The US Army has ordered nine new CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters from Boeing under contracts worth $461 million.
The purchase is part of the service’s plan to modernize its heavy-lift aircraft used to transport troops and equipment. The deal, covering production Lots 4 and 5, brings the total number of Block II Chinooks under the project to 18.
Boeing’s latest deliveries come after the army’s decision to speed up deployment of the upgraded aircraft, with both sides now discussing a potential Lot 6 order.
Upgraded Features and Testing
Boeing has delivered six Block II Chinooks to date, which are undergoing tests to confirm performance improvements before full deployment.
Each Block II version includes stronger internal structures, a redesigned fuel system, and upgraded engines and drive components.
These configurations boost the helicopter’s maximum takeoff weight by 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms) and extend its flight range, allowing it to carry heavier loads over longer distances.
In service, the US Army plans to assign the new Chinooks to two combat aviation brigades as part of its long-term modernization strategy.
Boeing has also received orders for more than 50 MH-47G variants for the US Special Operations Command.
“The rapid succession of contracts indicates that the Chinook will continue to play an important role in the US Army’s family-of-systems, particularly in a contested logistics environment,” said Heather McBryan, VP and program manager for Cargo Programs at Boeing Defense, Space and Security.
“We value our partnership with the Army and the support from Congress as we deliver this modernized capability to the warfighter.”
Boeing’s CH-47F Chinook
The CH-47F measures 98 feet (30 meters) in length, has a rotor diameter of 80 feet (18 meters), and can transport up to 55 troops or about 24,000 pounds (10,886 kilograms) of cargo.
It is operated by a crew of three and can carry over 20 standard stretchers in medical missions.
The aircraft is powered by twin Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines with an output of about 4,700-horsepower each for altitudes up to 20,000 feet (6,096 meters), a range of 1,200 nautical miles (1,399 miles/2,252 kilometers), and speeds of 170 knots (196 miles/315 kilometers per hour).
