equipped with a T55-L-714A turboshaft engine with a full-power digital engine control system; there are single-point pressure refueling and draining ports on both sides of the helicopter. The fuel is installed in two crash-resistant elastic fuel tanks with a total capacity of 7828 liters. Equipped with Smith's digital oil measurement system.
CH-47F
An upgraded version of CH-47D. ICH's "Improved Cargo Helicopter" plan plans to replace the CH-47D with a T55-GA-714A engine and name it CH-47F. The main work will be to install new wiring and connectors, replace the transmission, propeller blades and engine.
Service status
The U.S. Army *** purchased 5 YCH-47A, 349 CH-47A, 108 CH-47B, and 270 C
H-47C, 2 CH-47D made in the United States and 11 CH-47C made in Italy, total 745 of various types. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's CH-47 transport helicopter
The countries and regions exporting various types of "Chinooks" are: Argentina (5), Australia (12), Canada (9), Egypt (4), Greece (7), Japan (60), Spain (19), South Korea (30), Singapore (6), China (6), Taiwan (3), Thailand (9) and the United Kingdom (58).
Countries that have received CH-47Cs manufactured under license by Italy's AgustaWestland Helicopters include: Egypt (15), Greece (10), Iran (68), Italy (37) ), Libya (20), Morocco (9) and the U.S. Pennsylvania Army National Guard (11).
The total order quantity of "Chinook" reaches 1,134 aircraft (including civilian version).
Actual performance
In the Vietnam War, the CH-47A was mainly used to transport soldiers and supplies for the army, especially for artillery to lift artillery to complex areas that were inconvenient to enter. It has received favorable reviews for its front-line delivery of fuel (two soft fuel tanks with a capacity of 500 gallons each can be hoisted at one time) and the recovery of helicopters that have landed or been injured outside (one UH-1 can be hoisted at one time). In southern Vietnam, when flying at full speed and low altitude at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour, there is basically no need for escort from other aircraft. However, the turbine engine has insufficient output in high mountains and high temperature seasons, which affects its normal performance.
During the 1991 Gulf War, 163 "Chinook" helicopters were deployed to Southwest Asia
forming 10 medium-sized helicopter companies. This number accounts for 47% of the US military's equipment. The CH-47D is often the only helicopter in the US military that can transport heavy cargo over a wide area. Its load capacity and speed provide US military commanders and logistics officers with combat capabilities superior to those of other countries' armies. The side maneuver performed by the 18th Airborne Division in ground combat uses the CH-47D as the "cornerstone".
On the first day of combat alone, the CH-47D transported a large number of ammunition pallets and 131,000 gallons of fuel, and established 40 independent fuel and ammunition supply points within 2 hours to prepare for the second day of the general offensive. The CH-47D also performed very well in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. The 16 Chinooks transported 3,348 passengers and 1,452 tons of cargo during 2,222 flight hours during the six-month operation. This number is equivalent to transporting 112 infantry platoons or 201 M198 howitzers. One of the most well-known missions was on November 29 and 30, 1995, when the CH-47D assisted the 502nd Engineer Company in laying a pontoon bridge on the flooded Sava River so that the 1st Armored Division could cross the river into Bosnia. Whenever floods wash away pontoon equipment, the CH-47D can quickly resupply corresponding supplies.
CH-47 "Chinook" transport helicopter structural data
The US Army's CH-47 is the US military's standard medium-sized transport helicopter. It is a tandem twin-rotor helicopter. The head of the fuselage with a nearly short cross-section is the cockpit, and the middle section is a large main cabin with a length of 9.15 meters and a height of 1.98 meters, which can accommodate 44 soldiers or 27 paratroopers or 24 stretchers on the floor. It has 91 mooring points and can transport a set of tactical surface-to-surface missiles or 2 jeeps at a time. For this reason, the tail of the aircraft is a downward-folding cargo door that doubles as a springboard, making loading and unloading extremely convenient. There are 3 crew members, the fuselage is 15.5 meters long, the rotor diameter is 18 meters, the maximum take-off mass is 22,700 kilograms, the top speed is 260 kilometers/hour, the cruising speed is 259 kilometers/hour, the range is 560 kilometers, the endurance time is 2.2 hours, and there are 2 weapons. 70 mm machine gun, with a load mass of 10,800 kg and a climb rate of 464 m/min when the load is 22,680 kg.
It is equipped with AV/ASH-137 Doppler radar and AN/APQ-174 radar with terrain tracking, terrain avoidance, air-to-ground ranging and terrain display functions. Navigation equipment includes global positioning system, terrain reference navigation system and AN/ASH-145 heading and attitude reference system. There are also laser, radar, missile warning systems, pulse jammers, jammer/tracer launchers and anti-jamming radio stations. In addition, it is also equipped with a forward-looking infrared device and a digital mobile graphic display. The MH-47E has a mission management system consisting of four multi-function displays and a mission assistance system added to the cockpit.
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