Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight

CH-46 Sea Knight
CH-46 Sea Knight
Role Cargo helicopter
Manufacturer Vertol Aircraft Corp.
Boeing Vertol
First flight August 1962
Introduction 1964
Retired 24 September 2004 (US Navy)[1]
Status Active service
Primary users United States Marine Corps
Japan
Saudi Arabia
Sweden
Produced 1962–1971
Number built H-46: 524[2]
Unit cost US$6 million in 1987[3]
Variants CH-113 Labrador

The Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight is a medium-lift tandem rotor transport helicopter, used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to provide all-weather, day-or-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment. Assault Support is its primary function, and the movement of supplies and equipment is secondary. Additional tasks include combat support, search and rescue, support for forward refueling and rearming points, CASEVAC and Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP). The commercial version is the BV 107-II, commonly referred to as simply the "Vertol".

Contents

Development

Piasecki Helicopter was a pioneering developer of tandem-rotor helicopters, with the most famous previous helicopter being the H-21 "Flying Banana". Piasecki Helicopter became Vertol in 1955 and work began on a new tandem rotor helicopter designated the Vertol Model 107 or V-107 in 1956. The V-107 prototype had two Lycoming T53 turboshaft engines, producing 877 shp (640 kW) each.[4] The first flight of the V-107 took place on 22 April 1958.[5] The V-107 was then put through a flight demonstration tour in the US and overseas. In June 1958, the US Army awarded a contract to Vertol for ten production aircraft designated "YHC-1A".[6]

The order was later decreased to three, so the Army could divert funds to the V-114, also a turbine powered tandem, but larger than the V-107.[6] The Army's three YHC-1As were powered by GE-T-58 engines. The YHC-1As first flew in August 1959, and were followed by an improved commercial/export model, the 107-II.[2] During 1960, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) evolved a requirement for a twin-turbine troop/cargo assault helicopter to replace the piston engine types then in use. Following a design competition, Boeing Vertol was selected to build its model 107M as the HRB-1, early in 1961.[2] Boeing had acquired Vertol in 1960 and renamed the group Boeing Vertol.[6]

The helicopter was first procured in 1961[7] to meet the medium-lift requirements of the Marine Corps.[8] Its first flight in August 1962 was followed by a change in designation to CH-46A. Fleet introduction of CH-46As with the Marines and the Navy's UH-46As in November 1964. The UH-46A variant was modified for use in the vertical replenishment role.[2] The CH-46A was equipped with a pair of T58-GE8-8B turboshaft engines rated at 1,250 shp (930 kW) each and could carry 17 passengers or 4,000 pounds (1,815 kg) of cargo.[9]

Production of the improved CH-46D followed with deliveries beginning in 1966. Its improvements included modified rotor blades and more powerful T58-GE-10 turboshaft engines[2] rated at 1,400 shp (1,040 kW) each. The increased power allowed the D-model to carry 25 troop or 7,000 pounds (3,180 kg) of cargo.[9] Along with the USMC CH-46Ds, the Navy received a small number of UH-46Ds for ship resupply.[10] Also, approximately 33 CH-46As were upgraded to CH-46Ds.[9]

The Marines also received CH-46Fs from 1968 to 1971. The F-model retained the D-model's T58-GE-10 engines but revised the avionics and included other modifications. The CH-46F was the final production model.[2] The Sea Knight has undergone upgrades and modifications. Most USMC Sea Knights were upgraded to CH-46E standard. The CH-46E features fiberglass rotor blades, airframe reinforcement, and further uprated T58-GE-16 engines producing 1,870 shp (1,390 kW) each. Some CH-46Es have been given doubled fuel capacity.[9] The Dynamic Component Upgrade (DCU) incorporated starting in the mid-1990s provides for increased capabilities through strengthened drive systems and rotor controls.

The commercial variant, the BV 107-II, was first ordered by New York Airways in 1960. They took delivery of their first three aircraft, configured for 25 passengers, in July 1962.[7] In 1965, Boeing Vertol sold the manufacturing rights of the 107 to Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Under this arrangement, all Model 107 civilian and military aircraft built in Japan are known as KV 107.[7]

On 15 December 2006, Columbia Helicopters, Inc acquired the type certificate for the Boeing Vertol 107-II, and is in the process of acquiring a Production Certificate from the FAA. Plans for actual production of the aircraft have not been announced.[7]

Design

The CH-46 has tandem contrarotating rotors powered by two GE T58 turboshaft engines. The engines are mounted on each side of the rear rotor pedestal with a driveshaft to the forward rotor. The engines are coupled so either could power both rotors in an emergency. The rotors feature three blades and can be folded for on-ship operations.[9]

