The US Army has taken delivery of its fourth CH-47F Chinook Block II heavy-lift helicopter from Boeing as part of a contract signed in 2021.
The deal, which ordered nine aircraft, is part of the army’s goal to modernize its airborne transport capabilities for evolving mission requirements.
The CH-47F incorporates upgrades from the standard Chinook, with features focused on “increased payload capacity and expanded range.”
Order up. ⬆️
The @USArmy has received their fourth production CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopter. With increased lift, boosted range and enhanced sustainment, the Block II #Chinook enables the Army to safely and effectively accomplish critical missions now and in the future. pic.twitter.com/z8MsdLztjx
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) April 29, 2025
Program Status
Full production of the CH-47F Block II began in February 2024 with the first delivery completed in June of the same year.
The broader program is set to provide the army with up to 465 CH-47Fs. In 2013, Boeing completed shipment of 256 of the planned fleet.
Meanwhile, work on a separate fleet consisting of the MH-47G, a more advanced version of the CH-47, is being facilitated for the US Army’s Special Operations Aviation Command.
In 2024, Boeing signed a contract to assemble two additional MH-47Gs, increasing the future special operations fleet to 46.
The CH-47F Chinook
Boeing’s 98-foot (30-meter) CH-47F system can carry up to 55 troops or about 24,000 pounds (10,886 kilograms) of payload.
It is operated by a crew of three and is powered by twin 4,700-horsepower engines as well as two rotors with a diameter of 60 feet (18 meters) each.
Alongside armed troops, the aircraft can transport more than 20 stretchers for airborne medical evacuation.
The helicopter has a top speed of 170 knots (196 miles/315 kilometers per hour), a service ceiling of 20,000 feet (6,096 meters), and a range of 1,200 nautical miles (1,399 miles/2,252 kilometers).
