Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter

France is considering the purchase of an undisclosed number of Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for its Air Force.

“According to the Special Operations Command (COS) press kit, the Air Force is considering the acquisition of CH-47 Chinook heavy helicopters for the French Special Forces,” French-based Challenges business magazine reported Monday.

Currently, the French military operates extensive numbers of Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal and NH Industries NH90 Caiman helicopters-both in the 11 tonne class.

Each CH-47 helicopter has two rotors and two motors, each having 4,800 horsepower. With a range that can increase to 1,100 km with the help of the fuel tanks, the helicopters can fly safely even at conditions of zero visibility. The helicopters, which can carry 10 tons, can be used in war operations and operations with humanitarian and civil aims.