Chinook Helicopters

[EagleEyes]

What do you guys think about Chinook Helicopters? Which are being used for relief effort, they are really awesome helicopters, mostly get used by U.S to transport troops, or a group of soldiers to a specific mission.

I am sure U.S will give us these helicopters if we request for them, I hope they leave their helicopters in Pakistan after the relief effort is done. akistanFlag:

But they wont... unless we ask them to.

 

[EagleEyes]

CH-47D/MH-47E CHINOOK HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTER, USA
The CH-47D Chinook helicopter carries out transportation of troops, artillery, supplies and equipment to the battlefield. Other roles include medical evacuation, aircraft recovery, parachute drop, search and rescue, disaster relief, firefighting and heavy construction. 163 CH-47Ds took part in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Over 1,000 Chinooks are operational worldwide. Boeing has delivered more than 480 CH-47D Chinooks to the US Army and National Guard. Boeing has also exported the helicopter to military and commercial operators in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Spain, United Kingdom and three Far East countries. Chinooks are under licensed production by Agusta of Italy and Kawasaki in Japan. Chinooks built by Agusta have been exported to Egypt, Greece, Iran, Libya and Morocco.

397 of the US Army CH-47D helicopters are being upgraded to CH-47F standard, which features: a new cockpit structure which will reduce vibration; new Rockwell Collins digital cockpit with moving map display and digital modem; BAE Systems Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS); and more powerful Honeywell T55-GA-714A engine with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). The LRIP contract for seven systems was signed in January 2003. Deliveries began in July 2004 and will conclude in 2018.

In December 2003, the US Army ordered seven new CH-46F helicopters to replace those lost in action and, in January 2005, an additional ten new-build CH-47F helicopters. Deliveries are scheduled for 2006-08. A further 38 helicopters are planned for procurement.

US Army Special Operations Forces also operate 36 Special Operations Chinooks, designated as MH-47D and MH-47E. These aircraft are being upgraded to MH-47G standard with a fully integrated digital Common Avionics Architecture System. The first was delivered in May 2004.

CH-47 SUPER-D

The latest international model is the CH-47SD which incorporates a glass cockpit with integrated cockpit management system, automated flight controls, colour digital displays and full authority digital engine control. The CH-47SD has 2,068 gallon fuel tanks doubling the range of the 47D, and a longer nose for radar antennas. The Honeywell engine has also been upgraded. Taiwan has ordered three CH-47SD under a FMS (foreign military sale) program.

COCKPIT

The cockpit accommodates two pilots and an observer. An advanced digital cockpit has been developed by Boeing and Honeywell. The cockpit is equipped with multifunction liquid crystal displays and electronic flight instruments. The crew is equipped with ANVIS-7 night vision goggles from Elbit and the cockpit is night vision goggle (NVG) compatible

The communications suite includes jam resistant HF and UHF radio systems developed and supplied by Rockwell Collins and Raytheon. The helicopter is equipped with an

AN/APX-100 identification friend or foe (IFF) interrogator from AlliedSignal.

WEAPONS

Three machine guns can be mounted on the helicopter, two in the crew door on the starboard side and one window-mounted on the port side.

COUNTERMEASURES

The Chinook is equipped with a suite of countermeasures systems selected by the customer country. The Special Forces variant of the Chinook, MH-47E, is fitted with the ATK AN/AAR-47 missile approach warner, Northrop Grumman ALQ-162 Shadowbox jammer, ITT ALQ-136(V) pulse jammer, Raytheon APR-39A radar warner and BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions (formerly Tracor) M-130 chaff and flare dispenser. The helicopter is equipped with a Rockwell Collins CP1516-ASQ target hand-off system. Australian Chinooks are being fitted with EADS AN/AAR-60 MILDS missile warning system.

SENSORS

The MH-47E is equipped with an advanced radar system, the Raytheon AN/APQ-174A for terrain following flight, air-to-ground ranging and ground mapping. A Raytheon AN/AAQ-16 forward looking infrared (FLIR) is installed in the nose of the helicopter and the cockpit is fitted with a moving map display.

CARGO SYSTEMS

The Chinook has a triple hook system which provides stability to large external loads or the capacity for multiple external loads. Large external loads such as 155mm howitzers can be transported at speeds up to 260km/h using the triple hook load configuration. Multiple external loads can be delivered to three separate destinations in one sortie. The central hook is rated to carry up to 12,000kg and the other two hooks 7,500kg each.

The cabin provides 42m³ of cargo space and 21m² of cargo floor area and can accommodate two HMMWVs (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) or a HMMWV together with 105mm howitzer and gun crew. The main cabin can hold from 33 fully equipped troops to 50 troops according to the seating arrangements and equipment being carried. For medical evacuation the cabin can accommodate 24 litters (stretchers).

Ramp operations can be carried out on water using an optional power down ramp and water dam configuration.

