Boeing CH-47F Chinook
Boeing · United States · first flew 2001 · helicopter
The CH-47F is the current-production Chinook variant, upgrading the long-serving D-model with an all-glass digital cockpit, improved fuel system, and vibration-reduction airframe modifications.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 15.54 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) glass cockpit with multifunction displays — no analogue-heavy instrument panel of the CH-47D
- Redesigned fuel system with 2,902-litre capacity and improved crashworthiness compared to D-model
- Externally near-identical to CH-47D; distinguish by flush-mounted CAAS sensor fairings and updated rotor hub
Externally nearly indistinguishable from the CH-47D at a distance; the glass-panel cockpit visible through the transparencies and updated sensor fairings around the nose are the clearest differentiators at close range.
Specifications
- The Boeing CH-47F Chinook has a length of 15.54 m (51 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.29 m (60 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 315 km/h (196 mph).
- Typical crew: 3–5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Boeing flew the first CH-47F in June 2001 and delivered production aircraft from 2006, replacing older D and earlier models in US Army service. Designed around the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), the F-model significantly reduces pilot workload and supports integration with modern digital battlespace networks.
Variants
The MH-47G is a special-operations derivative with terrain-following radar, extended-range fuel, and a refuelling probe; export variants include the CH-47F(I) for several NATO allies. The RAF's Chinook HC.6 is based on the F-model airframe.
Where you'll see it
The US Army operates the CH-47F as its primary heavy-lift helicopter; the UK, Australia, Netherlands, and several other NATO nations have adopted F-model variants, with the RAF operating the HC.6 designation.
Related aircraft
- Boeing C-40A Clipper
- Boeing 737-900
- Boeing X-32
- Boeing X-45A
- Eurocopter EC635
- Leonardo AW139
- AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
- Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal
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