“He flatly stated that these helicopters were “sitting ducks”, they were used to haul freight and such during Nam....and they would NEVER be sent on a combat mission except in emergency.”
He’s very, very WRONG.
MH-47G
MH-47G Chinook, during the aircraft’s rollout ceremony 6 May 2007 at Boeing
The MH-47G Special Operations Aviation (SOA) version is currently being delivered to the US Army. It is similar to the MH-47E, but features a more sophisticated avionics including a digital Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS). The CAAS is common glass cockpit used by different helicopters such as MH-60K/Ls, CH-53E/Ks, and ARH-70As.[59] The MH-47G will also incorporate all of the new sections of the CH-47F.[60]
Based on operational experience in Afghanistan, the CH-47 was found to be an effective substitute for the UH-60 Black Hawk as an assault helicopter. With its larger payload, range, and higher operating speed, one Chinook can replace up to five UH-60s in this role as an air assault transport.[61]
The new modernization program will improve MH-47D and MH-47E Special Operations Chinooks to the MH-47G design specs. A total of 25 MH-47E and 11 MH-47D aircraft were upgraded by the end of 2003. In 2002 the army announced plans to expand the Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The expansion would add 12 additional MH-47G helicopters.[62] On February 10, 2011, Leaders and employees from the H-47 program gathered for a ceremony at Boeing’s helicopter facility in Ridley Township, PA., to commemorate the delivery of the final MH-47G Chinook to U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CH-47_Chinook
Sorry, I'll stick with what the Nam veteran helicopter pilot stated. He was there in the thick of combat and should know what he's talking about.
Remember, it was 4 decades ago....and I'm sure the helicopters of that era were not the same as those utilized today.
Leni