The US Army has placed an order with Boeing for nine CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters under $461 million in contracts, advancing its efforts to modernize heavy-lift aviation assets used for troop and equipment transport.
The procurement, covering production Lots 4 and 5, raises the total number of Block II Chinooks acquired to 18 aircraft. The Army’s decision to accelerate deployment of the upgraded fleet has also opened discussions for a potential Lot 6 purchase.
Enhanced Features and Testing
Boeing has already delivered six Block II units, now undergoing performance and endurance evaluations prior to operational rollout.
The Block II upgrades feature reinforced airframes, a redesigned fuel system, and enhanced engines and drivetrain components, improving both payload capacity and range. The new configuration boosts maximum takeoff weight by 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms), enabling longer missions with heavier cargo.
The US Army intends to deploy the new Chinooks within two combat aviation brigades as part of its broader modernization initiative.
Separately, Boeing continues production of over 50 MH-47G Chinooks for US Special Operations Command.
CH-47F Overview
The CH-47F Chinook is a 98-foot (30-meter) twin-rotor helicopter with an 80-foot (18-meter) rotor diameter. It can carry up to 55 soldiers or 24,000 pounds (10,886 kilograms) of cargo, and accommodate 20 stretchers during medical evacuations.
Powered by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines producing 4,700 horsepower each, the aircraft operates up to 20,000 feet (6,096 meters), with a range of 1,200 nautical miles (2,252 kilometers) and a cruise speed of 170 knots (196 mph / 315 km/h).
