We got inside the massive CH-47 Chinook helicopter — the US Army's transport workhorse

FORT BLISS, Texas — Spread across Biggs Army Airfield, and tucked in between the mountains surrounding it, were Blackhawks, Apaches — and yes, Chinook helicopters. 

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook has been the US Army's main soldier and supply transport aircraft since it was first put into service in the early 1960s. 

In 1982, the Army upgraded all of its Chinooks to the CH-47D versions, which, among many other improvements, received a much more powerful engine that can lift nearly 20,000 pounds. 

I got a chance to see the CH-47D up-close during our recent trip to Fort Bliss. 

Here's what I saw:

SEE ALSO: We climbed into an Apache helicopter's cockpit and saw why it's one of the most difficult aircraft to fly

Here's a wide view of the Biggs Army Airfield, with Chinooks and Apaches in the background.

The CH-47D is a tandem rotor aircraft, meaning it has two sets of blades, with two T55-GA-714A turboshaft engines that can lift and transport 19,500 pounds.

Source: Military.com

Its top speed is 184 mph, with a maximum range of 400 miles.

Source: Military.com

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