Boeing CH-47D Chinook
Boeing · USA · first flew 1979 · transport aircraft
The CH-47D is the definitive Cold War Chinook — upgraded engines, composite rotor blades, improved transmission, and inflight refuelling capability. It is identifiable from earlier CH-47 marks by its refuelling probe and modernised sponson shape.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Rear loading ramp with squared fuselage aft end; sponson fairings on both sides housing fuel and hydraulics |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem twin-rotor configuration — two large three-blade rotors fore and aft with no tail rotor
- Refuelling probe on the nose extending forward — the D model introduced inflight refuelling capability
- Rear loading ramp with squared fuselage aft end; sponson fairings on both sides housing fuel and hydraulics
The tandem-rotor profile is unmistakeable — the Chinook is the only widely operated helicopter with this configuration outside the Soviet/Russian Mi-6 family. The D model's refuelling probe extending ahead of the nose distinguishes it from A/B/C models. The three-blade rotors with distinctive overlapping arcs visible from above are unique. Squared rear fuselage with full-width loading ramp and side sponsons confirm the type.
Specifications
- The Boeing CH-47D Chinook has a length of 30.14 m (99 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.29 m (60 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 298 km/h (185 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The D model remanufacture programme began in 1979, converting A, B, and C model Chinooks to a common enhanced standard with Lycoming T55-L-712 engines. Over 470 D models operated by the US Army. Saw service in Grenada, Panama, Gulf War, and Afghanistan. The Boeing CH-47F is the current production successor.
Variants
CH-47A/B/C are earlier marks with less power and capability. The CH-47F is the current production standard with a common avionics architecture. The RAF's HC.1/2/3/4 are UK variants broadly equivalent to D and F standards.
Where you'll see it
US Army from 1982; RAF as Chinook HC.2 from 1980 (UK used similar standard though designated separately). Still widely operated worldwide. The CH-47D and its equivalents remain in service with Australia, Italy, Greece, Netherlands, and others.
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