ENGINES

The helicopter is equipped with two T55-L-712 turboshaft engines from Honeywell (formerly AlliedSignal), which are pod-mounted on either side of the rear pylon under the rear rotor blades. The engine provides a continuous power of 3,000shp and maximum power of 3,750shp. The Honeywell T55-714 engine, which is being fitted to CH-47D, F and G models, is equipped with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Electronic Control) from Goodrich.

The self-sealing fuel tanks are mounted in external fairings on the sides of the fuselage. The fixed tanks hold 3,900 litres of fuel. Three additional fuel tanks can be carried in the cargo area. The range of the helicopter can be extended by in-flight refuelling.

AirForce-Technology

 

[EagleEyes]

U.S. choppers ferry injured from Pakistan

By MATTHEW PENNINGTON
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

BALAKOT, Pakistan -- With a whoosh of dust, the twin-rotor Chinook helicopter circled a scene of devastation in this quake-flattened town in northern Pakistan and landed on a river bank, in front of hundreds of bedraggled survivors of South Asia's quake.

Within minutes, the U.S. Army crew had disgorged its cargo of tents - donated by the Iranian Red Crescent - and filled the hulking chopper with a dozen badly injured people on stretchers and shrouded by blankets.

In a move that could boost America's battered profile in the Islamic world, the U.S. military has diverted eight heavy-lifting choppers from the war on terrorism in neighboring Afghanistan to help earthquake victims. It's due to send another two dozen helicopters from further afield in the days ahead.

"I don't have a bad feeling about America," said Wali ur-Rehman, who lost four children in the quake and cradled a surviving son, 2-year-old Kalil, in his arms. "It's a long, long way away, and they are helping us."

Six days after the temblor, the injured, many with open fractures that have become infected, were still pouring in from outlying villages to Balakot. From the air, it appeared the ground has been pulled out from under the town. Buildings were spread-eagled, tin roofs were grounded.

Local police and rescue workers estimated 2,000 to 3,000 had died in Balakot, including hundreds of children buried in three destroyed schools. Many more were feared dead in outlying villages, which have seen little of the aid that has gravitated toward the town.

The U.N. undersecretary general and emergency relief coordinator, Jan Egeland, flew over Kashmir by helicopter Thursday and warned time was running out for the tens of thousands left homeless by the quake.

"I fear we are losing the race against the clock in the small villages" cut off by blocked roads, Egeland said. "I've never seen such devastation before."

Fateh Sher, 22, a medical student volunteer in Balakot, said the American helicopter missions would change people's opinions of the United States - whose Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice promised long-term aid during Pakistan's "hour of need."

"The media and all others who come here can see that America can help us," Sher said.

Another volunteer, Irfan Haider, was more circumspect.

"America always helps, like they did during the tsunami," he said, referring to the assistance given by the U.S. military to areas of Indonesia, Thailand and other nations hit by the devastating waves that killed tens of thousands of people last December.

"But I think the U.S. should not help Israel. America's politics are still a problem," Haider said.

The eagerness of the U.S. military to escort journalists on sorties into the quake zone suggested the Army understands the public relations potential of the exercise.

Pakistan's government is a strong ally in the war on terrorism, yet its 150 million mostly Muslim people deeply resent the United States, a sentiment that has only deepened in the two years since the invasion of Iraq.

"Miss Behavin'" - the lewd logo of the Chinook - was covered with green gaffer tape to respect "cultural sensitivities," said Chief Warrant Officer Mark Jones of Seattle, the chief pilot, who usually flies the helicopter to support combat missions in eastern Afghanistan.

"This is a good job," he said of the assignment in Pakistan. "You see the people. They are scared and they're hurting. It's good to know we are getting them out to hospital, especially the kids."

Still, many of the quake victims appeared oblivious to where the choppers come from. Germany and Afghanistan also are contributing military helicopters, much needed in the mountainous terrain where many roads are still blocked by landslides.

The Chinook had no stars and stripes on its side and the nine crew barely disembarked during their mission and had minimal contact with the people they are helping.

Ur-Rehman, whose graying beard makes him look far older than his 40 years, initially guessed the Chinook that carried him and his son was from Brazil - after misinterpreting the meaning of a name tag worn by one of the American soldiers.

Ur-Rehman said he had carried Kalil on foot for four hours to Balakot from his home village of Zigan. The quake buried all eight of his children beneath his mud brick house, and he said he dug them out himself as there were no rescue workers to help.

"I found all my children. Four were dead, four were alive," ur-Rehman said, as he cradled Kalil, who had spent two days under the rubble.

After landing at a military air base near the capital, Islamabad, Kalil was sent to a hospital. The boy's left foot was bandaged and medics said it appeared to be turning gangrenous and might have to be amputated.

 

[sigatoka]

Pakistan already has Mi-17 which would perform a similar role as the Chinook. Rather than increasing the number of aircrafts, it would make more sense to purchase more Mi-17.

Secondly Russia is a more reliable supplier than U.S. and thirdly Pakistan doesn't possess a large enough Helicopter force to operate a dedicated heavy lift capability. The Mi-17 can also be fitted with Machine guns and rockets to provide modest close ground support which the Chinook can not.

