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CH-47 Chinook vs SA321 Super Frelon

CH-47 Chinook vs SA321 Super Frelon at a glance — top speed 315 vs 275 km/h, range 740 vs 1,020 km, max takeoff weight 22,680 vs 13,000 kg, built 1,200 vs 110 units.

Boeing CH-47 Chinook military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 CH-47 Chinook
Specifications
CH-47 Chinook SA321 Super Frelon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Boeing Aérospatiale
First flight 21 September 1961 7 December 1962
Year introduced 1962 1966
Number produced 1200 units 110 units
Average unit price $38 million $3.5 million
Wingspan 18.3 m 18.9 m
Height 5.7 m 6.7 m
Length 30.1 m 23.0 m
Maximum speed 315 km/h 275 km/h
Operational range 740 km 1,020 km
Service ceiling 5,639 m 3,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 22,680 kg 13,000 kg
Empty weight 10,614 kg 6,865 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,796 kW 3 x 1,155 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-47 Chinook or SA321 Super Frelon?
The CH-47 Chinook is faster with a maximum speed of 315 km/h compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 275 km/h, a difference of 40 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-47 Chinook or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon has a longer range at 1,020 km compared to the CH-47 Chinook's 740 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-47 Chinook or SA321 Super Frelon?
The CH-47 Chinook has a higher service ceiling at 5,639 meters (18,500 ft) compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 3,100 meters (10,170 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-47 Chinook or SA321 Super Frelon?
The CH-47 Chinook has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 22,680 kg compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 13,000 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-47 Chinook or SA321 Super Frelon?
The CH-47 Chinook is longer at 30.1 meters compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 23.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-47 Chinook or SA321 Super Frelon?
The CH-47 Chinook is more expensive at approximately $38 million per unit compared to the SA321 Super Frelon at $3.5 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-47 Chinook or SA321 Super Frelon?
The CH-47 Chinook entered service first in 1962, 4 years before the SA321 Super Frelon which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the CH-47 Chinook or SA321 Super Frelon?
The CH-47 Chinook has been produced in greater numbers with 1,200 units compared to 110 units of the SA321 Super Frelon.