Boeing HH-47 CSAR-X

The heavy-lift helicopter built for combat search and rescue missions.

Overview

Boeing Helicopters United States 2012–Onward $69 million

The Boeing HH-47 was a proposed combat search and rescue variant of the CH-47 Chinook. Developed under the CSAR-X program, it was intended to provide extended range and survivability. The program was later restructured before full production.

Specifications

Units
Engine
—
Engine type
-
Power
5,000 hp · 3,729 kW
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Common
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
60
Crew
—
Cabin width
7 ft 6 in  ·  2.29 m
Cabin height
6 ft 6 in  ·  1.98 m
Cabin length
30 ft 6 in  ·  9.30 m
Exterior length
98 ft 9 in  ·  30.10 m
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
60 ft 0 in  ·  18.29 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
57,000 lb  ·  25,900 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
21,000 lb  ·  9,550 kg
Fuel capacity
3,000 gal · 11,400 L · 9,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
152 kt  ·  175 mph  ·  282 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,160 nm  ·  1,330 mi  ·  2,150 km
Fuel burn
0.38 nm/gal  ·  0.19 km/L
Ceiling
18,000 ft  ·  5,500 m
Rate of climb
1,500 ft/min  ·  8 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Operational Context

Boeing HH-47 CSAR-X — proposed combat search and rescue helicopter

The HH-47 was based on the CH-47F Chinook platform and proposed in the mid-2000s for U.S. Air Force rescue missions. It incorporated additional fuel capacity, defensive systems, and specialized equipment. The design emphasized long-range recovery capability in contested environments.

Powered by twin turboshaft engines producing approximately 4,700 shaft horsepower each, the HH-47 would have cruised at around 160 knots (300 km/h). Maximum gross weight would exceed 50,000 pounds (22,700 kg). The aircraft was designed to carry rescue teams and recovered personnel.

The CSAR-X contract was ultimately canceled and recompeted, leading to alternative solutions. Although the HH-47 did not enter service, it reflected evolving requirements for combat rescue operations. The Chinook platform continues in other military roles.