Boeing CH-46A Sea Knight
Boeing Rotorcraft Systems · USA · first flew 1962 · helicopter
The Boeing CH-46A Sea Knight was the initial production variant of the tandem-rotor medium transport helicopter that became the backbone of US Marine Corps assault aviation for decades. It entered service in the early 1960s and proved to be a versatile and long-lived design.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13.9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem-rotor medium assault helicopter
- Rear ramp for vehicle and troop loading
- Twin turboshafts in sponsons at rear rotor pylon
Unmistakable tandem-rotor profile with overlapping rotors fore and aft, a rear loading ramp under the aft rotor pylon, large sponsons on the rear fuselage housing the twin turboshafts, and fixed quadricycle undercarriage.
Specifications
- The Boeing CH-46A Sea Knight has a length of 13.9 m (46 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.5 m (51 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 267 km/h (166 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the Boeing Vertol Model 107, the Sea Knight won a Navy/Marine Corps competition in 1961. The CH-46A entered Marine Corps service in 1964 and was used extensively throughout the Vietnam War for troop assault, resupply, and medevac. The type soldiered on until its final retirement in 2015.
Variants
Numerous variants were produced including the CH-46D, E, and F with progressive engine upgrades and modifications. The US Navy operated the UH-46 variant for vertical replenishment; Canada and Japan also operated the type.
Where you'll see it
Served as the primary medium assault helicopter of the US Marine Corps from the mid-1960s to 2015; the Royal Swedish Navy and Canadian Armed Forces also operated the 107 family. Not operated by the UK.
Related aircraft
- Boeing Vertol HH-46A Sea Knight
- Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight
- Boeing Vertol YUH-61
- Bell YOH-4
- Dornier Do 32
- Lockheed XH-51
- Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe
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