CH-47F(I) Chinook
Type: Heavy-Lift Helicopter
Domain: air
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Boeing
First Deployed: 2019
Overview
The CH-47F(I) Chinook is the only heavy-lift helicopter in the Indian inventory, with 15 aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. Procured specifically for the Himalayan theater, the Chinook fills the critical logistics and artillery positioning gap that no indigenous or previously operated helicopter could address. The tandem-rotor design provides exceptional payload at high altitude, enabling sling-loading of M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzers and their ammunition to mountain positions inaccessible by road. During the 2020 Galwan Valley crisis, Chinooks played a key role in the rapid military buildup along the LAC, airlifting troops and equipment to forward positions. The aircraft also supports disaster relief operations across the Himalayan states and HADR missions. With capacity for 33–55 troops or 12,700 kg sling load, it is irreplaceable for India high-altitude military operations.
Technical Specifications
| crew | 3 (two pilots + flight engineer) |
|---|---|
| engines | 2x Honeywell T55-GA-714A turboshaft (4,168 shp each) |
| capacity | 33–55 troops |
| max_speed | 315 km/h |
| fleet_size | 15 aircraft (IAF) |
| payload_sling | ~12,700 kg |
| rotor_diameter | 18.29 m (both rotors) |
| payload_internal | ~10,886 kg |
Operators
- Indian Air Force (IAF)
Related air Weapon Systems
- IAI Harpy - Anti-Radiation Loitering Munition (Israel)
- KC-46 Pegasus - Aerial Refueling Tanker (United States)
- EF-18M Hornet - Multirole Fighter (Spain)
- KUH-1 Surion - Medium Utility Helicopter (South Korea)
- CH-47F Chinook - helicopter (Germany)
- AH-64 Apache - Attack Helicopter (United States)
- AMX A-1M - strike (Brazil)
- APKWS - Air Defense Missile (United States)
- Kh-31P - Air-Launched Cruise Missile (Russia)
- A400M Atlas - Strategic/Tactical Transport Aircraft (Germany / France / Spain)