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 of Chinook Energy was appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s renewable Energy & Energy Advisory Committee. February 2011 saw Chinook Sciences further expand in the UK with a substantial industrial warehouse in Lenton, Nottingham. It was then announced in October 2011 that Chinook Sciences would expand its UK office space in Nottingham Science Park from 15,000 sq ft to 20,500 sq feet. The new space was announced to fulfil Chinook Sciences’ need to expand and upgrade the remote command and control station used to support their partner facilities. Chinook Sciences announced the appointment of Harry W. Zike as Chief