ROC Boeing Chinook CH-47SD helicopter No. 7305, Air Force Special Operations Command of the Republic of China Army Air Assault Transport Battalion, Longtan Base

Boeing CH-47SD Chinook (No. 7305) – Republic of China Army (ROCA) Air Assault Command

Overview

• Role: Heavy-lift transport helicopter

• Manufacturer: Boeing (USA)

• Operator: Republic of China Army (ROCA) Air Assault Command (part of Air Force Special Operations Command)

• Variant: CH-47SD (upgraded version of CH-47D, tailored for Taiwan’s needs)

• Serial Number: 7305 (ROCA registration)

• Base: Longtan Army Base, Taoyuan (primary operating location)
  
  Key Features

1. Enhanced Performance for Taiwan’s Terrain

   • Modified for hot and humid conditions, high-altitude operations (Taiwan’s mountainous regions).

   • Strengthened airframe and improved engines (Honeywell T55-GA-714A) for better lift capacity.
      

2. Payload & Capacity

   • Max Lift Capacity: ~10,886 kg (24,000 lbs)

   • Troop Transport: Up to 33 fully equipped soldiers or 24 medical litters (stretchers).

   • Cargo: Can carry light vehicles, artillery, or underslung loads (e.g., shipping containers).
      

3. Avionics & Defensive Systems

   • Modernized cockpit (improved navigation & flight systems).

   • AN/APR-39(V)1 radar warning receiver (missile threat detection).

   • Countermeasure dispensers (chaff/flare for missile evasion).
      

4. Operational Flexibility

   • Used for troop insertion, combat resupply, disaster relief, and search & rescue (SAR).

   • Capable of night operations with night-vision-compatible systems.
      

Service in the Republic of China Army (ROCA)

• Unit: Air Assault Transport Battalion, Air Force Special Operations Command

• Primary Missions:

  • Rapid troop deployment (especially in Taiwan’s rugged eastern terrain).

  • Logistics support for remote outposts (e.g., Dongyin, Kinmen, or mountainous bases).

  • Disaster relief (typhoon evacuations, earthquake response).

  • Joint exercises with U.S. forces (practicing island defense scenarios).
     

• Fleet Status:

  • Taiwan operates 9 CH-47SDs (delivered in the early 2000s).

  • No. 7305 is part of the active fleet, maintained at Longtan Army Base.