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==Future operators==
==Future operators==

==={{TUR}}===
==={{TUR}}===
In 2009, Turkey requested 14 CH-47s through a [[Foreign Military Sales|Foreign Military Sale]].<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/pressreleases/36-b/2009/Turkey_09-70.pdf "Turkey – CH-47F CHINOOK Helicopters"]. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 8 December 2009.</ref> A finalized contract for the request was expected in mid-2010.<ref>Ozbek, Tolga. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/09/17/332275/special-forces-need-boosts-turkeys-chinook-request.html "Special forces need boosts Turkey's Chinook request"]. ''Flight International'', 17 September 2009.</ref> The final deal was signed in July 2011, it contains 6 helicopters for delivery between 2013 and 2014.<ref>[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkey-to-buy-its-first-heavy-lift-army-copters-2011-08-14 "Turkey to buy its first heavy-lift army copters"]. ''Hürriyet'', 14 August 2011.</ref>
In 2009, Turkey requested 14 CH-47s through a [[Foreign Military Sales|Foreign Military Sale]].<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/pressreleases/36-b/2009/Turkey_09-70.pdf "Turkey – CH-47F CHINOOK Helicopters"]. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 8 December 2009.</ref> A finalized contract for the request was expected in mid-2010.<ref>Ozbek, Tolga. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/09/17/332275/special-forces-need-boosts-turkeys-chinook-request.html "Special forces need boosts Turkey's Chinook request"]. ''Flight International'', 17 September 2009.</ref> The final deal was signed in July 2011. It contains 6 helicopters for delivery between 2013 and 2014.<ref>[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkey-to-buy-its-first-heavy-lift-army-copters-2011-08-14 "Turkey to buy its first heavy-lift army copters"]. ''Hürriyet'', 14 August 2011.</ref>

==={{IND}}===
The CH-47 was in a competition against the [[Mil Mi-26]] for the [[Indian Air Force]]'s heavy lift helicopter requirement. After some confusion about the selection process, the Chinook was officially declared the winner on December 6, 2012. The initial proposal calls for 15 CH-47F helicopters.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-taps-ch-47f-as-final-contender-in-heavy-lift-deal-379851/ India taps CH-47F as final contender in heavy lift deal] - Flightglobal.com, December 6, 2012</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 22:34, 6 December 2012

Military CH-47 Chinook Operators (former operators in red)

This is a list of military units using the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Operators

Past and Present

 Argentina

Argentine Air Force[1]
  • VII Brigada Aérea (7th Air Brigade) received 3 CH-47C (Model 308). The role of these helicopters was transport and Antarctic support making the first crossing on November 30, 1980 between Ushuaia and Marambio Base.[2] They were updated to the long nose weather radar configuration. One was lost in an accident in Antarctica on January 1982 due to a transmission failure. The other two participated in the Falklands War operating from Port Stanley and returning to the continent few days before the war ended. In the 1990s were used for aerial firefighting. They were stored in 2002 and finally retired by 2004. Both airframes have been preserved.
Argentine Army

AE520 captured by the British forces on 14 June 1982. AE-520 was taken to the Fleetlands Facility, in the United Kingdom and used as a ground trainer. The rear fuselage was used to repair a Royal Air Force Chinook HC2. It was then scrapped and serviceable mechanical items common to RAF Chinooks were removed. The cockpit was donated to the United States Missing in Action/Prisoner of War recovery project. [citation needed]

AE521 was hit on the ground on 21 May 1982 by a Sea Harrier FRS.1 using a 30 mm cannon. Once disabled, the aircraft was later completely destroyed by a cluster bomb dropped by another Harrier.

 Australia

A RAAF Chinook lifting the wreckage of an A-20 Boston

Twelve CH-47C were purchased by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with initial delivery in 1973. These machines were nicknamed "Chooks", an Australian slang term for "chicken". One RAAF CH-47C was lost in a crash in 1985. The other 11 were put into storage in 1989, when the Australian Army acquired the battlefield aviation role from the RAAF. Seven of these machines found their way eventually back to the US Army, as part of a deal in which the other four were updated to CH-47D standard and returned to Australian Army service.[3]

In 2000, an additional two CH-47Ds were ordered. Australian CH-47Ds are almost identical to US Army Chinooks in order to ensure logistical compatibility. Due to high operational tempo, the Australian Army (in 2009) is looking to replace its 6 CH-47Ds with 7 CH-47Fs.

