CH-46A Sea Knight
National Museum of Naval Aviation
In 1962,
the Navy ordered a tandem-rotor helicopter design, the HRB (later CH-46),
featuring a rear cargo-loading ramp, a top speed of 166 m.p.h., and the
ability to carry 4,000 lb. of cargo or 22 combat-equipped troops. The first
Sea Knights were delivered in June 1964, and entered combat in Vietnam
during 1966. Known affectionately as the "Phrog", the helicopter has served
the Marine Corps continuously since Vietnam. Typically, Marine Expeditionary
Units operating on board amphibious assault ships include twelve CH-46s to
transport leathernecks ashore.
The CH-46 which will continue until the aircraft is fully replaced by the
tilt-rotor V-22 Osprey, the Navy operates the Sea Knight to vertically
replenish ships at sea. Flying from fast combat support ships, three plane
detachments carry everything from spare parts to food to ordnance to
combatants during underway replenishment operations.
This CH-46A last served in Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC)
6, Detachment 97, on board the combat stores ship Sylvania (AFS 2). It was
flight delivered to the museum by the squadron's commanding officer for
donation. (NMNA)
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