BOEING 234 Long Range

El modelo 234 está basado en el Chinook militar, pero tiene muchas características nuevas como palas diferentes de cuerda alargada, diferente envoltura aerodinámica a lo largo del fuselaje, una trompa diferente para alojar un radar y un tren de aterrizaje delantero un poco adelantado.

Dos versiones del Model 234 están disponibles: una versión de largo alcance que puede transportar hasta 6360 Kg. de combustible y una versión utilitaria con un tanque de 1826 Kg. de combustible. El helicóptero puede ser convertido de una versión a la otra, tomando aproximadamente unas 8 horas de trabajo. Las tres palas de cada rotor son intercambiables y el mantenimiento ha sido reducido al mínimo.

La cabina de los pasajeros en la versión de largo alcance puede transportar 44 pasajeros. Una versión mixta puede llevar 11 pasajeros y 7250 Kg. de carga. El gancho de carga soporta 12700 Kg.

La primer orden para el Boeing Vertol 234 provino de la British Airways Helicopters, con un total de 6 modelos para el trabajo offshore en el Mar del Norte.

After having developed an updated version of the CH-47 "Chinook" in 1976, designated the CH-47D, which incorporated improvements to the dynamic components (e.g. rotor transmission) and avionics systems, Boeing Vertol completed a project in summer 1978 for a commercial version of the same aircraft, primarily intended for operators of oil platforms but also suitable for the prospecting of remote areas.

The airframe of the Model 234 is based on that of the military Chinooks, but has many new features such as fiberglass blades of larger chord in place of metal ones, different-sized fairings along the sides of the fuselage containing fuel, a longer nose to house the weather radar and front landing gearwheels shifted farther forward.

Two versions of the Model 234 are available: a long-range version with lateral fairings almost twice the size of the original Chinook ones, which have 6360kg fuel capacity, and a utility version in which the fuel tanks of 1826kg are contained in four smaller fairings level with each wheel. The helicopter can be converted from one version to the other. This takes about eight hours' work by two specialists. The three rotor blades are interchangeable and maintenance has been reduced to a minimum, with considerable savings in running costs. The service life of the engines has also been increased to 1800 hours TBO.

The passenger compartment of the long-range version has 44 seats arranged in four rows with a central corridor and there is an ample baggage compartment at the rear of the fuselage; it has a crew of three. A typical mixed combination in the utility version consists of 11 passengers and 7250kg of freight. This version also has a cargo hook at the center of the fuselage capable of lifting up to 12700kg.

The first order for the Boeing Vertol 234 came from British Airways Helicopters, to meet a requirement for six aircraft for offshore work in the North Sea. Since then Helicopter Service in Norway and ARCO in Alaska have also put the type in service for offshore support.

Characteristics Características	Information Información	Characteristics Características	Information Información
First Flight Primer Vuelo	1980	Engine Motor	2 Lycoming AL5512
Seating Capacity Plazas	3 / 44	Power Potencia	4075 shp each
Empty Weight Peso Vacío	25900 Lbs	Hover Ceiling O.G.E. Estacionario O.G.E	2700 Fts
Maximum Weight Peso Máximo	48500 Lbs	Hover Ceiling I.G.E. Estacionario I.G.E	8500 Fts
Vel. Cruise Vel. crucero	145 Kts	Service Ceiling Techo de Servicio	8500 Fts
V.N.E. V.N.E	150 Kts	Maximum Range (Std) Alcance (Std)	720 NM