The Blackhawk service ceiling is slightly lower, plus they don't have nearly the range of the Chinook. I think I remember something to the effect that they would not normally have used a Chinook like that one for that particular mission, but had to for some reason.
For example Extortion 17 was a CH-47D, rated as one of the least capable Chinook variants, rather than the newer MH-47s designed and outfitted for special operations. According to the CENTCOM report, Extortion 17 was originally a CH-47C model that was converted to a D-model in June 1985. As the report notes further, the CH-47D, unlike the MH-47, has no early warning system for RPGs or small arms fire. SEAL Team VI Family: 'Obama’s Rules Are Getting Our Warriors Killed'
