Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopters for Sale
The Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight is the US Marine Corps' medium-lift assault helicopter, serving as the primary troop and cargo transport for Marine aviation assault operations for more than four decades until its retirement from US service in 2015. A tandem-rotor design like its larger cousin the CH-47 Chinook, the Sea Knight was designed for shipboard operations — folding rotor blades and compact dimensions allow it to fit in the confined hangar decks of amphibious assault ships where larger helicopters cannot operate. The CH-46 served through Vietnam, Lebanon, the Gulf War, Somalia, and numerous other conflicts, earning a reputation for reliability and maintainability under combat conditions. Former CH-46s that have transitioned to civilian ownership offer unique heavy-lift and tandem-rotor capability to operators who need something genuinely different.
Tandem Rotor Characteristics
Like the Chinook, the CH-46 uses tandem overlapping rotors that counter-rotate to cancel torque, eliminating the need for a tail rotor. This configuration provides excellent pitching moment control for precise cargo hook work and gives the aircraft a distinctive handling character that pilots either love or find challenging. The rear ramp loading system — designed for rapid loading of troops, vehicles, and palletized cargo — gives the Sea Knight outstanding utility for cargo operations where the alternative is a sling load under a conventional helicopter.
Civilian Applications
Former CH-46s have found civilian roles in firefighting, heavy external lift, offshore operations, and government utility transport. The Canadian Forces operated the CH-113 Labrador variant in SAR roles for decades, and civilian operators in several countries have found the type useful for medium-heavy lift tasks where its tandem rotor configuration provides advantages over conventional designs. Maintenance requires knowledge of tandem rotor systems and military-heritage powerplant and transmission components that are less commonly encountered than civilian turbine types.
Browse CH-46 Sea Knight Listings on Airplane Trade
Find Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters for sale on Airplane Trade. Demilitarized surplus examples, operational civilian variants, and restoration projects available from verified sellers worldwide. Connect directly with sellers who understand the unique requirements of tandem-rotor helicopter acquisition and operation.