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.
Joint Helicopter Support Unit in Sept 2009. www.jhsu.co.uk Joint Helicopter Support Unit The Joint Helicopter Support Unit (JHSU) was a joint organisation of the British Army and the Royal Air Force, located in RAF Odiham. It was formed in July 1982, following the introduction of the Chinook HC MK1 Helicopter. Personnel were drawn from the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT) and Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) (both now amalgamated into the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC)) plus the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Air Force (RAF). The JHSU became the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) following its merger with the RAF Mobile Air