The story
Tandem rotors, no tail rotor, the unmistakable thump-thump-thump that means a Chinook is somewhere over the horizon. The Army's heavy-lift helicopter since 1962, still being built, still indispensable. If something heavy needs to move and helicopters are involved, this is the one.
A Chinook can lift a Humvee. Or another helicopter. Or 33 fully equipped soldiers. Its center cargo hook is rated for 26,000 pounds, more than the helicopter weighs empty.
Quick answers
How do you identify a CH-47 Chinook?
Two rotors and no tail rotor: one over the cockpit, one on a tall pylon at the back, so the body looks like it is walking uphill. Fat, straight fuselage on four fixed wheels. In Army green it reads as a silhouette from any angle.
What does a CH-47 Chinook sound like?
That heavy whop-whop-whop you feel in your chest before you hear it: two overlapping rotors beating the air out of sync. No other helicopter sounds like it.
How many people does the CH-47 Chinook carry?
Typical configuration: 3 crew + up to 33 troops.
When did the CH-47 Chinook first fly?
Its first flight was in 1961.
How many CH-47 Chinooks have been built?
1,200+ built.
What do crews call the CH-47 Chinook?
The Hook.
How rare is a CH-47 Chinook in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first CH-47 Chinook catch is worth 250 points.
