The Boeing MH-47E Chinook is a Special Forces support helicopter in service with the US Army since 1992. Like its successor, the MH-47G, it was especially designed for night insertion and to operate behind enemy lines. It is packed with fire power in the form of two window-mounted 12.7-mm, three-barrel rotary machine guns and Stinger air-to-air missiles. The MH-47E has similar capabilities as the MH-47D, but includes an increased fuel capacity similar to the CH-47SD, terrain following radar, and in-flight refueling probe. A total of 30 Special Operations Aircraft were produced. All aircraft were assigned to 2–160th SOAR(A) "Nightstalkers", home based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. E models were conversions from existing CH-47C model airframes.
With the Boeing MH-47E, the US Army enhanced its ability to carry out secret missions deep in enemy territory at night and in bad weather-conditions. This dark, dangerous-looking, special operations chopper is the heir of the much-admired Chinook of the nostalgic Vietnam War era. With a high-tech, terrain-following radar and infra-red sensor, the MH-47E and MH-47G are the trump cards of the US Army's famous ''Night Stalkers''. According to experts, the primary objective of this night insertion helicopter is to give 90% probability of successfully completing a six-hour, deep-penetration, clandestine mission over 560 km (350 miles) radius.
The MH-47E was developed from the CH-47 Chinook. Thus, it has an all-metal fuselage, with a large rear ramp that allows the Special Forces troops and their equipment to access and exit the helicopter quickly. It is powered by two Lycoming T55 turboshaft engines, each one capable of delivering 4,733 sHP. The MH-47E can quickly be distinguished from other Chinook helicopters by the air refueling probe that extends from the forward portion of chopper fuselage. Other vital changes are avionics and weapon systems, especially the APQ-174 all-weather, terrain-following radar.
Specifications
Type: Special Forces support helicopter
Rotor Diameter: 18.28 m (60 feet)
Rotor Area: 282.60 m2 (3,041 square feet)
Length: 15.87 m (52 feet, 1 inch)
Height: 5.59 m (18 feet, 4 inches)
Power Plant: two Textron Lycoming T55-I-714 turboshaft engines
Maximum Speed: 285 km/h (177 mph)
Cruising Speed: 259 km/h (161 mph)
Crew: two
Capacity: 55 troops
Armament: two 12.7-mm (.50 cal.) GAU-19/A, three-barrel, rotary machine guns; Stinger air-to-air missiles.
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| Above, an MH-47E about to touch down on airbase tarmac. Notice the air refueling probe sticking out from fuselage. |
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| The MH-47G version parked on airbase. |