WOW275 Boeing CH-47 Chinook

Description

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American designed twin engined tandem rotor helicopter manufactured by Boeing. The CH-47 is among the heaviest lifting helicopters in the West. Its name derives from the native American Indian Chinook tribe. By February 1966 the US army had 161 of these aircraft in its inventory, just in time for the Vietnam conflict.

The most spectacular mission in Vietnam for the Chinook was the placing of artillery batteries in perilous mountain positions inaccessible by any other means, and then keeping them resupplied with large quantities of ammunition. The 1st Cavalry Division found that its CH-47s were limited to a 7,000-pound (3,200 kg) payload when operating in the mountains, but could carry an additional 1,000 pounds (450 kg) when operating near the coast. The early Chinook design was limited by its rotor system which did not permit full use of the installed power and users were anxious for an improved version which would upgrade this system.

As with any new piece of equipment, the Chinook presented a major problem of “customer education”. Commanders and crew chiefs had to be constantly alert that eager soldiers did not overload the temptingly large cargo compartment. It would be some time before troops would be experts at using sling loads. The Chinook soon proved to be such an invaluable aircraft for artillery movement and heavy logistics that it was seldom used as an assault troop carrier. Some of the Chinook fleet was used for casualty evacuation and due to the very heavy demand for the helicopters, they were usually overburdened with wounded. Perhaps the most cost effective use of the Chinook was the recovery of other downed aircraft.
The CH-47s in Vietnam were generally armed with a single
7.62 mm M60 machine gun on a pintle mount on either side of the aircraft.
Dust filters were also added to improve engine reliability. At its peak employment in Vietnam, 22 Chinook units were in operation. Of the 750 Chinook helicopters in the U.S. and South Vietnam fleets, about 200 were lost in combat or wartime operational accidents. The U.S. Army CH-47s supported the Australian army as and when required during their service in Vietnam.

The Chinook still operates today in various upgraded formats and has been one of the most successful helicopter designs of all time.

Our 1/32 scale Chinook in these markings is a limited run of 5 models worldwide. Comes with free NAM001 sentry figure as per the photos.
Priced at $1500/£1200 plus shipping depending on your location.