First introduced in 1962, the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter is still used by armed forces in the United States, Japan and Netherlands. It is also used by several civilian helicopter operators around the world.

This twin engine helicopter, which weighs only 30,000 pounds, has two main intermeshing rotors, which give it the ability to carry up to 50,000 pounds of cargo. And it can fly at over 260 km/h while carrying that heavy load.

This beast is designed primarily for troop transport, and can deliver 33-55 armed soldiers to where they need to get to safely. Its also armed with three 7.62 machine guns to defend itself as well as provide cover to exiting troops. 

This massive machine can also perform water extractions, wherein it can land in water, lower its ramp and allow a boat to drive into its hull! No wonder this is such a badass machine.

This chopper has even been used extensively in combat. It was deployed on active duty during the Vietnam, Iran-Iraq and Falklands wars. Even today, US troops use it in Iraq and Afghanistan. More recently, Chinooks were used to cool nuclear reactors with sea water in wake of the earthquake in Japan.

The approximate cost of one of these monster helicopters is a whopping $35 million. So if you're still making a down payment on your Tata Nano, we recommend you keep looking for a cheaper way to fly!

Here's a CH-47 demonstration at the NATO Airbase:

⁣

For more about the world's most extreme machines, check out "Greatest Ever" on the Discovery Turbo channel every Thursday at 9 pm.

⁣ 

-Pictures © Thinkstock-

Chinook, Helicopter, weapon, weapons, usa, military

Post your comment