Aircraft & UAVs

CH-47 Chinook helicopter

Also known as

Chinook
H-47 Chinook
Boeing H-47 Chinook
Boeing CH-47 Chinook

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a U.S. tandem-rotor heavy-lift transport helicopter family used for cargo, troop movement, casualty evacuation, and special operations. Its rear ramp, external sling-load capability, and long-running Army service made it one of the most recognizable utility rotorcraft in U.S. and allied inventories.

CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Heavy-lift transport helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs

Image source: Wikimedia Commons A CH-47 Chinook helicopter steadily lands on top of a hill in order to pick up Afghan commandos (4422973962).jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Boeing
Type: Heavy-lift transport helicopter
Service note: 1960s-present
Produced: 1962-present

helicopter transportcargoairliftheavy liftrotary-wing

Specifications

Crew: 3
Troop capacity: Up to 36 troops
Max gross weight: 50,000 pounds (22,680 kg)
Max cruise speed: 160 knots
Sling-load capacity: 26,000 pounds center hook; 17,000 pounds forward/aft hook; 25,000 pounds tandem hook

Variants

CH-47A Chinook
CH-47B Chinook
CH-47C Chinook
CH-47D Chinook
CH-47F Chinook
MH-47G Chinook

Carrier Aircraft

The National Museum of the United States Air Force says the C-5A Galaxy can accommodate three CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

C-5 Galaxy, Strategic airlifter / transport aircraft family, Aircraft & UAVs

Outsize cargo transport aircraft

The National Museum of the United States Air Force says the C-5A Galaxy can accommodate three CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

Sources: National Museum C-5A Galaxy

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: In U.S. Army service since 1962; Boeing continues to market the current H-47 Chinook family for heavy-lift transport and special operations.

Media

CH-47 Chinook helicopter Images

CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Heavy-lift transport helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs - view 1 — Source: Wikimedia Commons Spesialjegere.jpg

CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Heavy-lift transport helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs - view 2 — Source: Wikimedia Commons Defense.gov photo essay 120504-A-3108M-003.jpg

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Sources

H-47 Chinook | BoeingPublisher: Boeing | Note: Supports the Chinook family background, manufacturer context, and helicopter role. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 CH-47 Chinook helicopter | U.S. ArmyPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports crew, payload, speed, service, and heavy-lift specification context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 National Museum C-5A GalaxyPublisher: National Museum of the United States Air Force | Note: Supports the C-5 Galaxy cargo-deck note that it can accommodate three CH-47 Chinook helicopters. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons A CH-47 Chinook helicopter steadily lands on top of a hill in order to pick up Afghan commandos (4422973962).jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the primary helicopter photo. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons Spesialjegere.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the gallery helicopter photo. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons Defense.gov photo essay 120504-A-3108M-003.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the gallery helicopter photo. | Accessed: 2026-06-27