Boeing engine started in 1943 and Boeing's gas turbines were designated models 502 (T50), 520 (T60), 540, 551 and 553. Boeing built 2,461 engines before production ceased in April 1968. Many applications of the Boeing gas turbine engines were considered to be firsts, including the first turbine-powered helicopter and boat. Vertol Aircraft Corporation was acquired by Boeing in 1960, and was reorganized as Boeing's Vertol division. The twin-rotor CH-47 Chinook, produced by Vertol, took its first flight in 1961. This heavy-lift helicopter remains a work-horse vehicle to the present day. In 1964, Vertol also began production of the CH-46 Sea Knight.
Chinook Sciences its focus on becoming a technology and equipment provider to metal, industries gasses and environmental industries. In October 2008 Chinook Sciences announced the formation of Chinook Energy. A division that would exclusively handle their waste to energy technology application. In March 2009 Chinook Sciences and European Metal Recycling (EMR) announced a joint venture named Innovative Environmental Solutions UK LTD. (IES), which they would claim is the “first commercial scale enterprise to generate renewable electricity and recycle metal from automobile shredder residue” (ASR). The proposed venture would process 120,000 metric tons of automobile shredder residue per year using Chinook's patented and