The mighty Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a helicopter that perhaps better highlights the capabilities of the modern helicopter than any other type.
It has been in military service for over sixty years and doesn’t look set to disappear from the skies any time soon.
The distinctive tandem twin-rotor configuration of this heavy-lift helicopter cleverly balances the effects of engine torque by rotating each of its huge rotor blades in opposite directions, eliminating the need for the tail rotors traditionally associated with helicopters.
The impressive Chinook made its first flight in 1961 and has since become one of the most effective post-war helicopter designs, capable of operating in almost any environment, no matter how inhospitable the terrain.
This has clearly made the Chinook invaluable in performing many tasks, and has seen it used competently in a wide range of military and civilian applications.
As the world’s largest Chinook operator outside the US, the Royal Air Force ordered 33 of these heavy-lift behemoths in 1978, with No.18 Squadron having the honor of becoming Britain’s first operational Chinook unit in August 1981.
These first helicopters were designated HC.1 (Helicopter Cargo Mk.1) and had barely entered service when events on the other side of the world necessitated their first overseas deployment.
Following the Argentinian invasion of the Falklands in April 1982, five RAF Chinooks were wrapped in Driclad PVC protective covers and loaded onto the deck of the seized container ship Atlantic Conveyor.
Tragically, all but one of these helicopters were lost following an Exocet missile attack on the ship, with this surviving Chinook achieving legendary status within the RAF.
The latest variants of the mighty Chinook have been in service with the Royal Air Force for over 42 years and are sure to remain in service for many years to come.

Plastic model kit

Marking options:

• Boeing Chinook HC.1, “Bravo November”, No. 18 Squadron Royal Air Force, “Operation Corporate”, Falkland Islands, South Atlantic, May – June 1982
• Boeing Chinook HC.1, No. 7 Squadron, Operation “Granby” / Desert Storm, Gulf Region, May 1991

Scale 1:72

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included