The CH-46 has a cargo bay with a rear loading ramp that could be removed or left open in flight for extended cargo or for parachute drops. An internal winch is mounted in the forward cabin and can be used to pull external cargo on pallets into the aircraft via the ramp and rollers. A belly sling hook (cargo hook) which is usually rated at 10,000 lb (4,500 kg). could be attached for carrying external cargo. Although the hook is rated at 10,000 lb (4,500 kg)., the limited power produced by the engines preclude the lifting of such weight. It usually has a crew of three, but can accommodate a larger crew depending on mission specifics. For example, a Search and Rescue variant will usually carry a crew of five (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Crew Chief, Swimmer, and Medic) to facilitate all aspects of such a mission. A pintle-mounted 0.50 in (12.7 mm) Browning machine gun is mounted on each side of the helicopter for self-defense.[9] Service in southeast Asia resulted in the addition of armor with the guns.[2]

The CH-46 has fixed tricycle landing gear, with twin wheels on all three units. The gear configuration causes a nose-up stance to facilitate cargo loading and unloading. The main gear are fitted in rear sponsons that also contain fuel tanks with a total capacity of 350 US gallons (1,438 L).[9]

Operational history

Military

Known colloquially as the "Phrog", and used in all Marine combat and peacetime environments since its introduction.[11] Still regularly flown by the Marine Corps, its longevity as a reliable airframe has led to such mantras as "phrogs phorever" and "never trust a helicopter under 30".[12]

CH-46E Sea Knights were used by the USMC during its 2003 invasion of Iraq. CH-46Es transported personnel, brought supplies to forward arming and refueling points (FARP), carried ammunition and various tasks. Marine CH-46Es and CH-53Es carried US Army Rangers and Special Operations troops in a mission to extract captured Army Private Jessica Lynch from an Iraqi hospital on 1 April 2003.[13]

While the United States Navy retired the airframe on September 24, 2004, replacing it with the MH-60S Knighthawk,[1] the Marine Corps plans to maintain its fleet until the MV-22 is fully fielded.[14] In March 2006 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 (HMM-263) was deactivated and redesignated VMM-263 to serve as the first MV-22 squadron.[15] The replacement process is expected to continue through the other medium helicopter squadrons into 2014.

Civilian

The Civilian version, the BV 107-II Vertol[16] was developed prior to the military CH-46, and was operated commercially by New York Airways, Pan American World Airways and currently solely by Columbia Helicopters.[16] As of 15 December 2006 Columbia Helicopters has purchased the Type certificate of the Model 107 from Boeing.[17] Currently the company is seeking FAA issuance of a Production Certificate to produce parts with eventual issuance of a PC to produce aircraft.

Variants

US versions

Total U.S. H-46 production amounted to 525, ending in 1971.[18]

Model 107 
Company model number for basic prototype, 1 built.[19]
Model 107-II 
Commercial airline helicopter. All subsequent commercial aircraft were produced as BV 107-II-2, 2 built as Boeing Vertol prototypes, 5 sold to New York Airways, 10 supplied to Kawasaki as sub-assemblies or as parts.[20]
Model 107M 
Company model number for military transport of BV-107/II-2 for the United States Marine Corps.[18]
YHC-1A 
Vertol Model 107 for test and evaluation by the United States Army. Adopted by the United States Marine Corps as the HRB-1. Later redesignated YCH-46C, 3 built.
HRB-1 
Original designation before being renamed as CH-46A before delivery under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system.
CH-46A 
Medium-lift assault and cargo transport and SAR helicopter for the USMC, fitted with two 1,250 shp (935 kW) General Electric T58-GE-8 turboshaft engines. Previously designated HRB-1. 160 built for USMC, 1 static airframe.
UH-46A 
Medium-lift utility transport helicopter for the United States Navy. Similar to the CH-46A. 14 built.
HH-46A 
Approximately 50 CH-46As were converted into SAR helicopters for the United States Navy base rescue role.
RH-46A 
Planned conversion of CH-46As into minesweeping helicopters for the US Navy, none converted. Nine SH-3As were converted to the RH-3A configuration instead.
UH-46B 
Development of the CH-46A to specification HX/H2 for the United States Air Force; 12 ordered in 1962, cancelled and Sikorsky S-61R / CH-3C ordered instead.
YCH-46C 
YHC-1A redesignated in 1962. United States Army retained 2, NASA used 1 for vertical autonomous landing trials (VALT).
CH-46D 
Medium-lift assault and cargo transport helicopter for the USMC, fitted with two 1,400 shp (1,044 kW) General Electric T58-GE-10 turboshaft engines. 266 built.
HH-46D 
Surviving HH-46A were upgraded and a small number of UH-46Ds were converted into SAR helicopters. SAR upgrades included the addition of an external rescue hoist near the front crew door and a 18-inch X 18-inch Doppler RADAR system located behind the nose landing gear, which provided for automatic, day/night, over-water hovering capability for at sea rescue. Additionally a "Loud Hailer" was installed opposite the crew entrance door for communicating with downed aviators on the ground or in the water.
UH-46D 
Medium-lift utility transport helicopter for the US Navy combat supply role. Similar to the CH-46D. 10 built and one conversion from CH-46D.
CH-46E 
Approximately 275 -A, -D, and -F airframes were updated to CH-46E standards with improved avionics, hydraulics, drive train and upgraded T58-GE-16 and T58-GE-16/A engines.
HH-46E 
Three CH-46Es were converted into SAR helicopters for Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1) at MCAS Cherry Point.[21]
CH-46F 
Improved version of CH-46D, electrical distribution, com/nav update BUNO 154845-157726. Last production model in the United States. 174 built, later reverted to CH-46E.
VH-46F 
Unofficial designation of standard CH-46F used by HMX-1 as VIP support transport helicopter.
CH-46X 
Replacement helicopter based on the Boeing Model 360, this Advance Technology Demonstrator from the 1980s never entered production. The aircraft relied heavily on composites for its construction and had a beefier drive train to handle the twin Avco-Lycoming AL5512 engines (4,200 shp).[22]
XH-49 
Original designation of UH-46B.

