The IDF is debating whether to purchase a Chinook helicopter or a CH-53K • In the meantime, the American special forces have received the Model G Chinook helicopter, which includes advanced capabilities.
Chinook helicopter in action // Photo: Getty Images
The U.S. Special Forces Command (SOCOM) recently received an upgraded Chinook helicopter, the first of 23 aircraft scheduled to reach the various units.
The helicopter, the "Chinook Block MH-47G", known as the Model G, features futuristic technologies and is prohibited for sale outside the United States.
The Chinook helicopters have been in the service of the U.S. military since the 1960s, and are considered the standard U.S. Helicopter Traffic Helicopter.
Over the years, there has been a need to upgrade the helicopters and adapt them to the 21st century, thus creating the improved and advanced model, in which an additional 1.8 tons can be loaded to the helicopter's belly, sophisticated rotors, advanced control options and better fuel cell structure and protection.
The upgraded helicopter can fly to longer distances and thus allow more distant raids by American commando forces.
Boeing and the U.S. military's announcement of the helicopter delivery comes amid a lengthy discussion in the Israeli Air Force regarding the IDF's future helicopter.
The Israeli government has asked the United States several times in the past to purchase the G version of the Chinook helicopters, because it is a helicopter that can function in all weather conditions, carry exceptional weights and has many capabilities that are very required in operations that require secrecy. So far.
In 2018, Israel was approved for the first time to purchase a hybrid model of the helicopter, which will include some of the special capabilities of the G helicopters.
The second helicopter on the table is the CH-53K Sikorsky C. Stallion, the next generation of Storm Helicopters, manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
