DefenseUS Army Awards Boeing $461 Million Contract for Additional CH-47F Block II Helicopters
The US Army signed a $461 million contract with Boeing on October 21 to supply nine additional CH-47F Block II helicopters. The deal covers deliveries from Lots 4 and 5 of the heavy-lift rotorcraft program.
This order brings the total number of contracted CH-47F Block II aircraft for the US Army to 18 units. The agreement is part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize its heavy-lift helicopter fleet.
Boeing has also received orders for more than 50 mission-specialized MH-47G variants for US Special Operations Command, underscoring continued investment in the Chinook platform. Successive contracts indicate that the Chinook will remain a key component in Army aviation.
Block II upgrades include a revised transmission system, reinforced fuselage structure, and enhanced fuel system. These improvements increase both the mission radius and maximum gross weight, raising the helicopter’s payload capacity by 1,814 kg to a maximum takeoff weight of 24,500 kg.
The US Army has committed to equipping two combat aviation brigades with the new heavy-lift Chinooks. The service’s Chinook inventory now exceeds 450 units.
Boeing has delivered six CH-47F Block II helicopters to the Army to date, which are currently undergoing capability assessments. Discussions between the manufacturer and the Army are underway regarding a Lot 6 contract.
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