MH-47E Chinook
The MH-47E is a highly upgraded CH-47 'Chinook', the twin-rotor workhorse of the US Army. MH-47Es are operated by the US Army's Special Operation Aviation Regiment (SOAR) or 'The Nightstalkers'. The MH-47E is designed to be a long range insertion/extraction and re supply aircraft, dedicated to supporting US Special Operations forces.
MH-47E of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). |
To enable it to carry out its high-risk missions, the MH-47E carries a full package of navigation systems and defensive aids. These include a terrain-following radar and forward-looking infra-red sensor that allows the MH-47E to operate below 100ft in adverse weather and at night. Radar and laser warning receivers, chaff launchers and radar/ir jammers protect against potential threats. 2 gun ports, one each side, accomodate machine guns, usually 7.62mm miniguns or .50 caliber M2 machine guns. The MH-47 can fly with the rear ramp open and a further gun position can be manned from there.
The MH-47E is due for a further upgrade in the near future. The MH-47G will add improved avionics and communications systems to the existing set.
MH-47E Specifications
An advanced avionic suite featuring an APQ-174 terrain-following radar dome and the AAQ-16 FLIR housed under the chin, allows the MH-47 to fly at low level, at night and in all weathers..
| Crew |
Pilot, Co-pilot + 3 crew chiefs/gunners |
| Engines |
2xTextron Lycoming T55-4-714 Turboshaft engines |
| Dimensions |
L - 15.87m
W (rotor diameter) - 18.82m
H - 5.59m |
| Weights |
12,210 kg (empty)
24,494 kg (max loadout) |
| Max Speed |
259 kph |
| Range |
1382 km |
| Armament |
3 gun ports (port/starboard and rear) :
m134 7.62mm miniguns and/or .50 M2 HB machine guns |
| Avionics |
Texas Instruments AN/APQ-174A terrain-following-radar
Hughes AN/AAQ-16 FLIR in chin turret
BM-AlliedSignal integrated avionics with four-screen NVG compatible EFIS
dual MIL-STD-1553 digital databusses
AN/ASN-145 AHRS; jamming-resistant radios
Rockwell Collins CP1516-ASQ automatic target hand-off system
inertial AN/ASN-137 Doppler,
Rockwell Collins AN/ASN-149(V)2 GPS receiver and terrain-referenced positioning navigation systems
Rockwell Collins ADF-149
Perkin-Elmer AN/AVR-2 laser
E-Systems AN/APR-39A laser warning receiver
Honeywell AN/AAR-47 missile warning systems
ITT AN/ALQ-136(V) pulse jammer and
Northrop Grumman AN/ALQ-162 CW jammer
Tracor M-130 chaff/flare dispensers
digital moving map display |
The 160th SOAR support the full range of US Special Operations forces such as these Airforce pararescuemen. The Chinook is the only US Army helicopter that can land directly onto water. |
The MH-47E's rear ramp allows for rapid loading/unloading of troops and cargo. Up to 44 Special Forces troops can be carried. Other loads include large fuel bladders (up to 3 3182 litres). These are used to establish/re supply forward refueling bases (in so-called 'Fat Cow' missions). 2 x Ranger SOV Landrovers can be stowed inside and driven off apon landing as can SEAL's Zodiac inflatable boats - deployed when the MH-47 belly-lands on water. |
MH-47E FEATURES
- telescopic in-flight refueling via probe attached to fuselage for air-or-air refueling from KC-130 tankers
- all-weather capability
- flare launchers on each side of the fuselage
- radar warning receivers and chaff-launchers to protect against radar-homing threats
- abseiling/fast-roping rig for deployment of Special Operations troops
- able to land on water for launch/recovery of SEAL teams
- external drop-tanks extend the MH-47's max range
- cockpit compatible with night vision goggles (NVGs)
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A MH-47E of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment takes off from the deck of the US amphibious assault ship USS Wasp. This shot provides a clear view of the array of chaff and flare-launchers attached along the fuselage.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class D. Keith Simmons
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