One CH-47D crashed in Afghanistan in May 2011 during a resupply mission in Zabul Province, resulting in one fatally and five survivors. The helicopter was unable to be recovered and was destroyed in place.[4][5] To compensate for the loss, the ADF added two ex-US Army CH-47Ds to the fleet and are expected to be service until the introduction of the CH-47Fs in 2016.[6]

Australian Army

Seven CH-47Ds in service as of February 2012.[7]

Royal Australian Air Force

12 CH-47C Chinook helicopters were in service with the RAAF from 1974 to 1989.

 Canada

Canada bought eight CH-47Cs with deliveries beginning in 1974. These received the Canadian designation "CH-147". One was lost almost immediately while still in the USA, A/C 147001 . It was replaced by another later on at the end of the contract, A/C 47009. They were fitted with a power hoist above the crew door, as well a flight engineer station in the rear cabin and other modifications, a configuration referred to by Boeing as the "Super C". They were often fitted with skis. Two of these machines were lost in crashes, while the others were withdrawn from service in the early 1990s for cost reasons and were sold to the Netherlands.

As of 2009, Canada had 6 CH-47Ds in service (delivered 2008) and 15 CH-47Fs on order with all to be received by 2013-14.[8][9] One was lost to enemy small arms fire in 2010 with no serious injuries to personnel aboard.[10]

Royal Canadian Air Force
  • No. 447 and 450 Squadrons used 8 CH-47C, but they were sold after the squadrons were disbanded.
  • Canadian Forces' Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing operates the CH-47D in Afghanistan

 Republic of China

The Republic of China (Taiwan) purchased nine aircraft for their Army in 2002. The aircraft came complete with a full glass cockpit, coupled instrument and navigation systems, as well as the fat tanks mounted on the side.

Three Boeing model 234 are operated by Air Asia in Taiwan. They served previously with the Republic of China Army, until they purchased the CH-47SDs. The aircraft perform fire fighting, rescue and general cargo services within the country. The ROC had 9 CH-47SD in service as of November 2008.[8]

Republic of China Army - Aviation & Special Warfare Command

 Egypt

Egypt bought 15 CH-47Cs that were originally part of an order for Iran, which was cancelled after the fall of the Shah. As of November 2008, Egypt has 19 CH-47C/D Chinooks in service.[8]

Egyptian Air Force

 Greece

Greece bought ten CH-47Cs for the Greek Army, nine of which were later upgraded by Boeing to the CH-47D standard. As of November 2008, Greece had 15 CH-47DG/SD Chinooks in use.[8]

Greek Army
  • 1 TEEP/1 Lokos (Stefanoviklio)

 Iran

After an agreement signed between Boeing and Elicotteri Meridionali, the IIAF (Imperial Iranian Air Force ) purchased 20 Elicotteri Meridionali built CH-47Cs in 1971. The IIAA (Imperial Iranian Army Aviation) purchased 70 CH-47Cs from Elicotteri Meridionali during the period of 1972-1976. In late 1978, Iran placed an order for an additional 50 helicopters with Elicotteri Meridionali, but that order was canceled immediately after the revolution.

Iran obtained 60 CH-47Cs before the Islamic Revolution. A further 19 completed machines were embargoed in Italy following the taking of the US Embassy in Teheran in 1979. In 1981, following the release of the US hostages, the first 8 aircraft were delivered. The remaining 11 aircraft were sold to the US Army in 1985.[11]

On or about 21 July 1978, four Iranian CH-47C Chinooks penetrated 15–20 km into Soviet airspace in the Turkimenistan Military District. They were intercepted by a MiG-23M, shooting down one Chinook, killing eight crew members and forcing to land a second one.

A CH-47C of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army.

CH-47s performed outstanding service during the war with Iraq in the 1980s. Iran lost at least 8 Chinooks during the 1980-1988 war with Iraq. On 15 July 1983, an Iraqi Mirage F-1 destroyed three Iranian CH-47s flying low to deliver marines to the front line.

Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force

Equipped with CH-47C model. As of November 2008, the Iran Air Force had 4 CH-47C Chinooks in use.[8]

Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation

Equipped with CH-47C model. As of November 2008, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army had 22 CH-47C Chinooks in use.[8]

 Italy

Elicotteri Meridionali (EM) built 38 CH-47Cs for the Italian Army, 26 of which were later upgraded to the "CH-47C Plus" standard with fiberglass rotor blades and T55-L-412E engines. One is configured as a flying surgical operating room. The Italian Army is now investigating an upgrade program with AgustaWestland to update at least six of their Chinooks up to a special-missions configuration, along the lines of US Army MH-47 machines, with self-protection gear, advanced avionics, inflight refueling probe, NVG-compatible cockpit, armor, and armament. As of November 2008, the Italian Army had 26 CH-47Cs in operation.[8]

Italian Army Aviation
  • 1° Army Aviation Regiment "Antares"

 Japan

JGSDF's Kawasaki CH-47J

Boeing signed an agreement with Kawasaki to permit production of the type for Japanese military requirements as the "CH-47J".

Kawasaki obtained two as pattern machines in 1986 and then went on to build 54 more, with the first five assembled from kits supplied by Boeing. 40 of these CH-47Js were bought by the JGSDF, with another 16 obtained by the JASDF. Later production of JGSDF Chinooks has been to "CH-47JA" standard, with the machines fitted with enlarged saddle tanks, nose radar, an AN/AAQ-16 FLIR in a turret under the nose, and a partial glass cockpit.[12]

Japan Air Self-Defense Force
14 CH-47s in service as of November 2008.[8]
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
54 CH-47s in service as of November 2008.[8]

 South Korea

South Korea obtained 30 CH-47Ds, with 24 (including one lost in accident) in army service and 6 in air force service. The Korean air force machines are fitted for SAR, with larger fuel capacity and nose radar, and are referred to "HH-47Ds".

Republic of Korea Army
23 CH-47Ds in service as of November 2008.[8]
  • 301 Heavy Lift Aviation Squadron
Republic of Korea Air Force
6 HH-47Ds in service as of November 2008.[8]
  • 6 CCT/CSAR Squadron

 Libya

Libya bought 20 CH-47Cs, with six going to the Army and 14 going to the air force. All army helicopters are retired with 8 remaining with the air force. As of November 2008 the Libyan Air Force had 20 CH-47Cs in service.[8]

 Morocco

Morocco bought 12 CH-47Cs for the Royal Moroccan Air Force. As of November 2008, Morocco has 9 CH-47Cs in operation.[8]

Royal Moroccan Air Force

 Netherlands

CH-47D of the Royal Netherlands Air Force

The Netherlands acquired all seven of the Canadian Forces' surviving CH-147s and upgraded them to CH-47D standards. Six more new-build CH-47Ds were delivered in 1995 for a total of 13. The Dutch CH-47Ds feature a number of improvements over US Army CH-47Ds, including a long nose for Bendix weather radar, a "glass cockpit", and improved T55-L-714 engines. The Netherlands currently has 11 CH-47D Chinooks in operation, which will be updated to the CH-47F standard at a later date.[13] The Netherlands bought six CH-47F Chinooks in 2007 as the first export country for the new models, the first of which will be delivered in 2011.

Royal Netherlands Air Force
  • No. 298 Squadron

 Singapore

Singapore Airshow 2010: A CH-47SD of 127 Sqn on static display

Singapore obtained six CH-47Ds, and later ordered twelve of the new "Super D" Chinooks. As of November 2011, Singapore has 18 CH-47D/SD Chinooks in use.[14]

Republic of Singapore Air Force

 South Vietnam

A total of 34 CH-47s were captured by the NVA from the South Vietnamese near the end of the war.

Army of the Republic of Vietnam
  • 237th Squadron VNAF - Bien Hoa
  • 241st Squadron VNAF - Phu Cat
  • 247th Squadron VNAF - Da Nang
  • 249th Squadron VNAF - Can Tho
Note these CH-47s later acquired by the Vietnamese People's Air Force

 Spain

Spain bought a batch of 13 CH-47Cs under the designation of "HT.17s". Nine of these were later updated to CH-47D standard, and Spain also bought six new CH-47Ds. They have been used in Afghanistan. Spain had 17 CH-47D Chinooks in use with one more on order as of November 2008.[8]

Spanish Army Airmobile Force (Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra)
  • Transport Helicopter Battalion #5 - BHELTRA V (Colmenar Viejo, Madrid) - operates Boeing CH-47D Chinook (under Spanish designation HT.17)

 Thailand

A number of ex-US Army CH-47As were provided to Thailand. Thailand obtained five International CH-47Ds featuring nose radar, with delivery in 1989.