 

[EagleEyes]

Thats true, I guess. Mi-17 is a perfect helicopter for Pakistan Army, it has helped Pakistan a lot. If Pakistan can get further more of these helicopters it will be quite beneficial for the army, and also in the relief efforts that are still being done by getting helicopters from foriegn nations.

Chinook can be the choice if and only if Pakistan Army has good enough funds to handle the operation and unit cost of it. Besides C-130 is the main aircraft that is often used to drop down SSGs in the troublesome region, so it wouldn't be a good idea to have Chinook, since there is no need for it, and others can provide the same capability that are already in service with Pakistan Army.

 

[farzansaeed07]

Yes these helicopters are extremely awesome. They can not only do relief works but can also be used in battle field!
Pakistan should ask Middle East countries for aid, this aid can be used to buy Chinook and Mi-17 Helicopters. Pakistan also need atleast 25 Apache's and 25 more cobra's to counter threat from Eastern border! F-22 and F-16 Block 60 are also required! Pakistan should also buy at least, one aircraft career.

BUT WE DON'T HAVE MONEY! LOL!

 

[SQ8]

Either money or political.. I am not sure, since time and time again we have had the opportunity to procure the Chinook but have not made the effort.
Every Army Av pilot Ive spoken to who has had time on the Chinook in the US is all praise for it.

 

[wulff]

Well, the iranians are apparently rebuilding their Shah-era chinooks. These can be gotten DIRT CHEAP and sanction free, but will likely cause major intellectual property rights infringement issues and the threat of sanction. If we buy some chinooks from the americans first, however, i think we can fill a major part of our transport fleet with iranian produced chinooks.... not very likely though :|

 

[razgriz19]

Well, the iranians are apparently rebuilding their Shah-era chinooks. These can be gotten DIRT CHEAP and sanction free, but will likely cause major intellectual property rights infringement issues and the threat of sanction. If we buy some chinooks from the americans first, however, i think we can fill a major part of our transport fleet with iranian produced chinooks.... not very likely though :|

well they are already under sanctions, they are as good as dead!
so basically they got nothing to lose but everything to gain!

and no PA will never buy chinooks or any other heavy life choppers! (no money, and they are very damn expensive to operate)
they're just gonna stick with mi-17!

 

[Irfan Baloch]

What do you guys think about Chinook Helicopters? Which are being used for relief effort, they are really awesome helicopters, mostly get used by U.S to transport troops, or a group of soldiers to a specific mission.

my cousin who served in Sindh regiment and was involved in the operations against BLA and in the tribal areas against Taliban had said few years back that Americans refused the chinook request flatley few times. these machines are way way good that no one realises. they make our troops movement very fast and can make our strike capability very potent

something which is not liked by pro-Indian lobbey unfortunately. so their likelyhood is as good as Apache gunships. the opponents of their sale to Pakistan point towards their effective and potent use against India. although they are a very must along with the better gunships in COIN operations. actually a must

good that you picked that matter up.
I am very strong supporter of havig something like these copters in our Army Aviation fleet but will be most likey rejected.

I wont even for a second buy the "grapes are sour" reasoning. they are not that complex to handle for Pakistani Aeronautical engineers, technicians and pilots

even Saudis are operating them (not sure who flies them). so having them will so greatly improve our strike capability, mobility and surprise that it can make the creative juices running for our military strategists which these resouces at the disposal. right amount of men and material can be deployed in time and places when the moments can change the course of war.

 

[Irfan Baloch]

Secondly Russia is a more reliable supplier than U.S. .

what makes you think that? do you know about the RD-93 engines issues with ahd regarding the sale?
I think you were thinking about India when you called Russia more reliable supplier.

they are causing all sorts of hurdles in JF-17 progam and are calling them reliable?

 

[H2O3C4Nitrogen]

Either money or political.. I am not sure, since time and time again we have had the opportunity to procure the Chinook but have not made the effort.
Every Army Av pilot Ive spoken to who has had time on the Chinook in the US is all praise for it.

Provided the Category of Heavy Lift Choppers , The overall operational cost of a Chinook is far more than its ordinary Russian and European Counterparts ..!!!
Why not Opt Mi-26

Mi-26 recovers MH-47E Chinook, Afghanistan

 

[Hulk]

India will be getting either these or MI-26, I prefer Russsian.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Prefer the Chinese heavy lift helicopters , as we will have ample supply of spareparts for repairs and upgrading

American stuff comes with too many strings not good anymore

Its like you are really hungry you go to resturant and order food when it comes its wonderful and your mouth is watery , the resturant owner comes and tell you

Sir , thank you for ordering the food would you mind if instead of regular size spoon you use , a tiny itsy bitsy spoon to eat and also we can't provide you water if you feel its too hot or spicy

 

[fatman17]

US has completed its flood-relief efforts and all assets returned back to the US.