British publishing house Jane's Information Group has reported interesting news for those who follow the upgrades in the field of military equipment. The Boeing concern is upgrading its heavy CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter. The model will receive a new composite three-blade, which will significantly increase the capacity of the device.
More than half a century in the service
The US Army began using a helicopter back in 1962. Since then, he has repeatedly modernized. It is used by dozens of countries around the world not only for military purposes, but also for civilian purposes. Over the years of operation, it has become the hallmark of the Boeing company. Chinook was used in hot spots in Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam.
The latest version, CH-47F, went to the army in 2008. The 30-meter machine has a longitudinal scheme and 2 rotors, it is capable of carrying loads weighing up to 11,000 kg. The helicopter can fly a distance of up to 741 km at a speed of up to 315 km / h. To many, he is familiar from the militants of the 90s and modern computer games. During the Vietnam War, he evacuated damaged armored vehicles from the battlefield. Perhaps this is one of the most recognizable transport helicopters in the world.
New Upgraded Version
The new modification will receive updated blades with three different profiles, located from the root to the end. The tips are additionally bent. Experts expect that such modifications of the rotor will increase the capacity of the device by 680 kg.
The upgraded helicopter was called Block ll. The number of its fuel tanks was reduced from 6 to 2, which will increase the capacity of the fuel system and reduce its weight. Also, the transmission will undergo processing. Concern announced that the first improved device will be assembled as early as 2018. Full tests will begin in 2019, and the first copies of the US Air Force will receive in 2023.
Such tests are not only engaged in the firm Boeing. In 2017, the Russian military began testing a MI-171E helicopter with a composite rotor. Its blades are much lighter than those of a conventional apparatus, and significantly improve the flight characteristics of the vehicle.
