Boeing Vertol UH-46 / CH-46 SEA KNIGHT

In April 1958, the Vertol, (former Piasecki), Model 107 helicopter made its maiden flight. This new model came to replace the H-21 “Flying Banana”, famous for being one of the first helicopters with double rotor arranged in tandem. The Model 107 used new turboshaft engines instead of piston engines, which gave the helicopter better capabilities and performances. The US Army showed interest in this model, but finally did not choose it and then it was the US Marine Corps which organized a contest in 1960 to find a substitute for their UH-34 Choctaw helicopters. The Boeing Vertol Model 107M was the winner and would go into production under designation HRB-1, although in 1962 it was redesignated as CH-46A Sea Knight, name with which it would be known worldwide. The US Navy also acquired 14 examples for vertical replenishment under designation UH-46A. Between 1962 and 1971, a total of 600 Sea Knight from the A, D and F variants were built for the Marines and 24 UH-46A and D for the US Navy. Later, some 275 CH-46 were updated to E variant with upgraded engines and modern avionics among other improvements. The US Marines withdrew their CH-46s in October 2014 although they maintained some examples until April 2015 in training tasks, but on August 1, 2015, they were officially withdrawn, after more than 50 years of hard work around the World.

UH-46 / CH-46 SEA KNIGHT gallery and more info