Trumpeter 1/35 Boeing ACH-47A Armoured Chinook # 05113

The Boeing ACH-47A was a heavily armed, experimental gunship variant of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, developed by Boeing Vertol for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Nicknamed “Guns-a-Go-Go”, the ACH-47A was designed to provide overwhelming fire support for ground troops and transport helicopters in high-threat combat zones.

Key Features:
Role: Heavy-lift gunship helicopter
Based on: Boeing CH-47A Chinook
Crew: 8–10 (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, gunners, and weapon operators)
Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming T55-L-7C turboshaft engines, 2,650 shp each
Speed: Max speed ~170 knots (196 mph / 315 km/h)
Range: Approx. 400 miles (644 km)
Armament (Typical Configuration):
2 × 20mm M24A1 cannons (mounted in nose turret and side sponsons)
2 × 7.62mm M60 or XM196 machine guns (in the side doors)
1 × 40mm M75 grenade launcher (chin turret)
2 × 0.50 cal Browning machine guns (mounted at rear ramp or side pods)
Optional: Rocket pods or other modular weapons systems
Total of over 10,000 pounds of ordnance onboard

Armor & Modifications:
Reinforced airframe and cockpit armor to protect crew from small arms fire
Enhanced internal systems to manage the increased weight and vibration from armament
Gunner stations positioned for 360-degree fire coverage, including a tail ramp gun position

Operational History:
Only four ACH-47A aircraft were built and deployed to Vietnam in 1966 with the 53rd Aviation Detachment
Operated in support of air assault missions, clearing landing zones, suppressing enemy positions, and escorting troop transports
Despite their devastating firepower, the aircraft faced high maintenance demands and were vulnerable due to their size
Three of the four ACH-47As were lost in Vietnam due to combat or accidents; the remaining aircraft was returned to the U.S. for training and testing

Legacy:
Though short-lived, the ACH-47A program proved the viability of heavily armed rotary-wing platforms and influenced the development of later dedicated attack helicopters like the AH-1 Cobra.

The Chinook's unmatched payload capacity made it uniquely capable as a flying gun platform, earning the ACH-47A a lasting place in helicopter warfare history.

Surviving Aircraft:

One preserved ACH-47A (tail number 64-13149, "Birth Control") is on display at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum in Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), Alabama.