CH-47 Chinook helicopter Familiarization Manual

THE CH-47 HELICOPTER

In September 1958, following a design competition,

a military selection board recomJ)

mended that Vertol be selected to develop a

new medium transport helicopter for the Army.

By May 1959, specifications were approved and

a contract issued. Now designated the CH-47A,

the' 'Chinook" designand testing proceeded and

the first flight took place in September 1961.

j\ The "Chinook" is a twin-turbine-engine,

tandem-rotor aircraft designed for transporting

j) cargo, troops and weapons during all weather,

visual, or instrument conditions. Powered by

twin Lycoming T55-L-5 or T55-L-7 engines,

the CH-47A develops 2,650 shaft hor s epower

and cruises at a normal speed of 130 knots at

a maximum gross weight of 33,000 pounds.

)l Rotor blades utilize a symmetrical airfoil.

A hydraulically boosted flight control system,

supplemented by the Stability Augmentation

System (SAS) provides the helicopter with

flight characteristics similar to a fixed-wing

)1 aircraft.

A rear ramp permits rapid straight-in loading

and unloading of troops, vehicles, and cargo.