Boeing YHC-1B Chinook helicopter 59-04984.

59-04984

This undated photograph shows 59-04984 in flight at an unknown location.

   59-04984 (originally 59-4984), Boeing build number B-003, was a prototype YHC-1B helicopter. The U.S. Army acceptance date was 17 January 1964. The administrative strike date was 1 March 1970. Aircraft hours are unknown.

   59-04984 was bailed to Vertol for flight development testing after manufacture.

   In July 1962, the Department of Defense redesignated all U.S. military aircraft to a new system. All YHC-1B helicopters became YCH-47A.

   YCH-47A 59-04984 became the test bed for the production of B model Chinooks in 1967. The first flight as a B model test bed was completed on 9 September 1966. As a test bed, this aircraft incorporated the use of Lycoming T55-L-7C engines rated at 2,850 shaft horsepower.

   At some point, 59-04984 was assigned to Fort Eustis, Virginia, where it was utilized as a training device in the 67U maintenance course.

   59-04984 is one of two surviving prototypes. The other is 59-04986.

   As of 28 Feb 2006, the last known location of 59-04984 was at Fort Eustis, Virginia, being prepared for restoration as a museum exhibit.

   Aircraft status: Undergoing preservation.

YHC-1B Chinook helicopter 59-04984 and the first mechanic class, September 1962.

This September 1962 photograph shows 59-04984 and the first mechanics class held at the Boeing factory at Ridley Park, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Standing in the back row is: Mr Robert L. Elzer, third man from the left. Kneeling in the front row: Mr. Leonard O'Boyle, fourth man from the left.

The following are photographs taken of 59-04984 as it sits in the Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Virginia, July 2011.

A plaque at the Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

A plaque at the museum. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

YCH-1B / CH-47A Chinook helicopter 59-4984 sitting in the Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Virginia, July 2011.

Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

The folks at the museum are doing a great job of preserving the airframe given the constraints on funding. The paint is pretty close. However, the tail number shown is slightly incorrect. There is an extra 9 in there. The real tail number is 59-4984. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

What's left of the old DC pod on the left forward side of the airframe. The two transformer-rectifiers remain as well as the battery relay. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

A good repair job putting the aft pylon back together. It is a bit more blunted now than the original. However, 59-4984 was the test bed for the B model and it incorporated the blunted aft pylon to give the Chinook a more stable flight characteristic. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

Anybody happen to have a couple of old Lycoming T55-L-5 or L-7 engines laying around? Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

This aircraft was piloted by:

Your Name Here.

This aircraft was crewed by:

Your Name Here.

Comments or Questions ?

Email the Webmaster.