Continued Development Shows Promise For 40 More Years

Boeing and Chinook operators celebrate 60 years of Chinook flight as the company builds a new generation of the renowned rotorcraft. September 21, 1961 marked the day the first flight of the aircraft took off from Philadelphia. Since then, Boeing has continued operations for development and improvement of this aircraft at this location.

The Chinooks have a rich history, serving as a backbone for combat, logistics and humanitarian missions for the Army, Special Operations Forces and 19 international operators. Continued development shows promise for the Chinooks to stay in service at least 40 more years.

“The mighty Chinook continues to be the most advanced, affordable and battle-tested heavy-lift helicopter in the world. “said Andy Builta, Boeing vice president and H-47 program manager. “This aircraft is positioned to fly for at least 100 years, and that’s a testament to the enduring partnership of Boeing, its industry partners and Chinook users across the globe.”

Chinook is one of the longest running productions in aviation history and Boeing’s longest as a company. In 2017 the company started development of the next-generation of Chinooks for the Army and Special Operations Forces. 

After the first delivery to the Army in 1962, the Chinook flew in Vietnam three years later. 

After introducing a modernization program, the 472 models were converted into a new fleet that doubled the lift capacity of the original CH-47A. There is also a modified version of the Chinooks that is flown by the US Army Special Operations Forces.

FMI: www.boeing.com