Aircraft program
A medium to heavy-lift helicopter primarily for cargo - transport of troops, weapons, equipment and fuels but also humanitarian missions.
Powered by two rear mounted turboshaft Honeywell engines connected by drive shafts to two, counter-rotating, 3 blade rotors made from composite materials with tapered tips to increase stability and enhance handling capabilities. Designed for advanced cargo capability with rear loading ramp, three underslung external cargo hooks and large internal space for freight or up to 55 troops.
2 pilots in advanced digital cockpit face LCD displays and dual, digital automatic flight controls. Jumps seats for 1 or 2 support crew.
Chinooks serve the defence forces in 19 countries.
The aircraft as engineered: what it is built from, the systems it flies with, and its configuration — each box a theme.
Technical reference compiled with AI research; a value appears only where two independent research passes and a web fact-check agree. Gaps are deliberate.
Supplier geography and market analysis for this program — with an Analytics subscription.
Subscribe| Variant | Launch / first flight | Production end | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing CH-47D | 1976 / 1979 | 2021 | Variant with modernised engines compared to prior models. |
| Boeing CH-47J | 1986 / 1986 | Japanese variant for JGSDF and JASDF, includes upgraded CH-47JA variant. | |
| Boeing CH-47F | 2001 / 2001 | Production: 1 (2018) GAMA: Leonardo Helicopters CH47F. Upgraded CH-47D variant. | |
| Boeing MH-47G | 2002 / 2002 | Special Operations variant, includes prior variants MH-47D/E. |
| Boeing Defense, Space & Security | News | |
| Kawasaki Aerospace | Licenced production of CH-47JA variant |
The program’s dated history — milestones, contracts, supplier selections and facilities, each linked to its source. Log in to view.
Information on this page is compiled from a variety of published sources; links do not necessarily imply recommendation or confirmation by the airframe manufacturer.
Corrections go straight to the editorial team that maintains this directory.