In praise of… the Chinook

But first, let’s cover the basics. The very first prototype, serialled 59-4982, flew on 21 September 1961 but its DNA goes back even further. In 1960, Boeing bought Vertol Aircraft, a helicopter manufacturer in Philadelphia, that already had a Chinook in the works for the US Army. The first Chinook, therefore, was the YHC-1B tandem-rotor transport helicopter billed as a medium-lift helicopter for the Army. Under Boeing’s stewardship, it evolved into the more modern CH-47A that entered service in 1962. Four years later, the CH-47B debuted with an upgraded airframe and T55-l-7C engines. It piled on the pounds, too, growing from 4,969 kilograms to 18,144 kilograms. Finally, a C version followed, developed in response to the US Army’s request for a helicopter to transport a 7,000-kilogram payload 30 nautical miles.

But really, it’s entry into the public imagination came during its starring role in Vietnam. During the final, dragging days of the war, one Chinook is reported to have carried 147 refugees in a single lift. For many, its “angry palm tree” design and memorable name – coined after Native Americans in the Pacific north-west – became the iconic image of a controversial conflict.

Australia placed its first order, for 12, in 1972, with its delivery coming in October the next year. No. 12 Squadron was formed at RAAF Amberley in September 1973 and became a dedicated Chinook unit. The 12 were serialled A15-001 to A15-012, known to Boeing by the model number BV-165. Yet in 1989, the then Australian defence minister announced they were to be withdrawn on cost grounds, to be replaced by Black Hawks. No. 12 Squadron was disbanded and the RAAF Chinooks lined up to be sold.

Yet, just months later, that decision was spectacularly reversed, as it became clear the Black Hawks simply couldn’t compete. The country was offered a deal – to swap its now ageing C variety with the more modern CH-47D that had played a major part in the Persian Gulf War. The D featured composite rotor blades, new transmissions, rebooted avionics and a rebuilt airframe estimated to last three decades. A final deal for four was agreed, and today, the helicopters are in the custody of C Squadron of the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment, based in Townsville. RAAF’s one that got away, you could say.

Today, that fleet has grown to 10, with four new Fs on order – a decision perhaps inspired by their exemplary service during the recent ‘black summer’ bushfire season, where they provided support to firefighters and delivered humanitarian help to remote communities in SA and Victoria. The latest iteration, the unimaginatively titled CH-47F, features a digital cockpit and is designed to keep the Chinook flying until at least the 2030s. While Australia was the first international customer, now it’s one of 19, making it one of the most enduring helicopters ever made.

The secret of its success? It’s simple. If you need something doing, then you need a Chinook.