Starboard panel : CH-47D Chinook, A15-202, 5th Aviation Regiment, Australian Army Accession Number: AWM2016.234.1.1

Description

Aluminium access panel from the starboard side of the rear pylon of Chinook A15 202.

Contextual Description

This aircraft served with C Squadron of the 5th Aviation Regiment, Australian Army from 2000 until its retirement on 19 April 2016, when it was flown to Canberra for delivery to the Australian War Memorial. A15-202 saw extensive service in Afghanistan as part of 'Operation Slipper', where it took part in combat operations. The aircraft was damaged by enemy fire during a troop insertion in Afghanistan in 2009, and its pilot, Captain Michael Whitney, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership and composure during the incident.

The CH 47 Chinook was designed in the late 1950s, with the first production models being delivered to the US Goverment in February 1962. By 1965 the aircraft type had seen extensive combat service in Vietnam, and they continued to provide support throughout the War. The RAAF first acquired CH 47C models in 1972. A number of these were upgraded during the 1980s to 'D' models. This particular aircraft - A15-202 - was however, manufactured and delivered in 2000 as a 'D' model.

The CH 47 D was the first medium lift helicopter capable of lifting an M198 155mm howitzer, and the first Chinook model capable of in flight re-fueling. The aircraft can climb at 1000m per minute and hover at 5000m and can accomodate 44 combat troops, and sling external loads under the fuselage using a three hook system for a maximum payload of 12 tonnes. The CH47D is being replaced in Australian service by the CH47F.