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)

Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images.

Details

Return to the Main Walkaround Page.