Tag Archives: helicopter

Technology

The CH-47 Chinook: How Boeing Has Engineered A 60-Year Legacy Of Flight

The U.S. Army intends to keep using the CH-47 Chinook helicopter until the 2060s, which means the helicopter will be 100 years old by the time it’s retired. However, it’s important to note that the CH-47 Chinook used by the U.S. Army today is not the same as the one from the 1960s.

Although the exterior may look almost identical, continuous improvement and robust maintenance of the helicopter’s components over the years have made the Chinook, especially the latest CH-47F Block 2 models, a modern and reliable military aircraft. This has contributed to the exceptional and somewhat unique longevity of the aircraft. Over the years, various models of the Chinook have been built, including the CH-47A, B, C, D, E, and F. There is also the special MH-47G Chinook, specifically designed for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

Recently, Boeing announced that the Egyptian military has requested the delivery of the CH-47F Block 2 — the latest model of the Chinook — to modernize its fleet. These helicopters are expected to be delivered in 2026. Currently, CH-47s are in use by various militaries around the world. The solid design foundations and continuous improvement of the CH-47 have given it remarkable longevity, and it is expected to continue being used globally for the foreseeable future.

Technology

The Top 12 Best Attack Helicopters Ever Used In War, Ranked

The Changhe Z-10 is China’s first native attack helicopter, designed for anti-armor and close air support missions. It was created as the People’s Liberation Army’s answer to America’s AH-1 Cobra. However, it is much larger, heavier, and less agile compared to its U.S. counterpart. Despite being produced around 40 years later, it has approximately 50% of the Cobra’s firepower, making it a statistically poor adversary. With a weight of 7,500 kilograms, it is even heavier than contemporaries such as the Eurocopter Tiger and A129 Mangusta. Due to its weight requirements, China failed to meet the criteria for the Changhe Z-10 to be used by E.U. nation militaries.

Nevertheless, the Changhe Z-10 incorporates modern avionics and weaponry, boosting its reputation on the world stage. This includes features such as helmet-mounted optics, radar warning systems, ejector seats, stealth properties, and advanced GPS navigation. Its armament consists of a 23-millimeter machine gun, rockets, and missiles, with a payload of up to 1,500 kilograms when fully loaded.

Although China is currently facing conflict and tension along its borders, the Changhe Z-10 has seen limited action. Due to its lesser capabilities compared to its peers, it ranks at the lowest position on this list.

[Featured image by Shimin Gu via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | GFDL 1.2]

Technology

9 Of The Oldest Military Helicopters Still In Service Today

The Sikorsky H-34 is one of the oldest military helicopters that is still in service today. It was first introduced in 1954 as an anti-submarine helicopter, but it was also used for cargo transport and troop transportation. Initially developed for the U.S. Navy, it eventually made its way to 25 other countries for use in both military and civilian capacities. Production of the H-34 ceased in 1970, with a total of 1,800 to 2,100 units manufactured, including various subvariants and versions known as the CH-34.

The H-34 played a significant role during its time. It was primarily utilized by the U.S. during the Vietnam War. Afterward, it found homes in countries such as France, South Vietnam, Israel, and others. One notable mission involved attempting to retrieve NASA’s Liberty Bell 7 from the Atlantic Ocean, although it ultimately failed due to the spacecraft being filled with seawater.

Throughout the 1960s, the H-34 underwent numerous modifications by Sikorsky for various purposes. As a result, it is challenging to find original versions of the helicopter. Most examples on display in museums or used in civilian operations are likely the modified variants. However, the Palm Springs Air Museum regularly operates an original Sikorsky H-34.