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With a maximum speed of 315km/h, the CH-47F Chinook is the world’s second fastest helicopters. It is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. The CH-47 is among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters, which is capable of performing multiple missions and was first fielded by the US Army’s operational unit in July 2007 for the transportation of troops, artillery, equipment and cargo in support of combat and humanitarian relief operations.

The CH-47F Chinook is powered by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines generating 4,777shp (3,529kW) of power each enable the CH-47F fly at altitudes up to 20,000ft (6,096m) while carrying a load of 10,886kg.

Chinook aircraft are used for trooping, resupply, and battlefield Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), and for carrying internal and/or underslung loads. They can carry up to 55 troops (more, usually 24 to 40) and/or up to 10 tonnes of freight. A secondary role includes Search and Rescue (SAR).

In Afghanistan, the aircraft has become known for its emergency response role, in which the rear of the aircraft can essentially be used as an emergency operating theatre. The crew usually consists of two pilots and two crewmen, supplemented by other specialists depending on the specific task. The Mk3 incorporates long range fuel tanks which greatly increase range and endurance. The Mk4 sees the introduction of a new cockpit display system, mission management system and enhanced crewman’s workstation that further increases the aircraft’s capability. (When the Mk3s are fitted with updated avionics they will be designated Mk5, just as the Mk2s will morph into Mk4s.)

The Mk6 is a new buy of 14 aircraft differing in structure to the previous marks. They will incorporate a new Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS) and the updated cockpit of the Mk4 and 5. They arrived in the UK in 2013.

The CH-47D Chinook is the U.S. Army’s primary heavy troop and supply transport aircraft. Originally fielded in the Vietnam War, the CH-47 has undergone a series up upgrades to increase lift and airworthiness in combat environments.

Beginning in 1982 and ending in 1994, all CH-47A, B and C models were upgraded to the CH-47D version, which remains the U.S. Army standard and features composite rotor blades, an improved electrical system, modularized hydraulics, triple cargo hooks, avionics and communication improvements, and more powerful engines that can handle a 19,500 lb load - nearly twice the Chinook’s original lift capacity. An upgrade program exists to remanufacture 300 of the current fleet of 425 CH-47D’s to the CH-47F standard. The MH-47E is the Special Forces variant of the Chinook and will be remanufactured to the MH-47G.

The aircraft are well equipped for their varied roles and are fitted with a satellite Global Positioning System, an Instrument Landing System, comprehensive avionics that enable them to fly in airways, and an extensive radio suite. The aircraft cockpit has a full night-time capability when operated with night-vision goggles, thus allowing low-level night operations in a hostile environment. The aircraft also carries dual-mode landing lights that can be switched between white and infrared light, which are supported by infrared searchlights operated by the two crewmen. The Chinook is well equipped with defensive aids and has a Radar Warning Receiver, an Ultraviolet and Doppler Missile Approach Warning System, infrared jammers and chaff and flare dispensers, which can be manually or automatically fired. The aircraft can be armed with two M134 six-barrelled Miniguns, one in each front side window, and an M60D machine gun on the ramp.