All Images courtesy and Copywritten Richard Marshall.

The MH-47E is the US Army 160th SOAR's long-range and heavy-lift special ops helicopter. An upgrade the the US Army's standard CH-47D, the MH-47E is heavily modified with increased fuel, improved avionics and radios, an in-flight refueling probe, and folding rotor blades for shipboard operations.

The first operational MH-47E was delivered to the 160th SOAR in January of 1994, although the first flight had taken place in mid 1990. The delivery followed an extensive modification and testing phase designed to give the Army a special operations craft with a greater than 90% chance of returning from a deep-penetration mission behind enemy lines.

The largest group of improvements happened to the Chinook's Avionics. An AAQ-16 FLIR, APQ-174 Terrain mapping and following radar, and a color weather radar were added along with a glass cockpit optimised for night use. The pilots each have two main displays and a ANVIS/HUD (AN/AVS-7) that allows them to fly their missions without needing to look down at the instrument panel often, if at all. The crew in back are aided by computer terminals at each station. There is extensive communication equippment, both between the crew and the soldiers and commanders on the ground. Dual SATCOM antennas on the spine of the aircraft ensure that they always have clear communication. Additionally, sensors are fitted that alert the crew to incoming fire by radar and heat-seeking missiles.

To help it carry heavy loads long distances the MH-47E had it's engines upgraded and more fuel capacity added. Two Textrom Lycoming T55L-714 engines rated at over 4,000 Shaft-horsepower were added, replacing the 3,750 -712's of the standard CH-47D. Fuel tanks in the side sponsons were replaced with larger, self-sealing tanks for more fuel capacity and safety. Additionally, up to three collapsible fuel bladders can be carried internally, with 780 gallons capacity each. All of these tanks can be fed in the air from the fixed refueling probe mounted to the forward right side of the aircraft.

With these improvements the MH-47E becomes enourmously capable; with loads of up to 25 soldiers or slung cargo at up to 115 knots long distances in bad weather or dark night. Missions can last longer than five hours unrefueld and out to ranges of greater than 300 nautical miles. Possible missions include insertion and extration of special operations forces, resupply of units behind enemy lines, setup of FARP's, and CSAR.

The 160th is the only unit to operate this special varient of Boeing's standard heavy-lift rotar-winged aircraft. Originally 50 were planned but the number was cut to 26 due to funding problems. One MH-47E crashed with the loss of five members of the 160th. Two Crashed in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and at least one other was damaged when it struck obstacles while in flight. Another MH-47E crashed in the Philippines while conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom there, with all aboard perishing.

In the future, the Army has plans for a SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) that will bring the MH-47's up to MH-47G status. Improvements include new avionics and wiring, a new cockpit and airframe stiffening to reduce vibration. The rebuilt airframe should allow the MH-47's to serve for another twenty years. The plan as of 2002 is to have 37 MH-47G's by 2009. Additional resources:
Photo of Cockpit
Richard Marshall's MH-47E page
Boeing's MH-47E page