DCS World DCS: CH-47F

DCS World DCS: CH-47F adds a detailed simulation of the Boeing CH-47F, a twin-engine, tandem-rotor helicopter known to US military personnel as “The Hook.” It is used by the US Army, US Army Reserve and National Guard, as well as 20 other nations, for missions including cargo and troop transport, sling-load operations, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, special operations and humanitarian assistance.

Design and performance

The CH-47F’s two counter-rotating rotors provide lift capacity for heavy payloads. Its lack of a tail rotor allows access to the rear ramp on varied terrain, including unprepared and mountainous locations, and supports loading and unloading from the rear as well as the side doors. The helicopter can fly at altitudes up to 20,000 feet, and its design is intended to provide stability, agility and straightforward cargo handling.

Two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines deliver up to 4,868 shaft horsepower combined. The aircraft can reach speeds over 175 mph (282 km/h) while carrying a payload of more than 21,000 pounds (9,500 kg). Extended-range fuel tanks and air-to-air refuelling can extend its range.

Cockpit and equipment

The CH-47F has a Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) digital cockpit and a Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS). Its avionics include night-vision-compatible displays and modern navigation systems. Side and rear door gunner positions, a radar warning receiver and chaff and flare dispensers are also included; the countermeasures suite features infrared countermeasures and a missile warning system.

The cargo hold can carry palletized goods, vehicles, artillery and fuel cells for “Fat Cow” operations. A rear ramp and three external cargo hooks provide different ways to load and unload. The helicopter is typically flown by two pilots and a flight engineer, and can carry up to three gunners.

In the simulation

The add-on includes detailed external and internal models, including the cockpit and cargo hold, helicopter flight dynamics, and a fully interactive, VR-ready cockpit.

Service history

More than 1,200 CH-47 helicopters of all variants have been delivered. The aircraft has seen combat in major theatres including Vietnam, Iran, Libya, the Falklands, the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.