The US Army has ordered nine additional CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters from Boeing in a bid to strengthen heavy-lift capabilities.
These orders were made under two contract awards, Lot 4 and Lot 5, valued collectively at $461m.
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Boeing was awarded these contracts following a recent rapid fielding production decision by the US Army, bringing the total number of Block II helicopters under contract to 18.
Boeing defence, space and security vice president and cargo programmes programme manager Heather McBryan said: “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. We value our partnership with the Army and the support from Congress as we deliver this modernised capability to the warfighter.”
The CH-47F Block II stands 5.68m tall with tandem rotors. It offers increased payload capacity and extended operational reach compared to its predecessor, the CH-47F.
This variant features enhancements such as an improved drivetrain and airframe, which increase the maximum gross weight by 1,814kg to 24,494kg.
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By GlobalDataModifications to the fuel system extend the mission radius capabilities of almost all payloads.
Additionally, the helicopter can achieve a maximum speed of 302km/h, with a service ceiling of 6,096m and a useful load capacity of 12,565kg.
Boeing has so far delivered six Block II production helicopters to the US Army, where they are currently being evaluated to showcase their enhanced capabilities.
In December 2024, the US Army ordered three CH-47F Block II helicopters under a Lot 3 contract worth $135m.
Boeing also completed the first modernisation of the US Army’s existing fleet of CH-47F transport helicopters to the Block II configuration in July 2024.
In addition to the US Army, US Army Reserve, and National Guard, the Chinook is utilised by military forces in 20 other countries, including the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
