07 May 2003
Chinook helicopters on operation in the Middle East

Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment provide the Coalition Forces in the Middle Eastern Area of Operation (MEAO) with a medium lift capability as they transport troops and equipment.
The Chinook (CH47) has the capacity to lift up to 11.7 Tons, carrying internal and/or external loads, or 30 combat troops.
Over time, the Chinook has consistently proven to be a reliable and capable aircraft having been used in conflicts such as the Falklands and the Gulf war and now Operation Falconer.
The CH 47 aircraft has proven itself working with the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade in providing essential support to deployed elements as is commonly referred to as the “work-horse” of the Army’s helicopter regiment.
While the Chinook helicopter has been in service since the Vietnam Conflict, this variant remains one of the latest additions to the Australian Army’s aviation capability.

	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	Australian Army soldiers from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment transport troops and equipment in a Chinook helicopter. (Date taken: 22 April 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res