Here Is Why The US Army’s Chinook Helicopters Are Grounded

Two Chinooks in April in Mississippi. U.S. Air National Guard / Charles Wesley 

 Popular Science: The Army’s Chinook helicopters are grounded. Here’s why.  

Four reported engine fires occurred over the past 90 days, the Army says. Here's everything to know about these heavy lift helicopters and their recent problems. 

The US Army operates hundreds of large helicopters called Chinooks. The flying machine’s job is straightforward and unflashy: To transport people or equipment. But the Chinook fleet is not going anywhere right now, because the Army has grounded them. The problem leading to the grounding is a series of engine fires—there have been four reported fires over the past 90 days, according to an Army spokesperson. 

The news of the vast grounding was reported earlier this week by The Wall Street Journal. 

Here’s what to know about this unique military helicopter and why it was grounded.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Now that the problem has been identified, I am sure the Army's Chinook helicopter fleet will soon be returning to active duty.