Rotorcraft
Columbia Introduces 234SP Chinook Helicopter
Model 234 Chinooks are getting some upgrades
Columbia Helicopters
© Columbia Helicopters

Columbia Helicopters plans to introduce another model of the Boeing Vertol CH-47D Chinook tandem-rotor, heavy-lift helicopter. The Aurora, Oregon-based helicopter manufacturer, operator, and MRO provider announced this week that it will convert existing CH-47D military rotorcraft to produce the commercial 234 Special Purpose (234SP) helicopter, which it expects to enter service in 2025.

According to Columbia, the 234SP will retain the performance of the CH-47D while leveraging the design characteristics of the Model 234 Chinook, a commercial version of the iconic military helicopter.