Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) / Boeing CH-147F Chinook
The Boeing CH-147F is the most advanced international variant of the Chinook. It is based on the US Army/Boeing CH-47F and MH-47G and has an increased maximum gross weight of 54,000 lb (24,494 kg). Other improvements include: an improved drive train; lightweight, increased capacity fuel system; improved electrical system; strengthened airframe; an updated digital advanced flight control system; and improved survivability features including a Directional Infrared Countermeasures system.
The primary mission for the medium/heavy-lift Chinook is troop assault and cargo transport. It can lift 24,000 lb (10,886 kg) internally or via three external cargo hooks. With a crew of three, it can transport 44 troops or 24 casualty litters. Canadian Chinooks also provide humanitarian support, disaster relief, rescue and firefighting in all climates and conditions.
Originally, Canada purchased nine Boeing Vertol CH-47Cs, redesignated as CH-147Cs, with deliveries starting in October 1974. These aircraft were fitted with a power rescue hoist above the crew door and were often fitted with skis on the quad-cycle landing gear. Two CH-147Cs were lost in crashes, while the remainder of the fleet were withdrawn from service in 1992 for cost reasons. Eventually, the Netherlands bought all seven of the surviving Canadian CH-147Cs, each of which were upgraded to the CH-47D configuration.
Canada acquired six CH-47D models from the US Army in late 2008 as the Canadian combat support mission ramped up in Afghanistan. In August 2009, Canada signed a contract for 15 new CH-147F Chinooks, with the first CH-147F accepted by the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron on June 21, 2013.
Prepared by Ken Bartie
Canada MoD photo, Corp Arthur Ark photo
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