Canadian versions

CH-113 Labrador 
Search and rescue version of the Model 107-II-9 for the Royal Canadian Air Force.[23]
CH-113A Voyageur 
Assault and utility transport version of the Model 107-II-28 for the Canadian Army. Later converted to CH-113A Labrador when the Canadian Forces acquired the CH-47 Chinook.[24]

Swedish versions

HKP 4A 
Boeing Vertol 107-II-14, used originally by Air Force for SAR, 10 built.[25]
HKP 4B 
Boeing Vertol 107-II-15, mine-layer/ASW/SAR helicopter for Navy, three built and one conversion from Boeing-Vertol civil prototype.[26]
HKP 4C 
Kawasaki KV-107-II-16, advanced mine-layer/ASW/SAR helicopter for Navy,eight built.
HKP 4D 
Rebuilt HKP 4A for Navy as SAR/ASW helicopter, four conversions.[27]

Japanese versions

[28]

KV-107II-1 (CT58-110-1)
Utility transport version, 1 built from Boeing supplied kits.
KV-107II-2 (CT58-110-1)
Commercial airline version, 9 built from Boeing supplied kits.
KV-107IIA-2 (CT58-140-1)
Improved version of the KV-107/II-2, 3 built.
KV-107II-3 (CT58-110-1)
Minesweeping version for the JMSDF, 2 built.
KV-107IIA-3 (CT58-IHI-10-M1)
Uprated version of the KV-107/II-3, 7 built.
KV-107II-4 (CT58-IHI-110-1)
Assault and utility transport version for the JGSDF, 41 built.
KV-107II-4A (CT58-IHI-110-1)
VIP version of the KV-107/II-4, 1 built.
KV-107IIA-4 (CT58-IHI-140-1)
Uprated version of the KV-107/II-4, 18 built.
KV-107II-5 (CT58-IHI-110-1)
Long-range SAR version for the JASDF, 17 built.
KV-107IIA-5 (CT58-IHI-104-1)
Uprated version of the KV-107II-5, 35 built.
KV-107II-7 (CT58-110-1)
VIP transport version, 1 built.
KV-107II-16
HKP 4C for Swedish Navy. Powered by Rolls-Royce Gnome H.1200 turboshaft engines, 8 built.
KV-107IIA-17 (CT58-140-1)
Long-range transport version for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, 1 built.
KV-107IIA-SM-1 (CT58-IHI-140-1M1)
Firefighting helicopter for Saudi Arabia, 7 built.
KV-107IIA-SM-2 (CT58-IHI-140-1M1)
Aeromedical and rescue helicopter for Saudi Arabia, 4 built.
KV-107IIA-SM-3 (CT58-IHI-140-1M1)
VIP transport helicopter for Saudi Arabia, 2 built.
KV-107IIA-SM-4 (CT58-IHI-140-1M1)
Air ambulance helicopter for Saudi Arabia, 3 built.

