An aircraft that perhaps epitomizes the capabilities of the modern helicopter more effectively than any other type, the mighty Boeing CH-47 Chinook has been in military service for over sixty years and shows no signs of disappearing from the skies anytime soon.
This heavy helicopter’s unique tandem twin-rotor configuration cleverly neutralizes the effects of engine torque, allowing each of its huge groups of blades to rotate in opposite directions, thus eliminating the need for the tail rotors traditionally associated with helicopters.
The impressive Chinook made its first flight in 1961 and has since become one of the most efficient aircraft of the post-war era, capable of operating in almost any environment, no matter how inhospitable the terrain. This has clearly made the Chinook invaluable for a wide range of missions, adeptly handling a multitude of military and civilian tasks.
The world's largest Chinook operator outside the US, the RAF ordered 33 of these heavy behemoths in 1978, with 18 Squadron having the honour of becoming the first British operational Chinook unit in August 1981.
These first helicopters were designated HC.1 (Helicopter Cargo Mk.1) and had barely entered service when events on the other side of the world necessitated their first overseas deployment. Following the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands in April 1982, five RAF ships were wrapped in Driclad PVC protective covers and loaded onto the deck of the requisitioned container ship Atlantic Conveyor.
