The Chinook is an extremely capable and highly versatile support helicopter that can be operated from land bases or ships into a diverse range of environments, from the Arctic to the desert or jungle. The aircraft may be armed and is fitted with a suite of self-defence equipment allowing it to operate across the battlespace. Chinooks are primarily used for trooping, resupply and battlefield casualty evacuation (casevac).
The Chinook can carry up to 55 troops or up to approximately 10 tonnes of mixed cargo.
Secondary roles include search and rescue (SAR), and supporting a wide variety of specialist tasks, including the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities. A Chinook crew comprises two pilots and two crewmen, plus specialists dependent upon mission requirements.
SPECIFICATIONS
BOEING CHINOOK HC.MK 6:
Powerplant: two Honeywell T55-L-714A turboshaft engines, each rated at 4,168shp maximum continuous power
Length: 98ft 10½in (30.14m)
Height (rotors turning): 18ft 11in (5.77m)
Rotor diameter (each): 60ft (18.29m)
Maximum cruising speed: 160kt (296km/h)
Maximum density altitude: 15,000ft
Payload: up to 55 troops or around 22,000lb (10,000kg) of freight
Armament: two 7.62mm M134 Miniguns and one 7.62mm M60D machine gun