Operators

Military operators

 Saudi Arabia
 United States

Civilian operators

 Canada
 United States

Former operators

 Japan

 Sweden (All in Storage)

 Thailand

 United States

Notable accidents and incidents

Specifications (CH-46)

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

Aircraft on display

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ^ a b Crawley, James W.. "Swan song for Navy's ugly-duckling copter". SignonSanDiego.com. http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040924/news_2m24phrog.html. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g CH-46 history page, US Navy, 16 November 2000.
  3. ^ Military aircraft prices
  4. ^ Apostolo, Giorgio. "Boeing Vertol Model 107". The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. New York: Bonanza Books. 1984. ISBN 978-0-517-43935-7.
  5. ^ Donald, David ed. "Boeing Vertol Model 107 (H-46 Sea Knight)", The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Barnes & Nobel Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5.
  6. ^ a b c Spenser, Jay P. Whirlybirds, A History of the U.S. Helicopter Pioneers. University of Washington Press, 1998. ISBN 0-295-97699-3.
  7. ^ a b c d "Tandem Twosome", Vertical Magazine, February–March 2007
  8. ^ "CH-46 Sea Knight (H-49) "Phrog"". Globalsecurity.org. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/ch-46.htm. 
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Boeing Sea Knight, Vectorsite.net, July 1, 2004.
  10. ^ Eden, Paul, ed. "Boeing-Vertol H-46 Sea Knight", Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
  11. ^ "Boeing Vertol 107 - CH-46 Sea Knight". Helicopter History Site. Helis.com. http://www.helis.com/60s/h_h46.php. 
  12. ^ "Ask A Marine". HMM-364 Purple Foxy Ladies. http://www.purplefoxyladies.com/ask.html. 
  13. ^ Stout, Jay A. Hammer from Above, Marine Air Combat Over Iraq. Ballantine Books, 2005. ISBN 978-0-89141-871-9.
  14. ^ (PDF) Major Acquisition Programs - Aviation Combat Element Programs. Headquarters Marine Corps. 2006. http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/p&r/concepts/2006/PDF/Chapter%203/Part%203/C&P2006Chap3Part3AviationCombatElementPg188-190MV-22%20Osprey.pdf. 
  15. ^ White, LCpl Samuel. "VMM-263 ready to write next chapter in Osprey program". U.S. Marine Corps. http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/0/217128503734FF2B8525712A004D67BC?opendocument. 
  16. ^ a b Eichel, Garth. "Columbia Helicopters". Vertical Magazine, February–March 2007.
  17. ^ "Type Certificate Data Sheet No. 1H16" (.pdf). Federal Aviation Administration. 2007-01-17. http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library%5CrgMakeModel.nsf/0/FA4E77BC4812A0258625726B00663586/$FILE/1H16.pdf. Retrieved 2007-02-08. 
  18. ^ a b Boeing H-46 helicopters built. Helis.com
  19. ^ Boeing BV-107 helicopters built. Helis.com
  20. ^ Boeing BV-107/II helicopters built. Helis.com
  21. ^ LCpl Payne, Doug (December 20, 2007). "Pedro retires last HH-46Ds" (PDF). The Windsock (Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC): pp. A1 & A3. http://www.cherrypoint.usmc.mil/windsockprint/2007/20%20Dec%202007.pdf. Retrieved 2008-07-25. 
  22. ^ Photo of Boeing Model 360 with CH-46X tail markings
  23. ^ CH-113 Labrador. Helis.com.
  24. ^ CH-113A Voyageur. Helis.com.
  25. ^ HKP 4A. Helis.com.
  26. ^ HKP 4B. Helis.com.
  27. ^ HKP 4D. Helis.com.
  28. ^ Helis.com database for all Kawasaki KV-107 helicopters built
  29. ^ http://www.marines.mil/unit/aviation/Documents/Compressed%20FY2010%20AvPlan%20(1%20Oct%202009%20Final).pdf
  30. ^ a b "Goodbye Vertol. V-107 rescue helicopter last flight". asahi.com. http://www.asahi.com/photonews/gallery/091103iruma/article1.html. Retrieved 2010-02-10.  (english translation)
  31. ^ Royal Thai Army
  32. ^ Thai Army
  33. ^ http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/SeaKnight-USMC-1999.htm
  34. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoHd5LePyVc
  35. ^ Display helicopters Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum
  36. ^ Museum Outline Kawasaki Good Times World
  37. ^ JA9555
  38. ^ Display aircraft JASDF Hamamatsu Air Base Publication Center
  39. ^ Aircraft at Museum. Aeroseum
Bibliography

External links