Royal Thai Army
6 CH-47D in service as of November 2008.[8]

 United Kingdom

Main article: Boeing Chinook (UK variants)
RAF Chinook HC.2 (ZA677)

The Royal Air Force (RAF) introduced the Chinook HC1 into service in the summer of 1981 following an order for 33. These have been supplemented by further orders and earlier helicopters have been upgraded.

Royal Air Force

 United States

The US Army has 413 CH-47D/F Chinooks in use and 213 ordered as of November 2008.[8]

United States Army Active Duty Units
Army Reserve
  • HHC, 7/158th Avn (Heavy Lift) (Fort Hood, Texas)
  • A Co(-), 7/158th Avn (Heavy Lift) (Fort Hood, Texas)
  • Det 1, A Co, 7/158th Avn (Heavy Lift) (Fort Carson, Colorado)
  • B Co, 7/158th Avn (Heavy Lift) (Olathe, Kansas)
  • HHC, 5/159th Avn (Heavy Lift) (Fort Eustis, Virginia)
  • A Co, 5/159th Avn (Heavy Lift) (Fort Lewis, Washington)
  • B Co, 5/159th Avn (Heavy Lift) (Fort Eustis, Virginia)
Army National Guard

 Vietnam

Vietnam People's Air Force
captured ex-VNAF Chinooks in 1975, these helicopters were incorporated into the 917th Mixed Air Regiment, "Dong Thap", of the Vietnam People's Air Force. Used in Cambodia invasion in 1979 and in the small war with China, during the same year. As of November 2008, the Vietnam had no CH-47 Chinooks remaining in inventory.[8] Two abandoned shells for ex-US CH-47A were found in 1996.[15]

Future operators

 Turkey

In 2009, Turkey requested 14 CH-47s through a Foreign Military Sale.[16] A finalized contract for the request was expected in mid-2010.[17] The final deal was signed in July 2011. It contains 6 helicopters for delivery between 2013 and 2014.[18]

 India

The CH-47 was in a competition against the Mil Mi-26 for the Indian Air Force's heavy lift helicopter requirement. After some confusion about the selection process, the Chinook was officially declared the winner on December 6, 2012. The initial proposal calls for 15 CH-47F helicopters.[19]

References

  1. ^ pictorial
  2. ^ [1]
  3. ^ "RAAF/Army A15 Boeing Chinook CH47C/D". www.adf-serials.com. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
  4. ^ Dodd, Mark (31 May 2011). "Insurgent fire may have caused fatal Chinook crash in Afghanistan". The Australian. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  5. ^ "PRESS CONFERENCE WITH CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ANGUS HOUSTON AND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE STEPHEN SMITH". Department of Defence. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  6. ^ "ADF Bolsters CH-47D Chinook Capability". Ministerial press release. Department of Defence. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 25 December 2011.
  7. ^ "Acceptance of two CH-47D Chinook Helicopters". Ministerial press release. Department of Defence. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Directory: World Air Forces". Flight International, 11–17 November 2008.
  9. ^ "Canadian military acquiring new helicopters, drones". CBC News. 7 August 2008.
  10. ^ "Canadian Forces confirms helicopter was brought down by small arms fire". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. 7 August 2010.
  11. ^ http://www.chinook-helicopter.com/Research/CH-47_Chinook_Research_Information.html
  12. ^ The Boeing Chinook. 01 dec 09. Air Vectors. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
  13. ^ Boeing, Netherlands MOD Mark 1st Flight of Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47F (NL) Chinook January 26, 2011
  14. ^ a b Jerry, Gunner (November 2011). "Chinook at 50 - World Wokka Operators - Republic of Singapore Air Force". Air Forces Monthly. 284. Key Publishing Ltd: p.88 (pp.84–90). ISSN 0955-7091. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |pages= has extra text (help)
  15. ^ http://www.chinook-helicopter.com/news/Derelict_Vietnam_Chinooks/Left_Behind.html
  16. ^ "Turkey – CH-47F CHINOOK Helicopters". Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 8 December 2009.
  17. ^ Ozbek, Tolga. "Special forces need boosts Turkey's Chinook request". Flight International, 17 September 2009.
  18. ^ "Turkey to buy its first heavy-lift army copters". Hürriyet, 14 August 2011.
  19. ^ India taps CH-47F as final contender in heavy lift deal - Flightglobal.com, December 6, 2012

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to CH-47 Chinook.
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