Boeing-Vertol CH-46E Sea Knight

Known as the “Phrog” for its amphibian-like appearance, the CH-46 served as the U.S. Marine Corps’ primary assault helicopter in over four decades of active service. As the Marines’ first turbine-powered assault helicopter, it proved well suited to the challenging environment of South Vietnam, where it began operations in 1966. Since then, the CH-46 has served in nearly every major American military action and supported dozens of smaller operations, ranging from embassy evacuations to humanitarian and disaster relief.

The aircraft wears a special heritage paint scheme, used in its final year of service, that evokes its extensive Vietnam War service, including a mission that resulted in the award of a Navy Cross. Its other combat deployments included tours in Afghanistan during 2004 and Iraq from 2007 to 2009, which coincided with some of the most intense period of combat in those theaters.

Lent by the National Museum of the Marine Corps

Rotor diameter:15.5 m (51 ft)

Length:13.9 m (45 ft 8 in)

Height:5.1 m (16 ft 8 in)

Weight, empty:7,048 kg (15,537 lb)

Weight, gross:11,022 kg (24,300 lb)

Engines:2 General Electric T58-GE-16 turboshafts, 1,870 shp each

Crew:3 to 5 crewmembers, up to 16 troops

Armament:Up to two 12.7 mm and one 7.62 mm machine guns

Manufacturer:Boeing-Vertol, 1967