Military Helicopters
Boeing RAH-66 Comanche
ICAO: H66
Overview
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
- —
Gallery
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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.